15^th Finchley

Note: In 2019 the 15th Finchley published a book entitled ‘Our Story’, a history of the Group’s first 100 years. We are grateful to them for allowing us to use some of the content, which has been supplemented with other material to produce this article.

The 15^th Finchley started life as a Scout Troop in 1919 and was originally known as the 15^th Finchley and Hendon BP Scout Group. The first Scout Master was Mr McNeill who was assisted by Mr Theodore (Theo) E Schmidt. However, the man behind the idea, their founder and the first Group Scout Master (GSM), was the Curate at Christ Church, North Finchley, Rev. F. S. ‘Pa’ Lee.

1920s

It did not take long for the Group to get going. There was a camp during the first year, held at Hale, Mill Hill, which was attended by 24 Scouts. A drum and bugle band was formed, with fifes being added later, and the Vicar of Christ Church bought them a trek cart that they collected from the Elephant and Castle and pushed back to Finchley.

In 1920 they found their first headquarters in the Lyndene Stable, Woodside Park Road but Mr McNeill their leader went to Palestine. Theo Schmidt took over and was later joined by Mr John McKeown (Mac). Their summer camp that year was at Cross Oaks Farm, Shenley, and attended by 30 Scouts.

The 1921 summer camp was held at Hadleigh, near Leigh on Sea with the local press providing a very lengthy report of their adventure. At the time of the census, at the end of September, the Group is recorded as having 40 Scouts and 4 Rovers.

A year later in 1922 there were 50 Scouts and 12 Rovers. During the year they had to leave the Stables, but fortunately the Vicar of Christ Church offered them a small plot in his garden on which they built a small hut that they named ‘Porte Hole’. However, a couple of years later they needed more space and moved again, this time to a room over stables in Hutton Grove. It was named ‘Utopia’.

At the time of the census in 1923 Mac McKeown is no longer recorded as being a leader, with just Theo Schmidt in charge of 44 Scouts. The number of Rovers had increased again and stood at 20.

The local press provided a short report of the Troop’s Summer Camp at Rose Farm, Walton-on-the-Naze in 1924, the same location as their 1923 camp, although it was attended by fewer than the usual number. This was due to several members of the Group being away, including Theo Schmidt, Edward “Ted” Fensome and Wilf Hewitt, who represented the Group at the World Jamboree held in Denmark. Many international links grew from that camp including a visit in 1936 from a Danish Group.

For an unknown reason the Group numbers were substantially down with the only being 24 Scouts and 4 Rovers. Theo Schmidt is not recorded as a leader but Mac McKeown is, with Wilf Hewitt as his assistant.

There was always a Summer Camp and in 1925 the Scouts went to Sheringham in Norfolk. They had lovely weather and were warmly welcomed by everyone, including the local Sea Scouts. Again, the press provided a short report.

There are two pieces of information from 1926, the first being that the summer camp was held at Monken Hall Dairy, Birchington-on-Sea in Kent. The second is that a Cub Pack is recorded on the census at the end of September, with there being 24 Cubs.

Major changes took place in 1927. ‘Pa’ Lee departed, having been appointed vicar at St. Peter’s, Clifton Wood, Bristol. The Group gave him a good send-off that was covered by the press. Mac McKeown took over as the Group Scoutmaster (GSM) but Theo Schmidt also left the Group. It is not clear who became the SM and there is no census return for that year.

The Troop went through a lean period, with the number of Scouts at one stage being reduced to 10, and with the Band also being disbanded. However, they persevered with regular camps and the Troop began to grow again. Summer Camps were held at Pagham (1927), Goring-by-Sea (1928), Holland-on-Sea (1929) and Dymchurch (1930).

Although the Hutton Grove HQ served the Group well, even to the extent of holding Jumble Sales, Socials and a Revue it was apparent by the late 1920s and early 30s that better premises were needed, so the Group were again on the look-out for a new HQ.

1930s

In June, 1931, the Troop went to Jersey. There was no press coverage but an entry in their log book said: “A great adventure for the Troop. A summer camp at Jersey. We set off full of excitement on Friday night and caught the 10 p.m. boat at Southampton. After a beautiful crossing we landed at 6.30 a.m. Commissioner Colonel Dease proved a great friend of ours and met us at the quay, took us to breakfast and then to our camp at St. Brelade’s Bay.” The ten days in which the Troop were there were full of interest and enjoyment. Accompanying the 25 Scouts were Mr Goodyear, their Treasurer, and the Rev. F. J. Urquhart. Their host, Mr Pointdestre, took a tremendous interest in the boys and provided them with transport for a trip round the Island, showing them some of its beauty spots.

In 1932 Mac left and Charlie Roberts, a founder member, took on the role of GSM and Gerald ‘Gedda’ Game became the Scoutmaster. As a reward for the hard work that Mac had done for the Group the District conferred upon him the title of Honorary GSM.

For summer camp the Group again visited Jersey, this time for two weeks. Upon this occasion they had a very rough crossing, with few escaping sea-sickness. However, after an apathetic first day ashore, they started camp life in earnest. Church parade was at the quaint old St. Brelade’s Church, and later they visited the fishermen’s chapel. The camp’s usual daily routine was to rise at 7 a.m., breakfast at 8 a.m., kit inspection, one hour’s badge work then games and a swim, after which (per log-book) “we were always ready for a jolly good dinner.” The afternoons were generally spent on the beach, playing cricket, golf, football or swimming. After tea was an ideal time for rambling and visiting beauty spots. Supper was at 9p.m. and lights out was at 10p.m.

In 1933 they again spent time on Jersey but this time they went to Rozel Bay. The very short report in the press mentions a trip to Saint-Malo but does not say that during that trip they apparently went hungry as none of the boys could speak French.

About the same time Charlie found a suitable plot of land in Grove Road on which they wanted to build. It was purchased for £175 but more funds were required to cover the cost of the building. Interestingly there were rumours that the Group were to build a Dance Hall and Charlie had to make it clear that they were building a home for the Scouts not a hall for the public.

Following lengthy negotiations with the planning authorities building operations on the new ‘Utopia’ finally commenced in 1934. The guiding light and director of the building project was Ted Fensome, yet another early member of the Group. He and his family were the key construction team but when it came to the interior and exterior decoration there were many willing helpers. The bank helped financially but there were several donations and an issue of £1 shares that was oversubscribed.

The building was complete and ready for use by the end of the year. The opening ceremony, which was extensively covered by the press, was performed by their founder ‘Pa’ Lee, who had returned to Finchley for the occasion, and Mr Goodyear who had for a long time been the Group Treasurer, and supporter who had ensured the early success of the Group. According to the press “The Rev. F S Lee and Mr Goodyear then together inserted a key in the lock of the main doors and formally opened them for the public to enter.”

Although quite a bit of time had been devoted to the building of ‘Utopia’ other Scouting activities and events had also taken place. The Group were given a piano that enabled them to hold a number of sing songs and concerts and there first major production; “ounds and Hare” was staged in 1933. The three or four months of rehearsing were apparently worth the effort as, according to the log book “The long-awaited concert was put on at last. We met with amazing success, the hall being crammed full (Stephens Memorial Hall.)”. The 1934 show was called “The ‘Ounds Return”, the 1934 one “How do you do?” and the following year “One-nine-three-six”.

The success of the performances was largely due to the excellent team work of the whole Group and to their good fortune in having the expert assistance of Mr. Ralph Harris, who composed many of their songs and the untiringly efforts of Mrs. Harris who produced some of the shows. The Group were also fortunate to have an expert pianist in ASM Harold Smith.

The summer camps during 1934. 1935 and 1936 were held at Babbacombe, near Torquay, Ilfracombe and Worth Matravers respectively.

In May 1936, like the other Finchley Groups, the 15^th joined in with the celebrations at the Grand Opening of the Camping Ground. Their contribution was an Arena Display entitled ‘Arena Antics’.

Also, during 1936 a Group of Danish Scouts, who had been befriended during the 1924 Jamboree, visited ‘Utopia’, a visit that was reciprocated a couple of years later when a party of Rover Scouts travelled to Denmark for a fortnight’s holiday with the 1st Hørsholm Scout Group, near Copenhagen.

In 1937 the Group hosted a contingent of Jamaican Scouts who were taking part in the Coronation ceremony of King George VI. Six Scouts from the Group also played a minor role as programme sellers along the route of the procession.

Later in the year another contingent of Jamaican Scouts stayed with the Group before and after their attendance at the World Jamboree in the Netherlands.

The above two events straddled the Group’s own summer camp that was held in Guernsey.

In November 1937 a young Cub by the name of Richard Alan Fensome joined the Troop. As a keen young Scout it did not take him long to gain his Second Class Badge. He also later went on to become the Scout Master / Leader and then in 1968 the Group Scout Leader.

During 1938 there was another major District event that all the Finchley Groups participated in. This event, The Good Turn Rally, also took place at the Camping Ground and was held to raise money for the Boy Scout Fund. On this occasion the 15^th Finchley arena contribution was called ‘Keep Fit – A Burlesque’.

In 1938 the Rover Crew, under the leadership of Jimmy Keep, got a new lease of life with nine new Squires and before long they had arranged overseas trip. Five Rovers and Scouters – Charlie Roberts, Jimmy Keep, Alec Keep, John Brown & Frank Cannon – went to Copenhagen and were guests of the 1st Hørsholm Group. They had a wonderful holiday, packing into their short stay every conceivable kind of recreation, including a trip to Sweden. The log book and a diary of the holiday show how much they owed to Group Scoutmaster Bahn of the 1st Hørsholm.

