NOTE: This article is about the 5th Finchley that was formed in 1935 at the Congregational Church, North Finchley. However, it should be mentioned that the number 5 had been used on at least two previous occasions.

The first appearance is in the District census for 1921 (the earliest we have found) and shows a 5th Finchley (subtitled 81st North London), with the registration number 2645. At that time there was also a 2nd Finchley. The meeting place of both was not recorded. In 1922 the two Groups still existed but Mr R Fouracre was named as one of the leaders of the 5th Finchley (81st NL). From a press cutting some years later we learn that during the course of the following year the 2nd Finchley and 5th Finchley merged.  The census for 1924 supports this as there is no 5th Finchley listed; the 2nd Finchley is using the registration number 2645 and it is now subtitled 81st North London.

In 1926 and 1928 the 5th Finchley reappears in the census but with a new registration number and is noted as being a Roman Catholic Group that met at St Alban’s Church in Nether Street. However, the District Annual Report for 1929/30 notes that they ceased to exist, having merged during the year with the 7th Finchley. The only other information known is that they comprised about 15 Scouts and in 1929 they entered the District Sports.

In April 1935 at a meeting of the District Executive it was resolved “that the registration of a controlled Group in connection with the Congregational Church, North Finchley be approved”. It was also resolved “that the new Group be known as the 5th Finchley Group”. However, it is not known who was responsible for requesting the formation of the Group.

The first Scoutmaster (SM) was Charles Sanders and at the time of the census later in the year, he was recorded as leading six Scouts. It has later been discovered that three of those boys were A Chettle, J Cooper and D Bradford. Within a year the number of Scouts was up to 12 and L B (Basil) Pilgrim had become an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM).

Later in 1936 the Troop held a summer camp in the New Forest at Boldre, near Lymington in Hampshire. This was a joint venture with the 8thand the 18th Finchley, with there being 3 leaders and 30 boys. Charlie Sanders was away and unable to attend so the boys from the 5th were under the care of the new ASM Basil Pilgrim, who had never been camping before, and Harry Sanders, a younger brother of Charlie who was recruited to help. In October Charlie Sanders resigned as the SM.

On the census at the end of September 1936, in addition to the Troop with 12 Scouts it was recorded that the Cub Pack had been started with 2 leaders, one of whom was W R Wykes. Interestingly though, there were no Cubs.

In April 1937 nine members of the Group entered the District Cross Country and were fairly successful. They finished third overall but Basil, who was now the SM, won the race for those over the age of 19.

In June W C Burton became an ASM and, in addition to being the SM, Basil also undertook the duties of the Group Scout Master (GSM).

The Troop’s Summer Camp was held in Fulking, Sussex but unfortunately there is no report of the event.

There were census figures for 1937 but it is known that during October W R Wykes had to resign due to ill health. However, the District AGM report noted the Group as having ‘made great strides during the year’. The year finished with a Parents’ Evening in November.

Summer Camp was held in the Wye Valley and a highlight of that was a trip to a local coal mine where they were shown around the surface workings. Later in the year the Group held another successful concert and launched a regular magazine. At Christmas they organised a party for 24 poor boys.

By 1940 the Group had started its own Rover Crew with Charles Sanders as their leader (RSL), but with the war underway things were getting more difficult. The Scouts did however manage to hold a camp at Tolmers, Cuffley during August and a report of this appeared in the local press.

After Basil was called-up the Troop continued under the leadership of G Butler and Derrick Ascott who had become the Group’s first King’s Scout. Eventually though with 6 leaders on active service, including Basil, the Scouts joined the 15th Finchley on a temporary basis.

Following the death of the Chief Scout, Baden-Powell in 1941 the District held a memorial service at St Mary’s Church in Finchley. A note from the Group records states that 30 Cubs and Rovers marched to the service from Nether Street, North Finchley.

Basil, who was in India, started a war time newsletter in order to keep in touch with the Group as much as he could. In addition, while serving he met several other old Scouts and was responsible for starting the 1st Balochistan HQ Rover Crew (now in Pakistan).

News about the 5th during the remainder of the war is rather thin although it is known that the Cubs won the Sports in 1942, and shortly before they had to stop meeting, in 1943, there were still 15 Cubs.

One interesting snippet from 1943 though is that although the 15th Finchley Stag Patrol won the District Patrol Competition, the Patrol Leader was David Butler, a member of the 5th Finchley who later became the second member of the Group to become a King’s Scout.

In March of 1944 there was sad news when it was reported that Derrick Ascott, aged just 20, had lost his life while serving as a Trooper with the Royal Armoured Corps. A memorial plaque was subsequently installed at the Congregational Church. Although still there in 2017 it was removed during renovation work and as yet (2024) has not been put back.

