25th Hendon

Note: The following has been prepared from an article that appeared in the 1957 Hendon Local Association booklet that marked 50 years of Scouting. It was prepared at their invitation by Frank Griffiths, assisted by Lionel Siret and Jack Le Fort.

Mention of the 25th Hendon Group must include a reference to the St Paul’s Mill Hill Group originally known as the 23rd Hendon but which later became the 7th Hendon.

It was founded by Ken Hart, in conjunction with the Rev I MacDonald, and met at St Paul’s C of E School and the People’s Hall, Sanders Lane. In 1938, the Group was presented with the Old Soldiers’ Home in Bittacy Hill by Miss Alder of Finchley – this hall having been built by public subscription at the turn of the century as a club for soldiers. In 1940, these premises reverted to a Service Canteen and the Group returned to the Church Hall where it carried on under the leadership of Miss Denney, other Scouters being in the forces.

In 1946 Mr Hart returned to the Group which also moved back to the premises in Bittacy Hill. The Group closed down when the 25th Hendon Group was about to be formed. The 25th first used Canada Villa Youth Centre as its temporary headquarters, eventually in 1950, taking over the premises in Bittacy Hill.

The Scouters of the 25th included Messrs. Rivers and Oliver. Mr Firth, with Mr E Couchman are at present in charge.