During January 1939 rehearsals started for another show, entitled “Again at Eight”. This took place on the 7^th and 8^th March at the Woodside Hall, North Finchley and, as with previous shows most of the songs and music were composed by Ralph C. Harris, who along with his wife were the producers. This show was notable for the versatile performance of Rover Alec Keep – actor, comedian, drummer, impressionist and duettist with his brother Jim.  The show was considered to be an unqualified success and brought forth loud praise from the audience.

The 1939 camp, the last before the start of World War II, was held at Rock Farm, Beer in North Devon. It was particularly noteworthy as they were joined by some of their Danish friends, some Old Scouts and even family members.

Also, shortly before the start of the war, Gedda Game, the SM got married. The Cubs, Scouts and Rovers provided a Guard of Honour and the reception was held at ‘Utopia’.

A big project however, for 1939, was the design and building of an extension at the rear of ‘Utopia’ for a Scouters’ room, a Rover Den, an Old Scouts’ room and a store. Amazingly all went well and it was completed by the end of the year. It was formally opened by Mr J McKeown (Mac), a former GSM, and reported on by the local press.

With the declaration of war ‘Utopia’ became No 1 Centre of the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) messenger service, with an Air Raid shelter dug in front of the building. However, every effort was made to continue Scouting activities.

1940s

The Group’s 21^st birthday was celebrated with a supper at ‘Utopia’ in March 1940 and was reported on in the press. Frank Mitchel, a Rover Scout, produced a history of the first twenty-one years, together with a series of articles for the local paper. When the Group’s annual report was published it was used by the press to give a very favourable account of the Group. During the year Charlie was awarded the Medal of Merit for his service.

The older Scouts and Rover Crew helped in many ways during the war, being dispatch riders, stretcher bearers and erecting air raid shelters. A lot of time was being spent at Warden’s Posts or Finchley Memorial Hospital, and after so many hours they were awarded a National Service Badge. Many of the Rovers were in fact providing this help whilst still having to go to work. However, as the war progressed and they got older they went into all three services.

In 1941, after the leaders of the 5^th Finchley had been called up, their Scouts temporarily joined forces with the 15th. Charlie and Alan Fensome (only 16 years old in 1941) had mainly been responsible for running the meetings. Help was also provided by Ken Stallworthy who lived close by in Stanhope Road. However, later that year Alan joined the Royal Navy but fortunately Charlie did not – he had a ‘reserved occupation’ making optical components for the military.

During the war years the District tried to keep the inter-Group competitions going and in 1941 at the Scout Sports when each age group was treated as a separate competition, the 15^th won Class B (14/15-year-olds), meaning they held the Nellie Allen Lane Shield for 4 months of the year.

Sadly, in August 1942, Frank Cannon, an Old Boy, lost his life. He was a Sgt (wireless Op/Air gunner) on board a Wellington bomber which took off from RAF Harwell to carry out night bombing practice over Oldstone Ranges. The aircraft collided with another Wellington over the ranges and crashed 6-miles WNW of Wantage. He was 22.

After the initial clamp down on camping a number of weekend camps took place including trips to Shenley over the Whitsun holiday. The District held a Patrol competition at Victoria Park in 1943 and the 15^th Finchley Stag Patrol (led by PL David Butler of the 5^th Finchley) were successful in winning the trophy.

There was no District Cross-Country in 1940, 1941 or 1942 but it did take place in 1943. On the 13^th March, at Brook Farm, 51 Scouts entered the junior race and the 15^th finished 4^th. In the senior race there were 17 starters including Alan Fensome, K Cushing and R Butler who finished 2^nd, 6^th and 7^th respectively, resulting in them winning their event. The Group therefore got to hold the Pulham Shield for 6 months of the year.

The census figures for 1943 showed that there were 25 Cubs, 32 Scouts (including those of the 5th Finchley) as well as noting that 13 members of the Group were in the forces.

Some other camps were held during the war and photos have emerged of camps at Shenley during 1943 and 1944.

The Group’s Silver Anniversary in 1944 was celebrated by a dinner dance at ‘Utopia’ with 175 guests, including the Mayor of Finchley.

The 1945 census stated that one of the Group gained one King’s Scout but unfortunately his name is not recorded. The following year there was another and in 1946 three more are recorded, one of whom is known to be George Street.

When the war ended the leaders on service duties began to return. Alan Fensome and John Brown assumed the roles of Scout Master and Rover Leader respectively and things slowly began to get back to normal. Although Alan was running the Troop his warrant as Scout master was not officially approved until 1947.

1946 started with the Group’s usual New Year party at which they were able to welcome back some members who had recently been demobbed. According to the press report more than 100 Scouts and supporters attended the event.

It is not until February 1947 that there is a further mention of the Group. It is then that it was announced that Charlie Roberts had, along with Basil Pilgrim from the 5th Finchley, been selected to assist Mr J Levens, the ADC for Muswell Hill, as the leaders of the North London contingent at the 1947 World Scout Jamboree in France. In addition, George Street had been chosen as one of the Scouts to represent the District. Furthermore, it is believed that others from the District, including Wilf Hewitt and Alan Fensome, attended informally as visitors having made their own way.

During March the Group held a social, the first of three events, to raise funds for the Frank Cannon memorial fund. The other two events were a whist drive on the 12th April and a dance on the 3rd May. Following this, in July, there was a dedication of a Garden of Remembrance in his memory, that would also be used to commemorate other Old Scouts who had died whilst serving their country.

Straddling the actual Jamboree was the arrival of the Ceylon Jamboree contingent. They were taken care of by the 15th prior to their departure for France, and after the Jamboree they hosted a Tea Party to thank the 15th for their hospitality.

Summer camp was held at East Runton, Norfolk and a couple of old photographs relating to this have been found.

Arthur Withey, assisted by his wife Dorothy, and son David, became the Cubmaster. Arthur also continued as the District Badge Secretary, a role he had been undertaking since 1945.

At the end of the year, after an absence of several years, the Group revived their show with performances on the 12th and 13th December. The press gave the show (Back Again) a very favourable review.

Although Senior Scouts had been introduced in 1946 many Groups did not have enough members to run a separate section so they continued to meet with the Troop as a separate Patrol. In 1948 though the 15th had, at the time of the census in March, 8 Senior Scouts and they then started to meet as a separate section. In addition to the 8 Senior Scouts there were 29 Cubs, 27 Scouts, 11 Rovers and 7 Scouters.

There are only a few other noteworthy events during 1948. The first is that over the weekend of 1st/2nd May Rovers Butler, Jowitt and Faux took part in the District Rover Hike Competition. The 11th Finchley won the event but the 15th finished in a very creditable 4th place out of the 7 teams that entered. The hike involved covering 26 miles over 24 hours in what was apparently absolutely atrocious weather.

The second event was the summer camp held at St Brelade’s Bay, Jersey and attended by the Troop, Rovers and some Old Boys. The site was considered excellent and provided opportunities for interesting forays to explore the island.

Although the Scouts did not feature in their section of the Swimming Gala the Senior Scouts came second in theirs. However, the Rovers won theirs, with the local press reporting that one of the highlights was the breaststroke race where V Carpenter managed to just beat A Pryor (2nd Fin) and F Whant (11th Fin). The Rovers’ success meant that the Group got to hold the Clarke Shield for 4 months of the year.

The last is that during the year B Huntingford gained his King’s Scout Badge.

1949 started with a New Year’s Party. The Group had been asked by Imperial Headquarters (IHQ) to host a party for overseas Scouts studying in the UK. The party, thought to be the first of its kind, by the local press, was attended by more than 150 Scouters and friends who represented 16 different countries.

A few weeks later the Group staged a show called ‘The Fifteen Presents’ that was produced by Ralph Harris and his wife Doris, with music being provided by Ron Jackson. The local press gave a very favourable review, having been impressed by the Cubs’ contributions, the Scout sketches and the potted pantomime ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

A few weeks later the Group staged a show called ‘The Fifteenth Presents’ that was produced by Ralph Harris and his wife Doris, with music being provided by Ron Jackson. The local press gave a very favourable review, having been impressed by the Cubs’ contributions, the Scout sketches and the potted pantomime ‘The Sleeping Beauty’.

The Group’s annual dinner and dance in March doubled as their 30th anniversary celebration. The event was held at the Salisbury Hotel in Barnet where Cyril Allen, The District Commissioner proposed the toast to the Group.

The District Rovers held their Hiking Competition over the weekend of 30th April / 1st May and the 15th Finchley again entered a team. On this occasion only five Groups were represented and the 15th finished in 3rd place just half a point behind the 10th Finchley who were second. There is no record giving the names of the three Rovers that represented the Crew.

The Scout Sports were held in June at Finchley Rugby Club and the 15th were successful in winning the Senior Scout section. As a result, they got to hold the Nellie Allen Lane Shield for 4 months of the year.

The opening of ‘The Spinney’, on the 2nd July 1949, as an extension to the Camping Ground, was a big day for the District. Sir Percy Everett the Deputy Chief Scout performed the ceremony that formed part of the Rally and Display that had been organised. As part of the entertainment the 15th put on a show entitled ‘Brownsea Island’. 