In 1946 Basil was demobbed and upon his return he found that there were still 6 boys wearing the 5th Finchley scarf at their joint meetings with the 15th Finchley. These boys together with 6 more from the church enabled the Troop to resume on the 12th November. They formed 2 Patrols with A Bullock and J Baxter as the Patrol Leaders. The Cub Pack was also able to get going again, thanks to Mrs Ivy Moore who had moved to the area, having previously been a Cub Master (CM) in Harringay.

Numbers steadily increased at the start of 1947 and by the time of the census at the end of March there were 22 Cubs, 16 Scouts and 6 leaders, including F Page and N Pashley who had joined the Group for a short while as ASMs.

Over the Easter weekend at the start of April, Basil went hiking with 3 Patrol Leaders and two Seconds. Their journey that included the Bridgewater Monument on the Ashridge Estate, Ivinghoe and St Albans, started at Berkhamsted and ended in North Finchley. The local press provided a report of the hike.

Later in the month the Cubs and Scouts, jointly with the 8th North Finchley Guides and Brownies who also met in the Congregational Church Hall, staged a concert over two nights. The press provided a short favourable report. It should perhaps also be mentioned that the leader of the Guide Company was Betty, who Basil had married early in 1946.

The District Scout Sports were held during July with the Senior Scouts winning their section of the event. As a result they had a share of the Nellie Allen Lane Shield which they were able to hold for 4 months of the year.

The Scouts’ Summer Camp was held in Arundel Park, Sussex with the site being located on the banks of the River Arun near Amberly. A report in the press states that it was perfect camping weather. Although Basil accompanied the Troop to Sussex he had to leave after the first weekend as he, along with Charlie Roberts of the 15th Finchley, had been selected to assist Mr J Levens, the Assistant District Commissioner for Muswell Hill, as the leaders of the North London contingent at the World Scout Jamboree in France.

There is no more information about the Group until the end of March 1948, and the census. Numbers had continued to increase with there now being 27 Cubs and 23 Scouts. Over the next few months Alan Chettle became a new ASM and Ivy Moore, who had been leading the Pack finally changed her warrant from ACM to CM.

Just after Whitsun the local press carried a short report about Scouts camping over that period and mentioned that 20 members of the 5th Finchley had been to Barneswood, the Estate of Sir William Acland, in Welwyn. This became a regular location for later camps.

The 1948 summer camp was held at Boldre, near Lymington, the location of Basil’s first camp in 1936. The journey was made courtesy of a British Gas lorry on Saturday 24th July, although 2 of the Senior Scouts (Alan Bullock and Michael Crispin) cycled there the following day. Thanks to a handwritten report it is known that there was a river at the side of the camping field that was used for swimming and fishing. A raft was also built and launched by the Rev’d. Holder, the Group’s Chaplain, when he paid a visit. They played cricket against a Group from Southampton who were camping close by, and managed to pass various tests. A day was also spent visiting the Isle of Wight.

In October a press item announced that the Rovers were to start up again with the Rev’d. Holder as their leader. However, following some concern that his ministerial duties might not provide him with enough time to undertake the role fully, he withdrew his warrant application. This did not however stop a Crew being formed.

By the time of the next census (March 1949) there were 4 Rovers and the number of Scouts was up to 30. There were 5 Patrols and Eric Bussell had joined the Group as the SM, relieving Basil of some of the work he was doing at the same time as his GSM duties. The Group also benefited from the arrival of Freda Knott who had joined the leadership team as an ACM.

During May the District Executive gave their permission for the Group to start a separate section for their Senior Scouts.

There is no record of a summer camp in 1949 but there are of the District sports. The Troop was successful in winning the Scout Section and therefore entitled to hold the Nellie Allen Lane Shield for four months of the year.

There is unfortunately not a lot of information relating to 1950. There was a concert in May that the press considered to be very successful. Alan Chettle resigned as the ASM; having started evening classes he could no longer spare the time. Group numbers remained firm with 23 Cubs, 26 Scouts, 3 Senior Scouts and 5 Rovers. The census also recorded that during the year one King’s Scout Badge had been gained. This is believed to have been achieved by Jim Bishop.

Information relating to 1951 is also thin. In fact, all that we are aware of is that Freda Knott resigned as the ACM following her marriage and Heather Patterson took her place. We also know that another King’s Scout Badge was gained, this time by Anthony Crispin.

The Group’s 1952 concert was held during March at Baptist Hall, Dale Grove and as usual staged over 2 nights. All sections made valuable contributions that received praise in the report that subsequently appeared in the local press.

In May the Cub Pack gained 2 new Assistants when Tom Marshall and his wife Audrey joined the Group and applied for warrants. By now Alan Chettle had also returned to the Group as a leader of the Rovers.

Summer camp was held between the 9th and 18th August in North Wales. Despite the wet weather there was a very full programme which included the ascent of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Two local papers provided detailed reports of the successful event.

