4th Golders Green
The 4th Golders Green was one of eight Groups, plus the Speedwell Venture Scout Unit, that merged with Finchley and Friern Barnet on the 1st April 1971. This was the result of Golders Green being unable to continue as a separate District and resulted in the creation of Finchley, Friern Barnet and Golders Green District.
The 4th were an open Group sponsored by All Saints’ Church in Childs Hill. Their scarf consisted of black and white halves and they met in the church hall in Church Walk.
Although this article is about this particular Group, formed in 1968, it is worth pointing out that they were the fourth Group to be attached to the church. The original Group started in 1914 under the name 23rd Hampstead and after shutting was later reformed in the 1930s. It survived until late in World War Two when their hut in Hendon Way was destroyed by a doodle bug. Dates as to the third incarnation are not known.
The earliest record we have found that relates to the 4th is an open meeting of Cub parents held on the 16th February 1968. The meeting hosted by Mr Stan Ellis (GSL), Mr L Morris (CSL), Mrs Kate Munden (ACSL) and the Rev. W C A Povey, aimed to provide the parents with basic information about Scouting and how the Group should officially operate. Mr Beswick, from the 8th Golders Green, was the guest speaker and provided all the necessary information. A month later another meeting was held at which the committee was elected.
Minutes from the meeting held during 1968 reveal that the Pack was progressing well. The boys had done well during Bob-a-Job week and enjoyed outings to the British Transport Museum, the Speedwell Telephone Exchange and London Zoo. They had also, jointly with the 3rd Golders Green, watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and been to Gilwell Park for the Cub Open Day.
There was also plenty of talk about starting a Scout Troop and although an exact date is not known, Stan Ellis the GSL, and a new recruit, Richard (Dick) Webb, got things going during 1969.
At the Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 1970 it was reported that there were 30 Cubs, five of whom had gained their Gold Arrow, the highest Cub award possible. They had done some camping and hoped to do more. The Scouts numbered 14 and they too had held several weekend camps, with another planned for Whitsun.
At a meeting in November it was reported that a sponsored walk had raised £64. Attendees were also advised about the possible merger with Finchley and Friern Barnet.
At the Group’s AGM in March the following year it was confirmed that Golders Green District would merge with Finchley and Friern Barnet. A Pack Holiday for the Cubs was planned and the Patrol Leaders and their Seconds would be camping at Phasels Wood in the near future. The Scouts would also be holding their summer camp at Boidier Hurst, a camp site owned jointly by Epsom and Ewell District and Leatherhead District Scout Councils. Dick Webb was also presented with his Scout Leader warrant and, following a growth in the Group, a plea for more leaders was made.
At the time of the District merge the Group had 17 Scouts, 25 Cubs and 4 leaders; the leaders being Stan Ellis (GSL), Dick Webb (SL) Mr Morris (CSL) and Kate Munden (ACSL).
The weekend Scout camp went well and it was reported that they had ‘tasty meals’. They were therefore looking forward to their summer camp. The Cubs’ Pack Holiday was though thrown into doubt following the resignation of Mr Morris but after Stan Ellis obtained permission from the District Commissioner he was allowed to take them away.
A year later (March 1972) the number of Scouts had dropped by 1 to 16 and the number of Cubs by 4 to 21. Apart from the need for more leaders, the Group minutes suggest that all was progressing well.
Things remained pretty much the same over the next 3 years with regular camps, outings and fund raising events taking place. However, during 1974 the 2nd Golders Green numbers had dropped and for a while joint meetings with them were held. By 1975 though the Cub numbers at the 2nd were sufficient for them to continue on their own, but their Scout Troop was forced to close.
At the AGM in 1975 successful Scout camps were again mentioned but there was no reference as to where they were held. The Cubs had been taken on a flight from Gatwick to the Isle of Wight, although it is not clear if they landed or just flew over the Island before returning home. They had also had an outing to the RAF Museum at Hendon.
During the year a new Union Flag and Scout Flag were purchased and dedicated during a Church Parade service. Weekly subscriptions were increased from 5p to 10p and the Group Chairman reminded parents that Leaders were not paid, and they gave their time freely.
More to follow.