Summer camp was held between the 23rd July and 5th August at Mannacott Farm, Hunter’s Inn, North Devon. The Finchley Press provided coverage with the tag line ‘Good Camping Country’. There was also one other connected activity that caught the attention of the press. Alan Fensome and Stewart Fraser, the Rover Mate, decided to spend the following week hiking back to London. They ran out of time upon reaching Farnham in Surrey, and had to use public transport for the rest of the journey home. They had covered 175 miles on foot

A Christmas fair was held in December and the press were particularly impressed with the festive atmosphere that had been created inside ‘Utopia’. There were plenty of bargains to be had and numerous sideshows to keep everyone amused.

One other thing that was introduced during the year was the B.A.R.S.O.T.Y. Award to the ‘Best All Round Scout Of The Year’. Gary Pruden was the first recipient.

Another party at ‘Utopia’ on New Year’s Eve brought a very successful year to a close. Fancy Dress was essential and the hall was filled with lots of people in original costumes. In addition to the dancing there were games and amusing competitions to keep everyone happy.

1950s

Seven days later (7th January 1950) ‘Utopia’ was the setting for another party. IHQ had asked the Group to hold another party for overseas Scouters and on this occasion 23 countries were represented.

The District Cross-Country took place on the 25th March and although the Scouts and Senior Scouts did not feature in their events, the Rovers were successful in theirs. Peter Trollope of the 11th Finchley won the race with Alan Fensome finishing second and his team mates finishing 3rd and 4th.

The first census of the new decade recorded the Group as having 24 Cubs, 25 Scouts, 7 Senior Scouts and 21 Rovers. They were the 3rd largest Group in the District, behind the 10th Finchley and 6th Finchley.

In March Derek Warren gained his King’s Scout Badge. On Saturday 22nd April he travelled to Eton College where the Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan, presented him with his certificate. The following day he had the honour of taking part in the St. George’s Day Parade at Windsor Castle.

While Derek was at Windsor the rest of the Group were taking part in the District parade held at Christ Church, North Finchley. By coincidence it was the turn of the 15th to carry the King’s Colour and this honour was given to Ron Jackson. Ron was not only the ADC for Cubs but also, along with his wife Rene, Scouters with the Group. In fact, Ron was one of the two original choir boys, still with the Group, that had joined the Group when it started in 1919. They were due to move to Torquay and this one of the last functions they would be involved with.

A couple of weeks later, the Group said goodbye and presented Ron & Rene with an eight-day striking clock. And, shortly after, at the District AGM, they were given a ‘Gilwell Log’ and an autographed book with the signatures of those present.

The Group’s annual dinner was held in May and as usual it was covered by the local press. Eddie Dale, a Scouter from Jamaica, proposed the toast to the Group and as part of a glowing tribute congratulated the 15th on all they had done for Scouts throughout the world. He mentioned the special relationship that had been established between the Group, and especially Charlie, with the Jamaican Scouts.

In June the Cubs performed very well at their sports day, finishing second, just one point behind the winners.

Late in July Charlie Roberts and 6 Rovers went to Scandinavia for a couple of weeks. They initially stayed in Copenhagen with some of the Rovers they had got to know before the war and then spent a few days in Sweden. Upon their return to Denmark they were able to stay at Gilwellhytten, the training centre for Danish Scouters, before hosting a ‘thank you’ party and flying home.

In January 1951, for the third year running, the Group hosted a party for International Scouts. On this occasion representatives from 36 countries accepted an invitation although only 29 attended. 205 attended the get together, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Finchley (Cr. and Mrs F L Pike) and representatives from IHQ. During the evening Mr Hurll, Chief Executive Commissioner, presented the Group with a map of the world. It showed lines radiating from Finchley to the 42 countries from which Scouts have come and enjoyed the hospitality of the 15th Finchley.

At the Group’s annual dinner in March a special tribute was paid to Charlie’s mother, who had recently had her 80th birthday. Although everyone knew that Mrs Roberts was a great help and inspiration to the Group and Charlie this was not always made public. Many kind words were said, including Charlie who said “My mother has certainly been a very pillar of support in my life. She has done a great deal for and still has a very great interest in Scouting.”

At the District Cross-Country event the 15th did not feature in the Scouts or Senior Scouts championship. However, thanks to the efforts of A Gayler, G Green and S Fraser, who finished 2nd, 4th and 6th respectively, won the Rovers event. K Cushing also finished in the top ten.

A little later in the year 28 Old Scouts and Rovers held a weekend camp at Kitwell’s Farm, Shenley. The local paper suggested that this was the first of its kind.

The 1951 summer camp was held at Nethway House, Kingswear, near Brixham, South Devon, Apart from the first night they had good weather which added to the enjoyment of the camp. A report of their adventure appeared in the local press.

The last event of 1951 that we have some information about is a Christmas meal that the Old Boys and Rovers had at the start of December. The event was held at a restaurant in St. Martins Lane and a photograph from that occasion has survived which names the 33 diners.

On 7th February 1952 Charlie Roberts set off on a long trip that took in the first Caribbean Jamboree that was being held in Jamaica. He was one of two leaders and 10 Scouts that had been chosen from various parts of the British Isles. Following his return a lengthy report appeared in the local paper that gave a full account of his trip.

The Group’s annual dinner and dance was, as usual, held at the Salisbury Hotel, Barnet and it was probably the first big event that Charlie had missed. Nevertheless, he still managed to send his good wishes from Jamaica.

Charlie was again in the news a bit later when it was learnt that he and ‘Pop’ Barclay, GSM of the 10th Finchley, had both been awarded the Silver Acorn. They had both provided more than 30 years’ service and were the first two Scouters in Finchley to receive the award.

A second Old Scouts & Rovers camp was held during June. There were 32 campers, whose ages ranged from 19 to 45, that spent the weekend at Kitwell’s Farm, Shenley.

The Scouts’ Sports were also held during June and the Senior Scouts managed to emulate the success they had had in 1949. Once again the Group were able to hold the Nellie Allen Lane Shield for 4 months of the year.

For their summer camp the Troop returned to Beer in Devon, having previously camped there in 1939. No report of the trip has been found although a note in their records says they had appalling weather.

During October Edward (Eddie) Steele was granted a warrant and became an Assistant Rover Scout Leader.

During the first 5 months of 1953 five Senior Scouts achieved their Queen’s Scout Badge, namely Roger Byford, John Jenkins, Gareth (Gary) Pruden, William Mountain and David Withey. Some of them were quickly called upon to provide service during the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the associated events.

On Thursday 28th May, less than a week before the day of the Coronation William Mountain and David Everest were on duty in the Grand Hall of Buckingham Palace at a Garden Party given by Her Majesty the Queen.

On the actual day of the Coronation Gary Pruden was one of 15 Scouts from the London Boroughs who acted as Ushers in Westminster Abbey. Another 5 members of the 15th – Roger Byford, David Everest, David Withey, Paul Shanks and William Mountain – were among the 9 leaders and 50 Scouts from Finchley who were selected to sell the official programme along the route of the procession.

During the evening, Finchley’s only official celebration was held on the Glebe Land. There a Beacon, built by the 15th Finchley Rover Crew, was lit by the Mayor of Finchley, Ald., J Gordon Bryson. Full details and invitations relating to the event had been issued earlier.

A little later in June the Cubs were victorious at the Sports Day. They won the ‘Lady Peat’ Shield with 26 points, well ahead of the 10th Finchley who finished second with 16 points.

During July the five Queen’s Scouts attended an investiture at Hampton Court Palace where Lord Rowallan, the Chief Scout, presented them and more than 200 others with their Queen’s Scout certificates. Following the event everyone was transported to Walton Firs, an IHQ camp site, for the night, where they enjoyed a camp fire on the Saturday evening and a Scouts Own on the Sunday morning. The local press provided a report that comprised mainly an account of the proceedings given by one of the 15th.

39 Scouts and Rovers left on the 26th July for the summer camp that was held on the south coast of Guernsey. Although there were few wet days during the first week, the rest of the time was filled with glorious sunshine. The local press was good enough to provide a short report.

The only other information we have for 1953 is that later in the year the Group held a very successful bazaar. The event was opened by Winifred Atwell the celebrated pianist and raised the magnificent sum of £117. This is the equivalent of about £2,700 in today’s (2024) money.

There is not a lot of information available about 1954 although we do have a little about each of the sections. The Cub Pack that was flourishing, (with 34 boys and 14 on the waiting list), under the leadership of Arthur Withey, retained the ‘Lady Peat’ Shield by winning their sports for the second year in a row. 

The Scouts won their section of the Cross-Country and held their summer camp at Bishops Frome in the Wye Valley. There were a total of 30 in the party led by Alan Fensome, which included some Rovers. 

The Rovers, now under the leadership of Eddie Steele, won their section of the Cross-Country and were later joined by some Old Boys and Charlie Roberts on a trip to Oslo, on which they spent time with some Norwegian friends.

The only down side about the year was that a temporary drop in numbers meant that the band that had earlier been formed, attracting several recruits, was disbanded.

Apart from the census figures, we have only found a couple of bits of information about 1955. The first is that the Cubs won their Sports for the third successive year. They gained 33 points, well ahead of the 5th Finchley who gained 18 points. On this occasion, in addition to the ‘Lady Peat’ Shield, the Pack was also presented with a small shield to keep.