On the 13th December, thanks to the Scout and Guide Supporters’ Association, the Cubs, along with the Brownies of the 8th North Finchley, enjoyed a Christmas Party. There was plenty of food and games as well as a visit from Father Christmas.

The Group’s annual show was staged on the 6th and 7th February, slightly earlier in the year than usual. Once again all sections made a contribution and once again it was well received by the audiences and the local press. On the Saturday night, following the performance Basil presented Mr & Mrs Knight with Thanks Badges in recognition of the tremendous help they had given the Group Shows, particularly on the musical side, over the past several years.

During the first three months of the year Alan Chettle married Margaret Tuck. The Scout Group and Guide Company provided a Guard of Honour for the happy couple.

By the end of March the number of Cubs was up to 36. There were also 23 Scouts, 6 Senior Scouts and 5 Rovers

On the 5th May I Holding and J Weller were two of eight Finchley Scouts selected to provide help at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of a Royal Garden Party.

Later in May, at the District Annual General Meeting both Basil Pilgrim and Ivy Moore were awarded the Long Service Decoration. Basil had been a leader with the Group for more than 15 years, and although Ivy had only been with the 5th since 1946 her award also included the time she had been a leader in Harringay.

At the Queen’s Coronation on the 2nd June 1953, 10 Scouts from the Group; B Land, I Holding, W Bellenes, W Riley, J Weller, M Salmon, G Salmon, D Ashley, J Cooper and S Hughes, along with their SM Eric Bussell, had the privilege of being selected as part of the District contingent to sell programmes along the procession route. The area covered by the Finchley Scouts was the north side of Oxford Street.

For the first time the Senior Scouts and Scouts held separate summer camps. The Seniors Scouts departed for the Norfolk Broads on Saturday 8th August and the Scouts left for Corton near Lowestoft on Monday the 10th.

The Senior Scouts travelled by train to Brundall near Norwich together with three French Senior Scouts who were staying with one of the Group. They were joined there by a Rover Squire who had walked all the way from home the previous week and Basil who had travelled by road. From there they boarded the Wherry ‘Albion’ which was to be their home for a week while they explored the Broads. According to the press report they had a pleasant time that included plenty of swimming, and on the Tuesday a bus trip from Oulton to Lowestoft for a visit to the Scouts at their camp. After the Wherry had returned to Brundall and their final night on board they set off for the Norwich Scouts’ camping ground at Lakenham Old Hall where they spent the weekend camping. They finally made their way home on the Monday.

The Troop Camp at Corton was attended by 20 Scouts and their leader Eric, with transport there and back being by coach. During their 10 day trip they enjoyed visits to Lowestoft and Norwich Cathedral, entertained visitors and held two camp-fires. A separate press report covered that trip.

The 1954 Group Show was presented on the 26th and 27th March, and was very well received. All sections made contributions and a full report appeared in the press. After the second performance Mrs Jessop was presented with a Thanks Badge in appreciation of all the assistance she had given the Group over many years.

Group numbers remained high with there being 34 Cubs, 25 Scouts, 11 Senior Scouts and 4 Rovers at the end of March. There were also 7 leaders with Alan Bullock having become an a/ASM.

The Scouts and Senior Scouts spent the Whitsun weekend at Barnes Wood. A lot of time was spent on Scoutcraft with pioneering to the fore, with the Senior Scouts building a suspension bridge across a pond.. The Senior Scouts also built bivouacs and on the Sunday undertook a number of incidents for their Venturer Badge, which Wilf Hewitt, who was visiting, had set for them. A report on the camp later appeared in the church magazine.

In July William (Bill) Bellenes became a Queen’s Scout and was presented with his Badge by the District Commissioner (DC), Cyril Allen at a special meeting on the 13th of the month. In addition to a report in the local paper the church magazine carried a more detailed one noting the various badges that Bill had to pass.

Later in the month Ivy Moore resigned as the CM and as the District CM as she was moving away from the area. Unfortunately we can find no record of any formal farewell or thank you gift.

On the 7th August the Senior Scouts set off on their summer expedition to the Lake District, on what was principally to be a hill walking trip. It was a joint affair with one Senior Scout from the 18th Finchley, a French Scout and four Senior Scouts from a Berkhamsted Troop. They were accompanied by Basil and Mr G Napier from Doncaster, who was to be their guide in the hills.

A comprehensive report of their adventure appeared in the local paper telling of trips to Ambleside and Keswick that were in addition to the climbs, which included Harrison Stickle, Wansfell Pike, the Langdale Pikes and Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England at an elevation of 3,209 ft. (978 metres) above sea level.

