15th 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 15th Finchley started life as a Scout Troop in 1919 and was originally known as the 15th Finchley and Hendon BP Scout Group. The first Scout Master was Mr McNeill who was assisted by Mr 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.
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 as the leader, a position he was to hold until 1927 when he departed.
The camp in 1920 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.
During 1922 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 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’.
The local press provided a short report of the Troop’s summer camp at Walton-on-the-Naze in 1924 that was attended by less than the usual number. This was due to several members of the Group being away, including Theodore 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.
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.
Major changes took place in 1927. Theo Schmidt departed and Mr McKeown (known as Mac) became the Scout Master. ‘Pa’ Lee also 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. Finally, 1927 was the year that the Group started a Wolf Cub Pack.
The Troop had also been through a lean period with the number of Scouts, at one stage, being reduced to 10, and with the Band 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 in the late 20s and early 30s that better premises were needed, so the Group were again on the look-out for a new HQ.
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 Poingdestre, 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 the 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 9 p.m. and lights out was at 10 p.m.
In 1933 they again spent on Jersey but this time 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 their 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 untiring 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 15th 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 of 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 15th Finchley arena contribution was called ‘Keep Fit – A Burlesque’.
1938 also saw the investiture of the Rover Crew. Initially there were nine Squires under the leadership of Jimmy Keep and before long they had arranged an overseas trip. Five Rovers and Scouters – Charlie Roberts, Jimmy Keep, Alec Keep, John Brown & Frank Cannon – went to Copenhag
en and were guests of the 1st Hørsholm Group. This merry five 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 Group.
During January 1939 rehearsals started for another show, entitled “Again at Eight”. This took place on the 7th and 8th March at the Woodside Hall, North Finchley and, as with previous show most of the songs and music was 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 Scout Master got married. The Cubs, Scouts and Rovers provided a Guard of Honour and the reception was held at ‘Utopia’.
A big project 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.
The Group’s 21st birthday was celebrated with a supper in ‘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, being dispatch riders, stretcher bearers and erecting air raid shelters. A lot of time was 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 5th Finchley had been called up, their Scouts temporarily joined forces with the 15th. Charlie Roberts 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.
Sadly, in August 1942 Frank Canon, 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 15th Finchley Stag Patrol (led by PL David Butler of the 5th Finchley) were successful in winning the trophy.
The census figures for 1943 showed that there were 25 Cubs, 32 Scouts (including those of the 5th Finchley) and, due to National Service, only 1 Rover.
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 his 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 of the Forces members who had recently been demobbed. According to the press report more than 100 Scouts and supporters attended the event.
It is not until May 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.
Straddling the actual Jamboree was the arrival of the Ceylon [now Sri Lanka] 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 Cub Master.
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.
There are only three 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.
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 was 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 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 press coverage with the tag line ‘Good Camping Country’. There was 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 dancing there were games and amusing competitions to keep everyone happy.
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.
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 was one of the last functions that 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 that 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 (Cllr. 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, they 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 Kitwells 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. Martin’s Lane and a photograph from that occasion has survived that 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 each 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.
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 the first 5 months of 1953 5 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.
39 Scouts and Rovers attended the summer camp that was held on the south coast of Guernsey. Although there were a few wet days during the first week, the rest of the time was filled with glorious sunshine. The local press were good enough to provide a short report.
The only other information we have for 1953 is that later in the year they 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 was flourishing (with 34 boys and 14 on the waiting list) under the leadership of Arthur Withey and won the District Sports for the second year in a row. The Scouts held their summer camp at Bishop’s Frome in the Wye Valley. There were a total of 30 in the party that was led by Alan Fensome and included some Rovers. A party of Rovers and old boys under the leadership of Charlie Roberts went to Oslo to spend time with some Norwegian friends.
The only down side about the year was that with just 10 boys a drum and bugle band that had earlier been formed, attracting several recruits, was disbanded.
There are no records covering 1955 and again, a limited amount for 1956. In January Graham Hepworth gained his Queen’s Scout Badge and in May Paul Shanks gained his. Summer camp was held at Hunters Inn, North Devon, where they endured some stormy weather.
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.
However, as far as the 15th were concerned the big events of the year 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 Scouts and Scouters, hosted by the District, prior to their attending the World Scout Jamboree. 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 done by Howard Fensome.
With regards to the Jamboree 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.
More to follow.
Click here to view associated photographs and press cuttings
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.
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’)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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’.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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’)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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’)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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’)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