The other is a small press cutting that relates to the revue (“Sing”) that the Group staged that year.

There was good news at the start of 1956, when in January Graham Hepworth gained his Queen’s Scout Badge. And even more when in May Paul Shanks also gained the Badge.

However, there was sad news at the end of May when John ‘Mac’ McKeown died. He had played an important role in the Group’s formation and although he resigned as Scouter with the Group in 1932, he had continued to support the Group and also to serve Scouting at a District level. His funeral at Golders Green Crematorium was attended by several members of the 15th as well as other Scouters from the District.

The 15th Old Boys held their usual camp at Kitwell’s Farm, Shenley over the Whitsun weekend. There were 32 campers on this occasion, including a number of Rover Scouts. A very short piece in the local paper highlighted the fact that several of them had first camped together many years ago as Scouts in the Troop.

Although there are no press cuttings it is known that the Cubs won their Sports for the fourth year in a row.

The Troop returned to Hunters Inn, North Devon for the 1956 summer camp and according to their records they endured some stormy weather.

Later in the year the Group held a successful parents’ evening at which all sections of the Group gave a demonstration. Charlie Roberts also took the opportunity to present Harold Fairchild with a clock in recognition of his 21 years as the Group treasurer.

1956 also saw the official change to the upper age limit for Rover Scouts. This change was evident when the 1957 census recorded just 9 Rovers, compared to 17 in 1956. Although this caused some initial concern for the Group, who placed great reliance on the older Rovers, it was overcome when they decided to rename the over twenty-threes as Service Auxiliaries.

1957 started with another New Year International Party at the Group’s HQ ‘Utopia’. In addition to the British Scouts there were representatives from 26 other nations who enjoyed the 15th Finchley’s hospitality. The press report was under the banner ‘Scouts provide a lesson for U.N.O.’ and praised the harmony that existed.

1957 was the 50th anniversary of Scouting and the Jubilee was celebrated both nationally and locally. Various events were held in the District in addition to the regular Group meetings, camps and sports events. During the week of the 25th February to 2nd March all Groups of the District opened their doors to the public. They hoped that as many parents and other interested parties would pop along to one of their meetings to find out what the Cubs and Scouts got up to during their weekly meetings. At the meeting held by the 15th the Cubs, Scouts and Rovers all made a contribution.

The 15th Scouts did not feature in their section of the Cross-Country held at Brook Farm. The Senior Scouts did win theirs to claim the Miall Shield and became the first Group to hold this new trophy. John Smith won the race and B Fensome came 3rd. The Rovers did not feature in their section, where the upper age limit was now restricted to under twenty-four-year-olds. However, to compensate for this rule change a special non-championship race was run for those over twenty-three, and this was won by R Hungerford of the 15th.

The big events of the year as far as the 15th were concerned were the visits of the Jamaican Scouts, with whom the Group had a close relationship. The first was an official visit by a contingent of 72 Scout and Scouters, hosted by the District, prior to their attending the 9th World Scout Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield. The second was the 10-day visit, hosted by the Group, prior to their journey back to Jamaica. There is no record as to what happened during most of the second visit but there was a press report of a farewell afternoon Tea Party and evening event attended by several dignitaries.

Prior to the Jamaican Scout visit the front garden of ‘Utopia’ was given a complete make-over with the brickwork being laid by Howard Fensome.

With regard to the Jamboree itself, there were 13 Scouts, under the leadership of Trevor Hodges (7th Finchley) that represented Finchley. Three of them were from the 15th – Johnny Handleigh, Mike Lidbetter and Clive Seymour. It is understood that Charlie Roberts and Derek Warren also went but it is not known in what capacity.

The final piece of information from the year was the sad news that Dorothy Withey, Arthur’s wife who also assisted him in running the Pack, had died unexpectedly at the age of 47.

Information about the Group in 1958 is virtually non-existent. In addition to the census figures at the end of March (33 Cubs, 32 Scouts, 9 Senior Scouts and 8 Rovers), it is known that David Withey, Arthur’s son, took over as the CM while Arthur continued as an ACM, and Derek Warren took on the role of Senior Scout Leader. Later in the year Bill Wykes joined as an ACM and Frederick ‘Tug’ Wilson joined as an ASM. Summer camp is recorded as being held at Hogchester Farm, Charmouth, Dorset. 

In 1959 the Group celebrated their 40th birthday and the first record we have is a press report of their dinner & dance in March. This was held at the Salisbury Hotel in Barnet and attended by more than 150 members and their guests. Before the dancing there were plenty of speeches and references to the Group’s many links with Scouts from other nations.

The Group were also presented with a new flag, which had been designed by a Polish friend who was working in London as a schoolmaster. The flag was printed on one side with the Group name and the Finchley Coat of Arms, and on the other with the St George’s Cross and a depiction of St George slaying a dragon. The flag is still used for investitures and major parades.

The District Cross-Country races were held on the 4th April and although the Scouts did not feature in the competition for the Pulham Shield, they were fairly successful in the other two. Robert Bates was the best placed Senior Scout in the race for the Miall Shield. His second place, along with the finishing positions of his team mates, was sufficient for the Group to the runners up. The Rovers though, and despite not having any runners finish in the top three, managed to win their event and secure the Barclay Shield.

The exact date is not known, but according to the District AGM report it was around this time that Alan Fensome was awarded the Long Service Decoration. Despite his warrant not being officially agreed until 1947 he had helped to keep the Group going during the war, and was instrumental in building it up again following the end of the hostilities.

The Group’s main camp of the year was held at Whitsun, from the 16th to 23rd May. 34 Scouts camped near Arundel while the Senior Scouts camped nearby.

In September two more Senior Scouts, namely David Burge and Michael Lidbetter, gained the Queen’s Scout Badge.

During the year there was a visit by a group of Swedish Scouts, who stayed with and were taken sightseeing by Group members.

Finally, there is a Group photograph that was taken at some point during the year.

1960s

The Group continued to thrive and it was not long before they had another Queen’s Scout, with Robert Bates having completed the Badge requirements in March 1960.

At the end of the month there were 31 Cubs, 36 Scouts, 7 Senior Scouts and 8 Rovers. Around this time Arthur Withey resumed the role of CM. David continued to help when possible, along with his daughter Christine.

The District Cross-Country championship was held on the 9th April with the Group winning all three of the Shields. In the Scouts’ race for the Pulham Shield their scoring runners: N Goth, John Street and Bob Brimson finished 1st, 6th and 7th respectively to win the event. In the Senior Scout race for the Miall Shield Brian Spriggs, John Niblett & Mike Lidbetter finished 3rd, 8th and 9th to finish 3rd overall. With the 4th Finchley Rovers scratching, the 15th won the Barclay Shield by default. They were the only Group able to field a full team and their scoring runners Robert Bates, Paul Shanks and Dave Everest finished 2nd, 3rd and 5th. The full results can be found in the gallery.

At the St George’s Day service in April Paul Shanks read the lesson. He was later selected as one of the two Rovers to represent north-west London at the forthcoming Rover Moot to be held in Australia.

The Troop’s main camp of the year was again held at Whitsun (4th – 11th June). at Marchwood, on the west side of the River Test at Southampton. There are a few photos from which it appears that about 18 Scouts attended. As well as the leaders there were also 2 Rovers and 4 Senior Scouts.

Although there is no official report it is worth highlighting the following remark made by Wilf Hewitt on the ‘Camping Standards’ Certificate – ‘The best summer camp of the 15th Finchley I have ever inspected. Heartiest Congratulations.’

Following his nomination by the District and a couple of selection panels, Michael Lidbetter was chosen to assist with sorting the Royal Wedding gifts for Princess Margaret and Mr Antony Armstrong-Jones. From the 18th April until just after the wedding on the 6th May he was attached to the Queen Mother’s Household and employed at Clarence House. In addition to sorting the gifts he had to show guests around the display, and of course met several members of the Royal Family. When his duties came to an end the Queen Mother presented him with an eight-day travelling clock which bore her insignia.

Later in May Clive Seymour became the next member of the Group to gain his Queen’s Scout Badge. We have been unable to find a press report about this achievement but Clive did provide an amusing anecdote for ‘Our Story’ about the time that the Senior Scouts decided to enter a Backwoods Cooking competition at Frith Grange.

Although the Troop’s main camp was at Whitsun the Cubs did have a summer camp. They joined forces with the 4th, 6th and 21st and between 24th July and 2nd August stayed at Kitwell’s Farm, Shenley, near St Albans. Upon their departure from the Farm the Patrols of the Troop took up residency, staying until the 9th. They held a camp-fire on the 6th to which they invited all Scouters.

Between 23rd July and 6th August Charlie Roberts and some of the Senior Scouts went to Sweden and Denmark but we have no further information about this trip.

In February 1961, just before his 11th birthday, Frank Phillip became a Scout with the 15th and was destined, like several others before him, to become a stalwart of the Group for many years. He was the driving force in the production of ‘Our Story’ and as such several of his memories are included within the remainder of this article. He had only been a Cub for a short while having joined the Pack at the age of 10½ with his younger brother Nick.

The census figures at the end of March revealed the Group to be the largest in the District. There were 41 Cubs, 41 Scouts, 8 Senior Scouts and 6 Rovers.