On Monday the 16th August 26 Scouts left for their 10 day summer camp which was held on the Isle of Wight at Freshwater. Their trip included outings to Alum Bay and Carisbrooke Castle as well as an evening 50 mile coach tour that took in Shanklin and Sandown where they were able to enjoy boating and putting. However, it was the weather that dominated the camp with 3 inches of rain falling on the Saturday which caused the Troop to temporarily evacuate to Heathfield House, a derelict country home. Later that evening they went into town to observe the aftermath and witnessed firemen pumping flood water from shops.

In November Tom Marshall became the CM.

The year ended on a high with Ian Holding gaining his Queen’s Scout Badge. The Badge was presented by the DC, Cyril Allen at a special meeting held on the 16th December.

There is little news relating to the first half of 1955. Census figures were very much the same as those in 1955, Jean Halsey joined the Group as a new ACM and Queen’s Scout Bill Bellenes revealed a hidden talent as a wood carver by making a new Totem Pole with a wolf’s head for the Cub Pack.

We also have some photographs of the Cub Pack at Belchamps Scout Camp site in Hockley, Essex. However, the actual date of the camp is not known.

The local press again carried full reports of both the Scouts’ Summer Camp and the Senior Scouts’ Expedition. The Scouts spent the 15th to the 25th August at a campsite about two miles from Folkestone and enjoyed continuous fine weather. The Senior Scouts went to Cornwall and camped at a site overlooking the Percuil River and St Mawes. They spent most of their time visiting the nearby towns and sights, most of which was done by bicycle.

At the time of the 1956 census (31st March) there were 36 Cubs, 25 Scouts, 10 Senior Scouts and 7 Rovers, and all of them played a role in the show that they staged around then. With 1956 being the Group’s 21st anniversary they did their best to show the ‘Ancient and Modern’. The press deemed it to be their ‘best ever’ and after the second performance a surprise presentation of a barometer was made to Basil, who had been with the Group since 1935.

Over the Easter weekend the Scouts camped at Tolmers, the Scout Camp at Cuffley. The weekend was principally devoted to pioneering, which over the years, Basil had become very good at. They built a Monkey Bridge that proved, upon testing, to be very robust.

More pioneering was undertaken over the Whitsun camp that was held at Barnes Wood. On that occasion they built a Light Pole Bridge with an Aerial Runway.

We have no record of the Scout Troop’s summer camp but there is a lengthy press report of the Senior Scouts’ Expedition to the Derbyshire Moors. Their camp site was on a farm a couple of miles outside Sheffield, from where they visited local attractions that included Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House and the caves at Castleton. 

Plenty of walking was also undertaken with the first being on the Sunday, the day after their arrival. They hiked over Highlon Hill and across Eyam Moor to Eyam Village, often referred to as the plague village. In 1665, after the arrival of some infected cloth from London and the death of a tailor, the residents, led by the Rev’d. William Mompesson, decided to quarantine the entire village to prevent the plague spreading further. In the evening they attended the service at the parish church where the names of all those that died are recorded.

Later in the week Mr Napier, the hill walking guide from Doncaster, arrived to assist with the more strenuous trips. He had previously assisted when the Senior Scouts had visited the Lake District in 1954.

In October, to celebrate their 21st birthday, the Group held a Dinner and Dance at the Prince Albert Hotel in Golders Green. The guests included the Deputy Mayor Cllr. Bill Hart and his wife, the DC Cyril Allen and his wife and some Scouts from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Austria. During Basil’s speech he said how difficult it was becoming to put Scouting over because of television, the cinema and clubs which young people can join readily. He also pointed out that one year 75% of his Senior Scouts needed to attend evening classes on the same night the Group met.

The following month the celebrations continued when the Group held an open evening that started with some games and the presentation of badges. Following the interval and refreshments and a resume of the Group’s history by Basil, everyone was invited to review the exhibition before films of the Scouts’ Whitsun camp and the 1951 Jamboree were shown. The following evening a special joint church service was held with the 8th North Finchley Guides.

Although we can find no press cuttings or reference in the Group records it is known from District records that during 1956 three more Scouts gained their Queen’s Scout Badge. Godfrey Salmon gained his towards the end of the year while Derek Ashley and John Trimmer gained theirs a few months earlier.

1957 was the Jubilee of Scouting and the District organised several events to celebrate this, which included all Groups opening their doors to the general public between the 25th February and 2nd March. For this the 5th Finchley Cubs and Scouts joined together to present a pageant of Scouting entitled ‘My Chosen Way’. It showed a new boy joining the Cub Pack and his progress through to the Scout Troop. After the show Godfrey Salmon was presented with his Queen’s Scout Badge by the DC.

In June Lord Rowallan, the Chief Scout, was honoured by having a train named after him. The ceremony took place at Euston Station where John Garside and Alan Hall, from the 5th, were part of a 20 strong Guard of Honour that included 5 other Scouts from Finchley.

