group history
93 years of wadsley scouts!
The Group History pages chart what is known of the 150th since it began in 1925. Please enjoy reading these pages. If you are an former member and have extra information on the history of our Group, we would love to hear from you. Please use our contact form here.
The First 25 Years (1925 - 1950)
150th started in March 1925. One local family, the Bulls, played a big part in running the group during the early years.
Although records covering the first 25 years have mostly been lost, it is known that the 150th had a Scout Troop, Cub Pack and members of could also enjoy being part of the 150th Bugle Band!
In the 1940s, a soldier returning from World War Two was ill for some time. He was in hospital near Wadsley and, on his walks to build himself back up, came upon the Scouts playing in the churchyard. He got talking to them and so began on of the most successful periods that the group has known. His name was 'Paddy' Bryan and he quickly became an Assistant Scout Leader. He was noted for his technical ability and his training was excellent. This helped the Scout Troop to win many competitions and gain lots of badges.
Whilst the years immediately after the war were hard on British people, the Cub Pack continued to thrive, run by Peggy Stringfield. Favourite activities were games on Wadsley Common, Bonfire night and day outings to the pantomime. One difference back then was that Cubs never ever went on camp then as they were too young!
The building that we now think of as the church hall was in fact a junior school. A large bomb shelter stood in the yard as a reminder of the war. Where this stood can still be seen in the church yard and, whilst it was never hit during the war, the group bonfire takes place upon its foundations every November. Around the back of the Church Hall stood the outdoor toilets which were cold. This was normal in a time when most houses had outdoor toilets.
Click here for the second 25 years (1950 - 1975).
Although records covering the first 25 years have mostly been lost, it is known that the 150th had a Scout Troop, Cub Pack and members of could also enjoy being part of the 150th Bugle Band!
In the 1940s, a soldier returning from World War Two was ill for some time. He was in hospital near Wadsley and, on his walks to build himself back up, came upon the Scouts playing in the churchyard. He got talking to them and so began on of the most successful periods that the group has known. His name was 'Paddy' Bryan and he quickly became an Assistant Scout Leader. He was noted for his technical ability and his training was excellent. This helped the Scout Troop to win many competitions and gain lots of badges.
Whilst the years immediately after the war were hard on British people, the Cub Pack continued to thrive, run by Peggy Stringfield. Favourite activities were games on Wadsley Common, Bonfire night and day outings to the pantomime. One difference back then was that Cubs never ever went on camp then as they were too young!
The building that we now think of as the church hall was in fact a junior school. A large bomb shelter stood in the yard as a reminder of the war. Where this stood can still be seen in the church yard and, whilst it was never hit during the war, the group bonfire takes place upon its foundations every November. Around the back of the Church Hall stood the outdoor toilets which were cold. This was normal in a time when most houses had outdoor toilets.
Click here for the second 25 years (1950 - 1975).