The Scouts’ main camp of the year was once again held at Whitsun (20th – 27th May) rather than during the summer. On this occasion they stayed at Hadnock Farm, Monmouth. Unfortunately, no further information is available. 

During June Brian Spriggs gained his Queen’s Scout Badge, having been with the Group since he joined as a Cub.  He was the son of an old Scout who had helped to build ‘Utopia’. 

Around the same time he also gained the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Silver Standard; the first Scout in the District to achieve this.

The Cubs again held a short camp in August (4th – 8th). They returned to Shenley but on this occasion they were joined by the 6th and 7th Finchley Packs.

On the 30th July six Senior Scouts set off on their summer expedition. They had decided to spend a week hiking in the Peak District, covering a distance of 63 miles between Matlock and Sheffield. A Log Book giving full details of their journey, along with photos and sketches was produced; selected sections of this can be found in the gallery. The Log was subsequently entered in the competition for the Jubilee Shield and was declared the winning entry when the result was announced the following April.

The Troop entered three Patrols (Stags, Eagles & Ravens) in the Camping Competition held during September. They finished a creditable 7th, 8th & 9th out of the 19 Patrols that represented 12 Troops.

The Trek Cart, an essential item for every Scout Group, was mainly used to transport equipment to and from camps. It was also used for newspaper collections during the war as well as door to door collections for Jumble Sales.

However, occasional Trek Cart races also took place between Troops, sometimes as a straight race and sometimes over an obstacle course, similar to the gun-carriage races that took place at the Royal Tournament. A photo (in the gallery) shows a team from the 15th ready to embark on the race at the end of October.

The Scouts and Senior Scouts entered the Swimming Gala later in the year and although the Scouts did not feature in their competition the Senior Scouts were successful in winning theirs to claim the Fouracre Shield.

During November Alan Lake became the latest member of the Group to gain the Queen’s Scout Badge.

In early January 1962 John Street and John Niblett were members of the team that represented Finchley and won the Senior Scouts’ Cross-Country that was held at Wimbledon Common. In total there were 102 runners representing 25 Districts and, with John Street and John Niblett finishing 3rd and 11th along with Richard May of the 5th Finchley finishing 16th, it was enough for them to win the event for the very first time. John Street was subsequently asked to represent London at the inter-county event in April but it is not known if he did so.

The Group continued to be one of the largest in the District with there being 37 Cubs, 39 Scouts, 16 Senior Scouts and 7 Rovers when the census was taken at the end of March.

The District’s own Cross-Country event was held on the 9th April and appears to have been poorly supported. The Scouts did not feature in their race but for the Senior Scouts John Street and John Niblett finished 1st and 2nd, and along with Alan Lake finishing 5th it was enough for them to win the Miall Shield. The field for the Rovers’ race was badly depleted and with the 5th Finchley scratching and only one runner from the 4th Finchley turning up, there were only four competitors. The three 15th Finchley lads led by Johnny Handleigh therefore won the Barclay Shield.

The Troop held their summer camp at Fritton near Great Yarmouth from the 28th July to the 4th August. There are no other details although from the photo we have, it appears that there were about 30 campers.

Between the 3rd and 6th August the Cubs camped at Belchamps near Southend, where they had two days of sunshine and two days of rain. It was a joint camp with the Cubs from the 6th and 25th Finchley and according to reports, enjoyed by all despite the rain.

On Monday 6th August 1 Rover and 9 Senior Scouts, under the leadership of Derek Warren, embarked on a 100-mile expedition through the Black Forest in Germany. For hiking convenience they split into 3 groups, each with someone who had a grasp of the German language and each responsible for their own lunch and route to the evening meeting point.

The party tramped through the forest and climbed the Feldberg, the highest peak in the forest before concluding two weeks later by the Rhine where they had a few days relaxing in Basle. 

Everyone was given jobs and responsibilities with John Niblett having the task of keeping the log. This was later submitted as their entry for the Jubilee Shield and resulted in them winning the trophy for the second year in succession. John has been kind enough to lend us the log so that we can include some bits in the gallery. One incident that he specifically recalled was when his group called at a big house in order to see if there was anywhere nearby where we could camp for the night. ‘The house turned out to be an orphanage run by nuns who were extremely hospitable and allowed us to camp in part of their grounds. They even offered us dinner which we reluctantly declined as we had our own food. They were highly amused though when we asked for water and produced a canvas carrier to take the water back to our tent. They offered us a bucket as they could not believe that the bag would not leak and when I demonstrated that it was quite safe, they seemed to think it was some sort of magic.’ 

While the Senior Scouts were in Germany, Charlie Roberts was in Jamaica. In view of the Group’s close links with the Jamaican Scout Movement, he had received an invitation to be among the British representatives in Kingston to attend the Jamaican independence celebrations. During his stay he took part in several Scout rallies and youth demonstrations and on behalf of the 15th, presented the Scouts with an engraved chair. 

At the Swimming Gala at the start of October the Senior Scouts won the Fouracre Shield with 18 points, just 1½ ahead of the 1st Finchley. 

Later in the month John Niblett gained his Queen’s Scout Badge which was presented to him by Cyril Allen, the District Commissioner (DC), at a ceremony following a Group church parade. John had been a Cub and was awarded a prize for being the best Cub of the year in 1955. He then became a Scout and was named Best All-Round Scout Of The Year in 1957.

One of the last proficiency badges he gained was the Interpreter, which was passed while on the Senior Scouts expedition in Germany during the summer.

Shortly before the year end, Alan Lake became the second Scout in the District to gain the Duke of Edinburgh Award – Silver Standard. When making the presentation the DC said that he hoped that more Scouts would tackle the scheme.

On the 9th March 1963 at Gilwell Park, Finchley retained the London Senior Scout Cross-Country trophy which they had won the previous year. Along with Denzil Colbert of the 4th Finchley the other team members were all 15th Finchley (John Street, John Niblett, John James, Alan Lake and Brian Berrett). John Street, John Niblett and Denzil Colbert were the scoring members, finishing 3rd, 13th and 16th from the 130 starters in what the District bulletin described as bad conditions.

The District’s own Cross-Country event was held on the 30th March and attracted a record field of nearly 120 runners from 14 Groups. The 15th won the Miall Shield and the Barclay Shield but could not manage a clean sweep, finishing second in the Scout race for the Pulham Shield. There is unfortunately no official record as to the individual positions.

Group numbers remained firm with there being 34 Cubs, 37 Scouts, 13 Senior Scouts and 6 Rovers being recorded on the annual census, at the end of March.

Sixteen Finchley Scouts (names unknown) were selected to sell programmes along the royal wedding route of Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvie, on the 24th April. John Niblett of the 15th was selected for a different task at St James’s Palace where the reception was held. He was given the job of greeting the arrival of the cars of foreign dignitaries, finding out who they were so that they could be properly announced by ushers at the reception.

The following Sunday John Niblett was at Windsor along with John Purkiss (12th Finchley) having been chosen to represent the District at the St George’s Day Parade. Charlie Roberts, who had just been awarded the Silver Wolf, was also there among the Scouters inspected by the Queen, before attending the service in St George’s Chapel.

The Scouts’ main camp of the year was held during the Spring (1st – 8th June) at Eighteen Pounder Farm, Three Oaks, not far north of Hastings. Although it is not known how many attended, David Furness recorded the following memory of the camp in “Our Story”: ‘A lasting memory concerns the last day at camp. As we all finished packing and donned our uniforms for the journey home, one wretched lad was struggling to clean the huge smoke black kettle that had been used to brew up all week. He had apparently committed some awful transgression, and this was his punishment! Of course, transport to camp in those days was a furniture van. Gear stacked in the back and then all the boys piled in using the equipment as seats. Didn’t last of course, one year a coach turned up at Utopia instead of the van and that was the end of an era.’

In addition, there is one photo that appears in the gallery and the following visiting Commissioner’s remark that later appeared in the District bulletin – ‘A high standard of camping was maintained and the patrol system operating fully. The camp was well run and efficient.’

On the 13th July 25 Jamaicans arrived in Finchley for a 12 day stay, prior to them travelling on to the World Scout Jamboree in Athens. It provided another opportunity for the 15th to kindle their friendship.

On 17th July John Street and John Brimson were among the 5 Finchley Scouts and 15 others from London who were chosen to help at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. Their principal duty was to greet guests, opening their car doors, collecting their invitation cards and showing them the main hall.

Ten days later the Senior Scouts set off on their summer expedition (27th July – 6th August), Youth Hostelling in Scotland, around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. They again entered their Log Book in the competition for the Jubilee Shield, and when it was judged the following April they were again declared the winners. On this occasion we do not have a copy of the Log or any other details, but there is a photograph of the 12 Senior Scouts that took part.

In September Arthur Withey was awarded the Medal of Merit ‘for services rendered’. In addition to being the Cubmaster he was a member of the District Executive and the District Badge Secretary, a role he had undertaken since 1945. The presentation, along with similar awards to Tom and Audrey Marshall, was made at ‘Utopia’ by Stan Bennett, Assistant County Commissioner.

During November 4 Seniors/Rovers were granted warrants to be leaders with the Group; Alan Lake and Bob Bates became ASMs & Johnny Handleigh and Roger Byford became ARSLs.

The new year (1964) started with the good news that another member of the Group had gained his Queen’s Scout Badge, this being John Street. 