The 9th World Scout Jamboree held at Sutton Coldfield from the 1st – 12th August, marked dual anniversaries. Not only was it the 50th anniversary of Scouting but also the 100th anniversary of the birth of Robert Baden-Powell. 13 Scouts from Finchley were selected to attend the event and John Garside from the 5th was one of them. At the same time and location the 6th World Rover Moot took place with Godfrey Salmon from the 5th and Eric Garside the District Rover Scout Leader representing Finchley.

The Jamboree operated an ‘open door’ policy allowing visitors every day. The senior Scouts wanted to take full advantage of this but also wanted to explore the South Derbyshire Dales. They found a campsite beside the River Dove in the grounds of Abbotsholme Public School at Rocester, Staffordshire, within striking distance of both places. Once again the local press provided a detailed report of their trip that included three separate visits to the Jamboree.

In addition Tom Marshall the CM and his wife Audrey the ACM organised a day’s coach trip for parents and friends of the Group to visit the Jamboree.

Eric, the SM, and 17 Scouts held their summer camp at the little village of Corton, Suffolk at a site the Troop had previously used in 1953. A short report appeared in the press that said most of the Scouts would like to return there again.

The annual Camping competition was held at Frith Grange in September and for the first time ever, the 5th Finchley Patrol finished jointly in first place with the 10th and 12th. This meant that the DC had to carry out one final inspection and resulted in the 10th being awarded the Alexander Trophy. The 12th were declared the runners-up with the 5th being placed 3rd.

At the start of November Roland Grayson gained his Queen’s Scout Badge which was presented to him by Wilf Hewitt on behalf of the DC at a special meeting of the Scouts, Senior Scouts and Rovers. This did not receive press coverage although an article did appear in the church magazine. It later transpired that Roland was the only Scout in the District to gain this Badge during 1957.

During January 1958 Patricia Halsey and Ann Porter applied for warrants as ACMs but Jean Halsey resigned.

At the end of March there were 33 Cubs, 24 Scouts, 5 Senior Scouts and 6 Rovers. During April Roland Grayson was selected to take part in the St George’s Day Parade at Windsor.

In April Eric resigned as the SM and Tom Marshall took over that role. Tom’s wife Audrey then became the CM.

On the 7th June a ‘Meet the Chief’ Rally was held at Hendon Aerodrome with more than 5,000 Cubs and Scouts from North West London in attendance. There were many displays including several from Finchley, one of which was a Monkey Bridge built under the guidance of Basil. After the Chief had tried it out an amusing conversation between the Chief and a young Cub took place, which was subsequently reported in the local press.

Both Tom and Audrey Marshall completed their Wood Badge training and along with Peter Davis (20th Finchley) & R Gandy (11th Finchley) were presented with their ‘Beads’ and certificates at a meeting of all the District Wood Badge holders. By gaining this Badge they automatically became members of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group and later in the year they attended the annual re-union camp at Gilwell Park.

During August a party of Rovers, Senior Scouts and Patrol Leaders, led by Basil, Tom & Audrey, spent two weeks in Kandersteg, Switzerland, camping in the grounds of the Scouts International Chalet. They were accompanied by Basil’s wife Betty and a friend, who stayed locally in an hotel. A lengthy article in the press provided a day by day account of their adventure which included a mix of hiking and visiting the local attractions.

In January 1959 John Garside gained his Queen’s Scout Badge and was presented with it by Tom Tivendale, the Assistant County Commissioner for Senior Scouts at Senior Scout get-together, held at Finchley Lodge, the District Headquarters.

A couple of months later Basil was awarded the Medal of Merit in recognition of his outstanding service to Scouting over the past 22 years. This received a mention in both the local press and the church magazine. At the same time, Tom and Audrey became District Leaders for the Scouts and Cubs respectively, an obvious reflection on the good work they were doing with the 5th.

Over the Whitsun weekend a total of 44 Scouts, Senior Scouts and Rovers camped at Woodhall Park, Watton at Stone, although the Rovers and Senior Scouts did camp separately from the Troop. Unfortunately there is no formal report of the event.

The Cubs also went camping during the year and although it is known that the venue was Frith Grange the exact date is not recorded. The Cubs also provided entertainment, in the form of a tumbling display, at the District’s Open Day event that was also held at the camping ground.

The Scouts 1959 summer camp was held at Marchwood near Southampton between the 15th July and 3rd August. 27 Scouts, 2 Senior Scouts and 3 leaders were in camp.

On the 27th August the Senior Scouts set off for Scotland on their summer expedition. In addition to the lads from the 5th they were joined by 3 Senior Scouts from the 6th Finchley and one from the 10th Finchley. They were led by Basil with assistance from John Trimmer, who was now an ASM with the Senior Scouts, and Eric Garside, the ADC Rovers, who also acted as the camp Quartermaster. Their base was a campsite by the side of Loch Earn in the Central Highlands. Several days were spent mountain climbing but on one day they set off early for a tour that included a train journey to Callendar, a steamer on Loch Katrine, a trip to Loch Lomond, and another boat trip before returning by train via Glasgow.

John Herbert later became the newest Queen’s Scout. He had originally joined the Group as a Cub and after gaining his 1st Class Badge as a Scout was determined to become a Queen’s Scout. He was also determined to stay with the Group as a leader and to help the younger Senior Scouts with their training.

There was no doubt that the 5th were definitely doing something right as Group numbers continued to remain strong. At the end of March 1960 there were 35 Cubs, 28 Scouts, 8 Senior Scouts but only one Rover. Additionally Peter Barnes and John Garside had become ASMs.

The District Cross Country race was held on the 9th April. The 5th entered a team of 4 in the Scout race but did not feature. However, in the Senior Scout race, for the Arthur Miall Shield, the team of 3 (Richard May, Brian Dixon and Malcolm Wilford) won, beating the 10th Finchley by one point.

The following weekend (Easter) the Senior Scouts hiked part of the 119 mile Pilgrims’ Way in South East England. There are a few photos, including one of Basil with some of the hikers, but nothing more is known about the trek.

At the St George’s Day Parade later in the month it was the turn of the 5th Finchley to lead the parade and have the honour of carrying the Queen’s Colour. Appropriately the service was held at the Congregational Church.

Nine Senior Scouts spent the 23rd July to 1st August camping at Keswick in the Lake District with one thing in mind – the ascent of Scafell Pike. A press cutting gives details of that event and says that prior to the big day they took every opportunity to reach the high standard of physical fitness that was needed.

Later in August the 18 members of the Troop spent a week camping at Bridport. They were joined by 6 Scouts from the 9th Finchley and 9 from the 25th Finchley.

On the 29th October the Group celebrated their 25th anniversary by holding a Dinner and dance in the Congregational Church Hall. There were 130 guests and in addition to the ‘chief’ guests there were leaders from other Groups, including ‘Pop’ Barclay of the 10th Finchley. During Basil’s remarks he said how lucky the Group had been to have Tom and Audrey Marshall as leaders with Tom having recently been appointed the ADC for Senior Scouts. During his toast to the guests he was pleased that three of the Group’s original Scouts from 1935 were also present, namely A Chettle, J Cooper and D Bradford.

Unfortunately two leaders resigned during the year, Ian Holding an ASM and Ann Porter an ACM.

In April 1961 Audrey Marshall was appointed the ADC for Cubs but fortunately for the Group she continued as CM of the 5th.

The Scouts camped at Barnes Wood over the Whitsun weekend but there is no further information about this. A little later Robert (Bob) Masters joined the Group as an ASM.

On the 4th August a party of 20 members of the Group flew to Norway. They were led by Basil, Tom and Audrey and camped at a site belonging to the 7th Stavanger Scout Group, their hosts for the 2 week visit. The stay included a hike to Pulpit Rock and an excursion over a few days that included a visit to Bergen. Once again the press provided a full report of the expedition.

A week after their return 24 Scouts set off for the summer camp at Angmering. They were joined by 6 Scouts and Mac Caithness, their leader, from the 9th Finchley. A short report appeared in the press that mentioned that they received a visit from Tor Mydland the SM of the 7th Stavanger Scout Group, who several of the party knew from the Group’s trip to Norway a few weeks earlier.

A couple of months later Tom became the ADC Scouts in addition to being the ADC Senior Scouts, as a result of which he resigned his role as SM of the Group. He had been a leader with the 5th for nearly 10 years during which time he had been the CM and for the last three years he had led the Troop.

During December more than 200 Cubs representing 14 Packs took part in the Inter-Pack Competition. This involved a number of tests based on their normal Cub training, which was organised and judged by Scouters from Islington. Marking was very close but the 5th Finchley came out in front by half a point and therefore won the Yates Cup.

The knock-out District Senior Scout Handball Competition also took place in December with the 12th Finchley, the current champions, expected to win. However, the 5th Finchley beat them in the semi-final and went on to win the competition beating the 10th Finchley 4-1 in the final. The trophy was presented to the winning team of John Porter, Michael Dixon, Raymond Collins and Brian Holding by Tom Marshall. 

The 15th annual London Senior Scout Cross Country championships took place at Wimbledon Common during January 1962. There were 102 runners representing 25 Districts and for the first time ever the team from Finchley won the event. Three members of the 5th, Richard May, R Collins and J Bartlett, were members of the team along with 2 from the 1st Finchley and 2 from the 15th Finchley.

In February 1962 John Porter, Richard Garside and Malcolm Wilford gained their Queen’s Scout Badge. Cyril Allen the DC presented the Badges at a special ceremony with the whole Group and supporters present. As an extra gift Basil also gave each of the lads a copy of the Chief Scout’s book ‘Rovering to Success’.