A couple of months later there was more good news. Alan Lake completed all of the necessary requirements to gain the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Gold Standard). A short piece about this achievement was recorded by the local press. This was the first ‘Gold Standard’ to be achieved by a Scout in the District.

The London Senior Scout Cross-Country was held on the 7th March. We do not know how well Finchley did but could assume that John Street was a member of the team and performed well. This is because we know that he later represented London in the inter-county race where he finished 2nd to help them to win the trophy.

The District championships were held on the 4th April and although the individual winners are unknown the winners of the three Shields are. The Pulham Shield was won by the 10th Finchley with the 15th being the runners-up. The Senior Scouts did not feature in the race for the Miall Shield but the Rovers were clear winners in their event.

The ubiquitous John Street was again to the fore in April when he was named as the District representative at the Windsor St George’s Day Parade.

During April David Everest changed his warrant from ASM to ARSL in order to assist Eddie Steele. A month later Ruth Barker joined the leadership team by becoming an ACM.

Also during May John Brimson became a Queen’s Scout. We have though been unable to find any press coverage of his achievement.

The Troop’s main camp of the year was held at Faygate near Horsham in West Sussex. Apart from the visiting commissioner’s remarks, which are provided alongside a few photos, there is no further information.

The District Camping Competition was held at Tolmers over the weekend 19th – 21st September. The Eagle Patrol from the 15th were joint second with the Peewits and the Wolves from the 10th and 22nd Finchley, meaning that they each were entitled to hold the runners-up trophy (Smith Cup) for 4 months of the year. The Otters from the 10th won to claim the Alexander Trophy.

Also during September David Everest took over as the Rover Scout Leader following the departure of Eddie Steele.

Frank Phillip recalls that during October he went on his practice First-Class Hike, and in ‘Our Story’ he recorded the following memory – ‘A First-Class Hike was 14 miles including an overnight stop. The routes were given to us in little books written by the inestimable Wilf Hewitt. People who recall them will remember the clue tins he left hidden round the route which we had to sign. These hikes were done in pairs so one Scout was the leader and the other was doing a practice hike. I did my practice hike in October 1964 with Tony Frost from Chesham to Watford. Alan, who else? took us out and we got off to a great start the first day; in the evening we looked to camp at a Scout site Wilf had mentioned in his book. We could not find it so knowing where it should be we nipped over a fence into a field surrounded by woodland. An obvious Scout site. As we were putting up our tent we could hear these Scouts creeping up on us. I so vividly recall standing back-to-back with Tony with our rucsacs in our hands ready to ward them off but they were clearly cowards because they never came near us. It was only much later that I realised that what we heard was the sound of leaves dropping through the trees!’

The annual Trek Cart Race took place at the end of October which unfortunately turned out to be the last. Although the full details are not recorded, one of the teams collided with a bus while ascending Barnet Hill. The District Commissioner immediately banned any further races, thus bringing to an end on-road racing. There is a photo, thought to be from this year, of the 15th on the course.

During November Arthur Withey’s daughter Christine received a warrant as an ACM along with Brian Berrett.

The information we have for 1965 focuses on a few key events. The first of these is the District Cross-Country held on the 27th March. Although the Scouts and Senior Scouts did not feature in their events the Rovers easily won theirs, enabling them to retain the Barclay Shield. With John Street winning the race and with John Niblett and John James finishing 2nd and 3rd the team scored 6 points, the lowest achievable.

Not long after this and probably around Easter, the Rovers entered two teams in the ‘Four Inns Walk’, a 50-mile hiking competition in the Peak District. As well as the press report and photo of the Group’s participants, John Niblett provided the following memory for “Our Story”: ‘In 1965 I was in one of two parties from the 15th that took part in the Four Inns Walking Competition, a 50-mile hike between Four Inns (The Isle of Skye, The Snake, The Nag’s Head and the Cat & Fiddle) in the Peak District. This was certainly no walk in the park and was regarded as the most difficult hike for Scouts in this country. The previous year three boys had tragically lost their lives in a blizzard. I believe that we were the first Rover Crew from Finchley to take part and we had to carry tent, sleeping bags, extra food and emergency rations, in view of the previous year’s disaster. The weather was far from ideal and despite good progress over the earlier peaks my team comprising Dave Everest, Alan Lake and John Street ran into difficulties in the mist and lost a bit of time. Nevertheless, we got ourselves back on course and finished the hike in 16 hours 54 minutes. Only 28 of the original 62 entrants completed the course so we were justifiably quite pleased with ourselves despite being exhausted and blistered.’ 

Around the same time Alan Lake and Bob Bates took half a dozen Scouts to Danemead, the Scout campsite at Broxbourne, Herts. Their objective was to work on the Backwoodsman Badge, specifically building a bivouac. Frank Phillip paired up with Phil Rigotti and a photo of their shelter can be found in the gallery.

During August Ian Thomson became the latest member of the Group to gain his Queen’s Scout Badge. His Badge and Certificate were presented by Eric Whittlestone, the Deputy District Commissioner, following a Group church parade.

The Camping Competition was held over the weekend 18th – 19th September at Tolmers with Patrols from the 15th coming first and second. Although the District bulletin says that the Eagles won, in the photo that we have it is the Lions that are holding the Alexander Trophy while the Eagles are holding the Smith Cup.

Later in the year the services of Mike Lidbetter and Tug Wilson were lost when they both left the Group. Derek Warren did not leave the Group despite taking on the role of Assistant District Commissioner (Senior Scouts). He remained in charge of the Group’s Senior Scouts.

Like 1965 the information we have about 1966 also focuses on a few key events, the first again being the District Cross-Country held on the 5th March. The Rovers were again successful in winning the Barclay Shield with John Street coming in first. Although the Group was not placed in the other two races Chris O’Brien won the Senior Scout race.

Following Chris O’Brien’s success he was, along with 8 others, selected to represent the District (now Finchley & Friern Barnet) at the County Senior Scout Championship. The event was won by Hornsey District but the race was won by David Bedford of the 3rd Golders Green. Chris finished 7th, the best placed runner from our District.

The Rovers decided to enter two teams of four in the Four Inns Walk, but things did not go to plan. John Niblett had to pull out due to an injury incurred during training and then on the eve of the walk, it was decided that David Everest was not fit enough due to a foot injury. It was finally decided that if Richard Springford, John Niblett’s replacement, dropped out they could enter a team of six. In the end it consisted of five as Alan Lake joined a Group from Halifax who were a man short. The team completed the course, which had been changed due to bad weather conditions, in 10 hours 18 minutes, about 2¾ hours behind the winners.

From “Our Story”, here is another memory from Frank Phillip relating to a trip that he made at Easter: “Wilf Hewitt took David Smith and I to Snowdonia for Dave’s Venturer badge hike, a prerequisite for Queen’s Scout. We duly did the hike, finishing back at Wilf’s little base near Llanberis. We had two more days so I suggested we have a go at Snowdon. “Right” said Wilf and took us to the beginning of the Watkin Path so that we would go up that way and come back down to Llanberis. We encountered every type of weather that day, sun, rain, hail, mist and snow. When we got to the top and the sun came out, we could see where we had come: I nearly fainted at the sight of the sharp edge ridge we had walked along. The good news though was that Wilf said that because I had organised this little jaunt and had shown capability doing the first hike with David, I should also pass my Venturer badge hike. I have attempted Snowdon 4 times as a Scout and Leader: twice successful and twice “This ain’t clever, let’s turn back”.”

There is a short press report about a successful ‘Open Day’ that the Group held at Frith Grange. The Scouts built an aerial runway and there was a ‘going up’ ceremony for some of the Cubs who were joining the Troop.

The summer camp was held at Hunters Inn, Parracombe in Devon with a number of German Scouts who had been family-accommodated in Finchley beforehand as well as three families: the Fensomes, Everests and Warrens (who stayed in B&Bs). The dates clashed with the final of the football World Cup and the Scouts were allowed to listen to the radio commentary. Geoff Niblett provided a report for “Our Story” about “the greatest day in English football” but David Furness, who says he has little interest in football does not remember much about the excitement. Instead, David specifically remembers the mud and the black tepees used by the German Scouts that had a fire pit in the middle.

The only other piece of information that we have about 1966 is that Artur Withey resigned as the Cub Master and that role was filled by Clem Fowler.

At this stage it is perhaps worth mentioning that like most other Groups, fund raising and social events also took place each year. These included penny fairs, jumble sales, whist and beetle drives, coffee evenings, cheese & wine parties and dances.

In addition to Clem Fowler taking over as the Akela, Ann Pike also joined the Group at the start of 1967 as one of his assistants.

The District Cross-Country was held on the 18th March with the Group winning both the Pulham Shield (for Scouts) and the Barclay Shield (for those over 17½). Tim Myer of the 11th Finchley won the Scout race but with I Hannis, P Johnson and D Norman finishing 5th, 6th and 8th it was enough to claim the Shield. In the over 17½ race Phillip Kiehl of the 4th Finchley won but the Shield was claimed with the next three finishers being John Niblett, David Everest and Ian Thomson. Although the Senior Scouts did not win the Miall Shield, they finished 2nd to the 4th Finchley with Chris O’Brien, Phil Rigotti and Chris Hepworth finishing 2nd, 7th and 15th.

The census at the end of March was the last to include Senior Scouts and Rovers. Several changes were being made to the Movement that included changing the name of Senior Scouts to Venture Scouts, increasing the age range to 20 and ending the Rover section. ‘Masters’ became ‘Leaders’. The training programme was revised and the uniform was changed, which included replacing shorts with long trousers for everyone except the Cubs. Although these changes caused problems for several Groups it did not take long for the 15th to adapt. The number of Senior Scouts that initially became Venture Scouts was low, but over the next few months several more Scouts became old enough to join them.

The District again entered the County Cross-Country event that was held on the 1st April and managed to win the event. Chris O’Brien and Phil Rigotti were members of the successful team. Barnet District was 2nd and Edmonton 3rd out of 8 Districts.

St George’s Day Parade was held on the 23rd April with the service for Scouts taking place at St John the Evangelist, Friern Barnet and for Cubs at Christ Church Congregational Church, N11. This year it was the turn of the 15th Finchley to carry the Queen’s Colour and David Furness had the honour, with Nick Philip and Phil Moseley as escorts. Leslie Snelling, the Mayor of Barnet, took the salute. 

The Catholic Scouts held their own service in the hall attached to the church and the Jewish Scouts held theirs in the hall of Friern Barnet Grammar School.

At the end of April the District held a sponsored walk with a competitive element, to raise money for the new training hut at Frith Grange. There was a 20 mile route for females, a 30 mile route for Scouts and one of 50 miles for everyone else. Only 8 walkers completed the 50 miles with John Street being the first to complete the course. The event raised about £500, almost £8,000 in today’s (2025) money.

There is very little other information that has been found for 1967, although it is known that the Scouts held their main camp at Waltham Abbey over Whitsun and there were Patrol camps at Youlbury near Oxford & Frylands Wood near Croydon, both HQ camp-sites. There are also some photos of the Venture Scouts camping in the Lake District.

Frank Phillip also recalls an amusing story relating to a night hike for the Venture Scouts: “As a Venture Scout one weekend evening we planned a night hike around North Mymms, starting and finishing at Bignell’s Corner (roughly where South Mimms Services are now). Derek led us and because he had no car David Kennett, his then assistant, kindly took us out but warned us not to miss the last bus back! We missed it! One chap called his Dad who came out and took four back home but Derek, Chris O’Brien and I had to walk the six miles back to North Finchley where Derek and I had to collect our bikes from Utopia and cycle home. Quite a disaster!”

Clem Fowler’s tenure as the Cub Scout Leader came to an end with Eric Bennett taking over the role. Ann Pike remained as an assistant and after completing her training was awarded her Wood Badge. Ken Densham also became an ACSL about that time.

During February 1968 Philip Rigotti gained his Queen’s Scout Badge as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Silver), and a month later Chris O’Brien also gained his Queen’s Scout Badge. Unfortunately we have found no press cuttings relating to this or the ceremonies when they were presented with their Badges.

Chris O’Brien again made the headlines at the end of the month when he won the Venture Scout race at the District Cross-Country. However, despite his victory, the race for the Miall Shield was closely fought between the 4th Finchley and 5th Finchley with the 15th finishing third. There was better news in the race for the Pulham Shield which they won, despite the first two places being filled by Scouts from the 11th Finchley. It was a walkover in the race for the Barclay Shield as there were only 3 runners, all from the 15th. The only other Group to have entered (6th Finchley) failed to turn up.

The 1968 census was the first to be taken following the changes that had been made to the sections. There were 31 Cub Scouts, 19 Scouts and 10 Venture Scouts. Although it was strange not to see Rovers listed it was fair to say that several of the ‘older boys’ were still around, helping the Group in different ways.

In July Graham Furness became the Group’s newest Queen’s Scout, having completed all the necessary requirements.

The Scouts’ main camp of the year was held at Carey House, Wareham in Dorset but there is no report. 

The Venture Scouts though went further afield, camping in Hamburg, Germany and visiting their old Scout friends from 1966. The nine Venture Scouts were led by Charlie Roberts who was assisted by Alan Lake (ASL), Eric Bennett (CSL) & his wife Doris, and Ann Pike (ACSL). Their base was the national German Scout Camp at Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea.

Frank Phillip specifically recalls two things from that expedition. The first is that most of the Venture Scouts did not like the black German rye bread that was very popular there. The other was that they were allowed to watch the football match between Hamburg and Manchester United (who had recently won the European Cup). While they were happy to be cheering on United (who won 2-0) they suddenly realised that they were surrounded by some 500 not very happy Hamburg fans.

Following the summer break Frank Phillip gained his Queen’s Scout Badge. He was one of the last to gain it under the old system before the new requirements were implemented. He and Graham Furness were presented with their Badges at the Group’s carol service in December and later attended a ceremony in Cardiff where the Chief Scout presented them with their certificates.

It was not long before Frank was asked to undertake his first duty as a Queen’s Scout. He, along with two others from the District, formed part of the Guard of Honour for Princess Margaret when she attended the London Gang Show at the Odeon, Temple Fortune in October.

The judging for the Jubilee Trophy took place on the 6th December. The format had changed from previous years when Log Books were submitted and judged during the first few months of the following year. Venture Scout Units were invited to attend and to make a presentation of their best adventure (any type) in any format that they wished. The 5th Finchley showed slides of events throughout the year, including their efforts to water ski. The 6th Finchley showed a film, accompanied by a tape recording in respect of their trip to Scotland, but the 15th won the Trophy by displaying a log and showing a film of their trip to Hamburg.

1969 was the Group’s 50th anniversary and early in January they announced that along with the usual activities during the year, there would be several other events to mark their Jubilee. In addition they planned to raise £300 to provide a Guide Dog for the blind.

The local press provided further coverage of the Group’s plans for the year and announced that the first event would be on 8th March when more than 200 past and present members of the Group would get together at their headquarters.

The event was a great success and was covered by the press. Apart from details of the evening programme they also mentioned the thanksgiving service and unveiling of the Mrs Sarah Roberts Memorial Window the following day. 

The Group had wanted to extend the front porch of ‘Utopia’ but planning permission could not be obtained. However, there was one distinctive addition; the installation of the Mrs Sarah Roberts Memorial Window. Sarah was Charlie’s mum and supported him in all his endeavours including an open house for a multitude of visitors. Following her death in 1967 at the age of 96 a memorial fund was set up and the window in the Roberts Room above the entrance was considered to be a fitting tribute.

The District Cross-Country took place at the end of March with the Scouts finishing second behind the 16th Finchley, who claimed the Pulham Shield. However the Miall Shield for Venture Scouts and the Barclay Shield for the over 20s were won by the Group.

Also at the end of the month the Group held their annual Dinner and Dance. It was held at the Gaumont Cinema and attended by more members and friends than ever before, including District officials and representatives from other Groups as well as many past members. Arthur Withey proposed a toast to the Group which was seconded by Charlie Roberts, who spoke of past achievements and the wonderful team spirit. During the evening Thanks Badges were presented to Grace Fensome and Mrs Bennett for their services to Scouting.

The strength of the Group was confirmed with the census figures recording 30 Cubs, 22 Scouts and 10 Venture Scouts.

Derek Warren was selected in April to lead the Greater London North Contingent at the Windsor St George’s Day Parade. In addition, Frank Phillip was chosen to represent the District along with two other Venture Scouts.

The Group’s Jubilee celebrations continued with a camp at Frith Grange, over the weekend 17th – 18th May with the Sunday being an Open Day. Plenty of activities were arranged including an aerial runway. The event, which was covered by the local press, attracted great support and resulted in 140 sitting down to lunch with the chefs cooking 323 sausages and half a hundredweight of potatoes.

After a short service in the afternoon there was a large cake in the shape of a reef knot that Charlie had the pleasure of cutting.

At the end of the month the Group were back at the Camping Ground to support the District Open Day. Like several other Groups they ran a side show (Tilting the Lady) to help to raise funds for the new training Hut.

During June Alan Lake and Anne Pike were married at St Mary-at-Finchley and held their reception at ‘Utopia’. A short report appeared in the local paper.

By July the Group had managed to raise £170 for the Guide Dog, mainly through the collection of silver foil and waste paper. A further £400 was expected from a 20-mile sponsored walk that had been organised by the Venture Scouts. Chris O’Brien planned the route that began and finished on Hadley Common. John Street, known for his successes at the District Cross-Country, was sponsored for an additional £20 if he completed 50 miles, and went round the course twice, running most of the way.

Summer camp was held at Doghouse Farm, Chideock, Dorset, not far from Bridport and within easy walking distance of the beach. It is not known how many attended but interestingly Theo Schmidt, the Group’s first Scoutmaster, went along and acted as the Quartermaster. Frank Phillip also recalls that during a visit by the local Commissioner he was asked to demonstrate throwing a lifeline: “My first effort was dreadful. Blame it on nerves. But, my second was extraordinary: he had asked me to throw the line at him and I just missed his hat, one of those old-fashioned BP types, and it went full length. I don’t think I ever threw a line as well as that since!”

After the week-long camp four of the Venture Scouts (Frank Phillip, Chris O’Brien and Graham & David Furness) went by bus to Dartmoor and camped at Leigh Tor Farm near Poundsgate. Their camp included an overnight visit to Princetown, a visit to Buckfast Abbey and a day hike to Widecombe. This was Frank’s last adventure before leaving for University.