Around this time the Group gave a performance of ‘My Chosen Way’, a show they had previously staged in 1957 as part of their contribution to the Jubilee events organised by the District. It followed a boy’s progress from joining the Cubs at the age of 8 through to him becoming a Senior Scout at the age of 15.

Bob Masters, who had been in charge of the Scouts following Tom leaving, officially became the SM and Tom & Audrey’s daughter, Julie, joined the Group as an ACM. John Herbert who had a few years earlier expressed a desire to become an ASL with the Seniors finally did so.

During July the Group and the 8th North Finchley Guide Company held a joint Dinner at the Church Hall to celebrate their 27th anniversary. Following the meal prepared by the ladies of the Group committee there was dancing, with Bob Masters as the MC.

At the end of August the Scouts joined the 12th Finchley for their summer camp. There were 19 campers in all who spent a week on the south coast near Littlehampton.

At the start of September the Senior Scouts explored the Norfolk Broads. As the Senior Scouts had previously done in 1953 they enjoyed a week on the Wherry ‘Albion’ but on this occasion they were accompanied by some Senior Scouts from the 2nd Hertford. Their adventure was duly covered by the local press.

In December, for the second year running, the Senior Scouts won the Handball competition. The team of Raymond Collins, Brian Holding, Gerry Bartlett and Robert Browne, beat the 15th Finchley 9 – 5 in the final.

On the 8th February 1963 the District held a formal Dinner at B-P House for all those who had gained the Queen’s Scout Badge during 1962. Messrs Porter, Garside and Wilford attended with Malcolm Wilford proposing the toast to the Chief Scout.

For 2 nights in April the Group performed their show at Christ Church Hall, with all members taking part. It was well received by the audience and referred to by the local press as ‘hearty entertainment’.

Later in April Bob Newman had the honour of being one of the 16 Senior Scouts from Finchley who were selected to sell programmes at the Royal wedding of Princess Alexandra of Kent to Angus Ogilvy on the 24th April at Westminster Abbey, which by coincidence was his birthday.

On the 17th July another Senior Scout from the 5th, Brian Holding, was involved with another Royal event. On this occasion, under the leadership of Tom Marshall he and 4 others from the District went to Buckingham Palace to provide help at a Royal Garden Party. Together with 15 others from various parts of London they undertook duties that included opening car doors, collecting invitation cards and ushering.

Also during July Malcolm Wilford became an ACM but unfortunately Roland Grayson resigned as an ASM.

The Troop held their summer camp at Three Oaks, near Hastings between the 27th July and 5th August. Unfortunately there is no further information.

The Senior Scouts went to the Lake District and spent the last week of August camping at Borrowdale near Keswick. They were led by Basil and John Herbert with assistance from Joar Gronland, an Assistant Scoutmaster from Stavanger who had been a guide and interpreter when they camped in Norway in 1961. Despite experiencing some very bad weather, which resulted in tent damage, they still managed to do fell and hill walking, including the ascent of Scafell Pike.

There is hardly any information relating to 1964 with the main piece being the Senior Scouts’ expedition in September. This was a joint affair with Senior Scouts from the 9th, 14th and 16th Finchley Groups. They camped about a mile from the village of Zernez in the Swiss Alps and were led by Basil with assistance from John Herbert and Tom Marshall the ADC Senior Scouts. The trip included walking in the National Park and visits to Lake Como in Italy, St Moritz and Innsbruck.

It is also known that in December both Bob Masters the SM and John Herbert the Assistant Senior Scout Leader resigned. 

At the time of the census in March 1965 there were 34 Cubs, 18 Scouts and 5 Senior Scouts. The Rover crew had ceased to exist,

The Group’s 1965 show ‘Happy Land’ was a joint affair with the 8th North Finchley Guides. Performances were given to full houses on the 8th and 10th April at Christ Church Hall. The press gave a favourable review and were particularly pleased when the Scouts and Guides came together as a choir.

The Easter hike for Senior Scouts took place around Sevenoaks in Kent.

Both the Scouts and Senior Scouts, together with members of the 12th Finchley, held their summer camp in North Wales. They travelled by coach and camped in the Nant Gwynant Valley of Snowdonia. Basil was in charge with assistance from the ASMs Richard Garside and Peter Barnes, along with ACM Malcom Wilford who took responsibility for the Senior Scouts. In addition there was ASM John Evans from the 12th and Mr G Napier, a friend of Basil and known as ‘Bosun’, who went as the hike leader. During the latter part of the camp Wilf Hewitt, the ADC for Camps, joined them as a guest. As well as a coach trip to the Menai Bridge and the railway station with the longest name in the world, a day was spent ascending Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.  

In addition to a substantial report that appeared in the press, Malcolm also wrote an article for the church magazine. Both are included in the ‘Gallery’.