In August there was a press article about how Charlie had opened his house and ‘Utopia’ to accommodate foreign Scouts who were in London. Firstly, there was a group of Jamaican teachers that included several Scouters with whom the 15th has close ties. Then there were some German Scouts who during their stay met the Chief Scout in London, visited Gilwell Park and during one evening were entertained by the District.

During September there was another update on how the Guide Dog project was progressing. More than £400 had so far been raised and with 3 months of the year still remaining, the Group were now hoping to raise enough money for 3 dogs.

It was of course not all about raising money for the Guide Dogs. The Group still need funds themselves for the upkeep of ‘Utopia’ and the purchase of additional equipment. To that end the Supporters’ Club held an Autumn Fayre during October and managed to raise £80.

The District Swimming Gala was held on the 15th November at the Hornsey Baths. While the Scouts did not feature in the section, the Venture Scouts were successful in winning the Fouracre Shield.

The Group’s Jubilee celebrations continued in November when they staged a concert on the 27th, 28th and 29th November at the St Alban’s Parish Centre in Gainsborough Road. The review, entitled ’Fifty Up’, involved all members of the Group and was well received by the press, playing to a packed house on all three evenings.

The final Group event of 1969 took place on the 19th December when they held a carol service at ‘Utopia’. Over 120 friends and family were present and the address was given by Chris O’Brien, who had come down from college in Nottingham. After the service Eddie Steel was presented with a Long Service Decoration and David Furness received his Venture Scout Award.

1970s

The Group’s efforts to raise sufficient money for 4 Guide Dogs continued in 1970 with an Old Time Music Hall on the 31st January.  The Merry Minstrels, whose charity work was well known at the time, provided great entertainment free of charge for the 120 members of the audience under the chairmanship of Eric Stevens.

On the 16th February a representative of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association together with a blind person visited the Group and gave a talk about the work undertaken by the dogs. Three days later the last fund-raising event was held: a Barn Dance at ‘Utopia’.

Also during February the Venture Scouts spent a weekend camping at Frith Grange. In preparation for their Easter trip to Snowdonia they went to practice tent pitching and cooking lightweight food. However, they got more than they bargained for as they were met with freezing conditions and 2 inches of snow.

The last event of the Group’s Jubilee celebrations took place on 1st March when they held a thanksgiving service at Christ Church, North Finchley. The service was attended by nearly 200 members, friends and supporters, as well as District Scouters and the Mayor Cllr. Vic Usher.

The District Cross-Country was held on the 21st March with the Venture Scouts winning the Miall Shield for the second year in succession.

The Group’s annual Dinner was held during March at the Thatched Barn in Elstree and was attended by over 160 people. During the evening Charlie Roberts presented a cheque for £1,000 (2025: £13,797 approx) to Mr Ivers, the area organiser for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. In return the Group received 4 framed photographs of the labradors to be trained using the money raised by the Group. One was named Charlie and the others Kim, Ricky and Akela.

 

More to follow.

 

Click here to view associated photographs and press cuttings

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Memories

Note: Some of the memories below are not a direct result of this web site. They were originally published in ‘Our Story’, a book produced by the 15th Finchley to mark their centenary in 2019. It was felt that they are interesting enough to share with a wider audience.

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I remember that, aged 5, I went to summer camp in 1939 with the 15th Finchley at Beer in Devon. My father was Ted Fensome, a Rover Scout aged 33, who was intent on spending his holiday camping with the Scouts. This provoked the following response:

…“then I’m coming too” said mum “and Marion and Joyce are coming too.” Nelly Spriggs, wife of Bomber Spriggs, said “and I’m coming too with Linda” their little girl.

I don’t know what is recorded but I reckon my mum put her foot down and probably said that if she didn’t go then neither could my father.

It did not seem appropriate for mothers and toddlers to be at the actual camp, up the hill, with the boys and men, so a bell tent was pitched at the bottom of the field for the mums and three girls.

We didn’t eat with the Scouts up the hill but they did come down to talk to us.

Marion Simpson (née Fensome)

(Extract from ‘Our Story’)

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When the war started we were fortunate to have our GSM, Charlie Roberts, in a prime occupation, so he kept the Group going with help from the Rovers before they were called up. Ken Stallworthy who lived in Stanhope Road opposite the Hall was also of a great help. In the first two or three years meetings were held on Saturday afternoons and then after the Blitz we reverted back to the evening. There were quite a few bombs dropped in the area and one that landed in Stanhope Road. This destroyed Ken’s house, but luckily he was at the Hall. 

After the Blitz and things had quietened down we still had to observe the blackout, so no lights could be shown. We covered our torch lens leaving just a slit so they could be turned on when we reached the kerb.

When the leader of the 5th Finchley at the Congregational Church in Nether Street was called up the Scouts came down to join in with our activities, then when he returned most of them went back to get the 5th going again.

Once the war was over the Rovers started to be demobbed, so the Old Boys section started up and this really flourished for many years, the last of them that had served in the war died in 2016. There was an annual Old Boys dinner for many years and 40 attended the one in 1951 at a restaurant in St. Martin’s Lane.

Derek Warren – 15th Finchley

(Extract from ‘Our Story’)

NOTE: Derek subsequently produced a booklet for the District that provided a more detailed account of the part played by the Scouts during the war. The booklet has been used by the history project as a key source for the article – ‘The War Years’.

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I joined the Cubs in 1938 and luckily it was the 15th under Ron Jackson (Akela) and Clem Fowler (Baloo) and this became the start of many years great Scouting. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Cubs and it was here that I met my lifelong friend George Street

I moved on to the Scouts just after war broke out and it could be said that eventually ‘Utopia’ became my second home. Gradually my time became taken up with troop meetings, weekend hikes, and wonderful summer camps. Being war time there were other activities, such as paper salvage collections all around the High Road from shops, cinemas etc., with the Trek Cart on Saturday mornings, and erecting Morrison Table bomb shelters in local private houses on Saturday afternoons. All the time with a great group of friends, my fellow Scouts. 

Our GSM was the wonderful Charlie Roberts holding everything together with the inspiring ASM Alan Fensome. The older members of course had to join the forces during this period. George (Tigers) and I (Stags) became very competitive but always the best of pals. 

A particular memory of mine was the summer camp at Beer in Devon. At the end of this enjoyable and eventful camp Alan and I decided, as we had another week of holiday left, not to go home with the others, but to walk home as far as we could in the time left to us. One particular event I remember very well was crossing Salisbury Plain and after a night in a cowshed we arrived quite early in the morning at Stonehenge and we just wandered around completely on our own – it was all open and free in those days, magical. Eventually after 175 miles our time was running out and our route was becoming more built up, so we caught a train in Farnham, Surrey and made our way home. What a week and we enjoyed every minute.

Later on I became a Rover, under the kind Gedda Game and finally on to the Old Boys. I have so much to thank Scouting for. Although our adventures were not very sophisticated, for boys of my age at quite a difficult time they were character building and great fun, and for that I must thank the 15th.

Stewart Fraser – 15th Finchley

(Extract from ‘Our Story’)

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We had a summer camp at Hunters Inn in Devon in 1956. We Scouts travelled by coach, in those days many Troops went to camp in the back of a removal van with all their kit. I believe that Alan Fensome, rightly, thought that this was dangerous. We stuffed all our personal kit and some communal bits into the coach. In those days coaches did not have capacious storage under the floor. The rest of the kit was put into a trailer that Alan’s brother Howard was going to tow. Much of what we used then was ex-army, nothing light-weight so the load was extremely heavy. On the way Howard had to climb Porlock Hill. If I remember correctly he had a Ford V8 Pilot which for that time was a powerful car. However, the trailer was very very heavy and he stalled part way up and could not make further progress. But Howard was a resourceful man, and he remembered that his car had a lower gear in reverse than in 1st. So he turned the car round, tied (yes, there was of course plenty of rope in the trailer) the trailer to his front bumper and continued the journey up the hill in reverse. At the top he reverted to normal forward motion and arrived at the campsite without undue delay. I was in the coach so did not see this heroic action, so perhaps there is someone out there who can correct my tale.

Clive Seymour – 15th Finchley

(Extract from ‘Our Story’)

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Looking back over my time there were many enjoyable occasions and events but a few stand out in particular. One was my first summer camp in 1956 at the Hunters Inn in North Devon. The site was in a valley between two steep wooded slopes and a river flowing alongside the field, a really picturesque location. There were loads of activities and wide games to keep us occupied but my overriding memory was of the older Scouts and Rovers being allowed free time, resulting in them making a visit to a local Inn. I am not sure whether they had permission but they returned a couple of hours later clearly having enjoyed themselves. 

The summer of 1956 was a very wet one but that night it took on a more sinister turn because gales of over 60 mph swept through valley. As the older lads spent the evening giggling and recounting their trip to the Inn I and another rookie were deputed to hold on to the ridge poles to ensure the tent did not disappear. Luckily our tent stayed upright but others on the site were less fortunate and there was a bit of damage and a few soreheads the following day. 

A few years ago I took my family and small grandson back to the Hunters Inn. I gave it a big introduction but was disappointed to find that the hillsides were nowhere nearly as steep as I remembered and the field we camped in was now an overspill car park for the Inn. 

John Niblett – 15th Finchley

(Extracts from ‘Our Story’)

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