Following the transfer of 5 North London Groups to our Local Association, and the District changing its name from Finchley to Finchley and Friern Barnet, Audrey Marshall’s workload as ADC Cubs suddenly increased. As a result, in September she found it necessary to resign as CM of the Group, a role she had undertaken for 7 years, during which time the number of Cubs in the Pack had never fallen below 30.

Malcolm Wilford subsequently became the CM.

In October a joint Dinner with the 8th North Finchley Guide Company was held in the church hall to celebrate their 30th birthday. In Basil’s address he likened the Group to a Company and said that many had stopped during those 30 years and added that they (the 5th) were a very active Company but needed help. He hoped that that support would come enabling them to boost their numbers. After the Dinners a presentation was made to Audrey Marshall, who had recently resigned, in recognition of the 13 years of service that she had given to the Group.

More to follow.

Gallery

Click here to view associated photographs and press cuttings.

Memories

I will commence by recalling the first camp which the Troop ever had. This was held at Boldre near Lymington in the New Forest. The Camp was run in conjunction with the 8th and 18th Finchley Troops and together there were about 30 Scouts. Mr (Charles) Sanders, who was then the 5th SM, was away at the time and I was a newcomer to camping. As you know all camps start a long time before the actual tents are pitched and you can imagine how bewildered I was when I received various forms from Messrs Booth and Blakey (8th & 18th SMs). However I eventually managed to get these things settled and then hurriedly checked over my Speed Iron in readiness for the great day. The Scouts all went down by lorry, and from what I heard the speed limit was exceeded amid great encouragement from the boys. Mr Booth had a car in which believe Mr (Harry) Sanders travelled amid mountains of kit. I left Finchley about 2 o’clock and well remember being so excited that I ran out of petrol and had to push my motorbike for about half a mile.

Anyway I arrived in the mid and was greeted over the hedge by Ken Pibsworth, ASM of the 18th. Everybody else had apparently gone off into the forest to do a little exploring, but they soon came back and I saw many new faces.

I believe the Scouts from the 5th that attended this camp were: H Sanders ‘Bert’  (now SM) Derrick Ascott (now ASM), H. Judd (Nobby), Jack Rogers (Jerry), Ken Chettle, Ron Hart, Pete Cooper and Ted Butler (now ASM). I am not quite sure of all this, so if I have missed anybody out, please do not come down on me too heavily, as I have nothing to assist my memory with me here, although at home I have a photograph of the complete crowd. I can remember by name Prosser and Don Hutohett (who later joined the 5th) of the 8th. (The old 8th incidentally has passed on and a new 8th has happened – ED) Of the 18th I can remember Gundy, Luck, Tubby Dowe, Ken and Bob Harding. I can remember the faces of many more but one who comes especially to mind is a little boy of the 54th Bournemouth who attended the Camp, He was called 54 and was known for his confident and plucky manner, being a great favourite of us all.

Our Scouts slept in a tent together with a pet gramophone which had the habit of screeching forth at various moments, but I will tell more of this later. The 5th Scouters, of whom there were three, also slept in a tent together, but that also is a story for the next issue.

L B Pilgrim  GSM – 5th Finchley

(Taken from a 1941 War Time Newsletter)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I was a Scout with the 5th Finchley between 1961 and 1968 and have some very happy memories. Basil Pilgrim was our ‘Skip’ and he did a really great job at running the Troop. He was a man with a strong Christian faith and I can remember him once telling me not to blaspheme when I said to one of my Patrol (The Stags) – ‘For God’s sake don’t do that.’ Other Scouts I remember were Phillip Watkins (no relation), Robert Newman, Paul Davis and Malcolm Wilford who wanted to join the RAF.

I went on all Spring and Summer camps travelling in the back of a removal lorry sitting on all our kit. Spring camps were often at the permanent site at Barnes Wood. Our Summer camps could have been anywhere in the South East although one year we went to Switzerland. In 1966 though we went to Yorkshire and on the day of the World Cup Final a rock climbing session was arranged but ‘Skip’ had also arranged for the older boys to watch the football match on the TV at the house of a local Scout Leader. The only other leader at the 5th who mainly helped at camps was Pete Barnes. Pete was a nice guy who would make a big billy of cocoa each night and with his Tilley lamp take it around each tent providing a hot drink before sleep.

At District level I remember Wilf Hewitt who attended our meeting and camps on a few occasions. When we had to do the day hike as part of our “training” in order to prove we had followed the route at certain points we needed to find and sign a sheet of paper. These were hidden in jars or cigar tubes behind church benches or post boxes etc.. Apparently it was Wilf who placed and checked these. Skip would point out that we should be careful to ensure nobody saw us looking for them. And, when he camped with us he would sleep in the smallest one man bivouac I had ever seen.

Roger Watkins – 5th Finchley

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _