Our Group History

Scouting in Bloxham

I have tried my best to make sure the information here is accurate but there may be some mistakes and for those I apologise.  If you can help fill in any of the details or correct any of the mistakes then please contact me at graham.duckworth@talk21.com. 

Details in Blue from 1910 to 1970 are taken from Trevor Parry’s book “Scouting for Banbury Boys” (Robert Boyd Publications, 2008) with grateful thanks to him for all his hard work.

1907

Baden-Powell held a camp on Brownsea Island in Poole, Dorset, to try out his ideas and brought together 20 boys from a variety of backgrounds. The success of the camp spurred him on to finish what would become a classic book of the 20th century. 

1908

Scouting for Boys was published in six fortnightly parts at 4d a copy. What had been intended as a training aid for existing organisations became the handbook of a new Movement, which secured the royal seal of approval the following year when King Edward VII agreed to the introduction of the King’s Scout Award.

1910

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the Headquarters Gazette of July 1910.

Banbury Guardian 14th April reported a combined exercise between the newly formed 1st Bloxham Troop and 1st Banbury Troop.

Local Press report 20th June: Bloxham lad called Brooks was saved from drowning at Wykham Mill by a Scout Patrol Leader, Henry Grinter who dived in, rescued him and then took young Brooks home.

The Banbury Advertiser 29th September (Report of “A Rally of the SCOUTS of Banbury & District) Troops represented included Bloxham, Scoutmasters present included Mr W Bradford (Bloxham) and Mr C Woodford (Bloxham) assistant scoutmaster.

1911

January 31st Scoutmaster Mr W Badford (village schoolmaster & choirmaster) is awarded his Scout leader warrant.

In February 1911 according to a return made to Scout Headquarters, the Banbury District consisted of two troops; 1st Banbury & 1st Bloxham with a total strength, including leaders of 67.

16th June Assistant Scoutmaster Mr R W Booth is awarded his Scout leader warrant.

1914 THE GREAT WAR (world war 1)

1916

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the Gilwell records of 1916 documents.

Scoutmistress for 1st Bloxham was Miss Hopkinson. Probably due to the 1st World War.

2nd Bloxham (Picture Below) "Bloxham School"

Scout master for 2nd Bloxham J H Stembridge (right) and Assistant Scoutmaster was Mr Alexander (left)

1928

Captain the Hon. Geoffrey Fiennes, eldest son of Lord & Lady Seye & Sele of Broughton Castle is Made District Commissioner.

Showing below that in 1928 the Group increased numbers adding both a Cub Pack and Rover Unit to the existing Scout Troop.

Picture below is from the Banbury Advertiser 21 June 1928

Picture below: Going past Merrivales Lane and Connie Hirons  June 11 1928

1929

Banbury Advertiser 4 April 1929:

Capt. J.D.Ward, C.A Scout Master of the Bloxham Troop of boy Scouts, met  with an unfortunate accident when engaged in Scout manoeuvres on Easter Monday. it appears that when jumping over a hedge he collided with two other Scouts and sustained concussion, from which however, he is gradually recovering in the Horton Hospital.

The photo below reportedly shows Capt. Wards funeral.  We know he was alive and working with the group as late as 1932, but we are not sure of the picture's date.  It looks like Captain Ward was buried with full military honours as a gun carriage has been used.   If you have any information we would love to know more.

August: The Coming of Age (3rd) World Jamboree at Arrowhead Park, Birkenhead was visited by 2nd Bloxham Troop and a small detachment from 1st Bloxham together with Geoffrey Fiennes.  It was called the "Coming of Age” Jamboree because it celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Scouting Movement. 

November: Bloxham School Scouts (2nd Bloxham) produced a film about Scouting with the help from Norman Blinkhorn, who was a professional photographer and the Scoutmaster L H Sutton, entitled “Wake Up and Scream”.

1930

The District organise a scout boxing tournament the finals being held at the Co-operative garage in Broad Street, Banbury with over 500 people in attendance.  1st Bloxham Scouts won the majority of the honours.

April 24th the Banbury Guardian report 1st Bloxham as the largest group in the County with 77 members.  “On Sunday the group paraded.  The sight of the scarlet & royal blue scarves and the sound of the bugle band coming up the street had it’s own thrills & glamour.”

December: 1st Bloxham at their annual concert show a film that has been made by their own cinematography  department.  It would appear that this was an experiment with a view to doing something more serious.

Leaders from around this period, believed to be:

Top left ? Top middle Mr Joe Callow   Top right ?

Middle left Lord Saye and Sele Middle centre left William Southam Middle centre right Fred Mawle Middle right Norman Blinkhorn

Bottom left ? Bottom middle Rev Ward Bottom right Leslie Clifton

1932

January: 1st Bloxham show “On the Track”, a full length (silent) feature film lasting 1hr 45mins at the Ex-Serviceman’s Hall, and was reported in the Banbury Advertiser & Banbury Guardian to rave reviews.  Stars included Lord Sale and Sele, Captain the Hon Geoffrey Fiennes and roped in “villain” assistant scoutmaster at 1st Bodicote Jim Lewis.  It would have been shown earlier however due to a fire much of the film was lost in a fire at Norman Blinkhorn’s studio and had to be remade.  No record of the film has yet been found!

1937

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the Gilwell records.

1939 World War II

1941

Baden Powell dies.  A memorial service was held at St Mary’s Church Banbury and was attended by Group Scout Leader F Mawle of 1st Bloxham plus over 500 other former Scouts & Guides.

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club:

Under "The Boy Scouts Roll of Honour" (details from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission)

Wireman, Ronald William Bridges.  Royal Navy.  Aged 22.  Lost with H.M.S. Hood. 24th May 1941.  1st Bloxham Scout Group.

P/MX 62163, Son of George and Mabel Bridges, of Bloxham, Oxfordshire, Remembered with Honour. Portsmouth Navel Memorial.

H.M.S. Hood was part of a fleet hunting the German Battleship the Bismarck which fired on the Hood.  The Hood sank in about three minutes, taking 1,415 men with her. Only three of her crew survived to be rescued.  The Bismarck was later sunk that day.

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the Gilwell records.

                                                            HMS Hood

                                              The German Flagship Bismarck

1945

By the end of World War II the only Scout Groups still operating were 1st Banbury (but only a Wolf Cub Pack), 3rd Banbury Scout Troop, 2nd Bloxham (All Saints), 1st Wardington & 1st Sibford.

1949

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the 1949 "Oxfordshire Boy Scouts Association Year book 1949"

1st Bloxham  Reg. No..... (not shown, thought to be 5809) 

(Open) i.e. not sponsored

Scarf: Green

H.Q.: Helen Hind Hall, Bloxham.

Meetings: Troop: 7.0 - 9.0 p.m., Wednesdays.

G.S.M.;  F. Mawle, 13 Council Houses, Bloxham.

2nd Bloxham (All Saints School)  Reg. No. 5810

(Sponsored)

Scarf: Black & White

H.Q.: All Saints School. Bloxham.

Meetings: Summer: 4.30 - 6.0 p.m., Thursday.

                Winter: 2.30 - 4.0 pm., Thursday.

                All the Year: 12.20 - 1.15, Monday

G.S.M.;  G.M. Bolton, All Saints School, Bloxham.

A.S.M.; C. Armour, All Saints School, Bloxham.

In the 1960's Presumably after 1965 "The three district school based groups closed, these were 3rd Banbury, 2nd Bloxham and 2nd Sibford."

1969 Possible reformation of 1st Bloxham Group?

Scouts?

SL: Rod Wallington?

GSL: Mr Alan Wild?

1970

1st Banbury Group restarted.

October.  1st Banbury is split into two Groups 4th Banbury & 6th Banbury

1970-71

The following information was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the Gilwell records.

Cubs (24 boys, Red, White, Blue & Green six)

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

1971-72

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

1972-73

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

1973-74

Cubs

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

1974-75

Cubs

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

1975-76

Cubs

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

Group

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

Treasurer: Mr A.J. Stickings

1976-77

Cubs Tuesday Nights @ Methodist Hall

CL: Mr Ted Davies

Cubs Wednesday Nights @ Methodist Hall (started 1977) 24 boys.

2 Cub Camps (@ Swalcliffe Park School)

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

Summer Scout Camp nr Exeter in Devon

Group

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

Chairman: Mrs Wallington

1977-78

Cubs Tuesday Nights @ Methodist Hall

Cubs Wednesday Nights @ Methodist Hall

CSL: Mr Bernard Nasson

Camp @ Swalcliffe School 23rd -25th Sept

Scouts

SL: Rod Wallington

ASL: Ray Hitchens

Group

GSL: Mr Alan Wild

Chairman: Mike Doehren

Treasurer: Mr Rod Wallington and later Mr Tony Stickings

Secretary: Mrs Marie L Davis

The following letter was found by Peter Ford of the International Badger Club in the Gilwell records.

1978-79

Cubs Tuesday Pack

CSL: Jeff Talbot

ACSL: Eiffion Bennett

Cubs Wednesday Pack

CSL: Bernard Nason

ACSL: Ray Hitchens

Scouts

SL: Ted Davis

ASL: Ray Hichens

Venture Scouts

VSL: Rod Wallington

Group

GSL: Alan T Wild

Secretary: Mrs Marie L Davis

Chairman: M Doehren

Treasurer: Mr A Stickings

Events

12th-14th May 1978. The Chief Scout Visits Broughton Castle for the Oxfordshire County Rally (£1 camp fees include a Camp Badge, which is the passport to the camp). Cubs 50p for the day (14th) including a passport badge.

1979-80

Cubs Tuesday Nights 6.45 to 8.15 @ Methodist Hall

Cubs Wednesday Nights 6.45 to 8.15 @ Methodist Hall

District Camp May

Camp @ Swalcliffe June, 20 boys

Camp (W.E.?) September, 15 boys

Scouts Tuesday Nights 7.30 to 9pm @ Methodist Hall

Group

Chairman of Cub/Scouts Parents Committee: G.Bell

Acting Secretary: Mrs M R Kershaw

Group Scout Leader: Alan Wild

Treasurer: Mr Tony Stickings

Secretary: Mrs Marie L Davis & Later Rosemary Jackson

1980-81

Cubs Tuesday Nights 6.45 to 8.15 @ Methodist Hall

Cubs Wednesday Nights 6.45 to 8.15 @ Methodist Hall

District Camp @ Horley 12th 14th June, 19 boys, 2 Scouts, 3 Leaders

Scouts Tuesday Nights 7.30 to 9pm @ Methodist Hall

Group

GSL: Alan T Wild

Secretary: Rosemary Jackson

1981-82

Cubs Tuesday nights

Cubs Wednesday Nights

Group

GSL: Alan T Wild

Secretary: Rosemary Jackson

1982-83

Cubs Tuesday nights

CSL: Mrs E Bell

Cubs Wednesday Nights

CSL: Mr B Nason

Scouts (from Sept)

SL: Mr J Taylor

Camp @ Swalcliffe July, 2 days, 12 boys

Mafeking (event?) August, 3 days, 7 boys

Group

GSL: Alan Wild

Secretary: Mrs R Jackson

1983-84

Cubs Tuesday nights

CSL: Mrs E Bell

ACSL: Sarah Howlett

Cubs Wednesday Nights

CSL: Mr B Nason

Scouts

SL: Mr J Taylor

ASL: Richard Brown

Camp @ Swalcliffe July, 4 days, 10 boys.

Group

GSL: Alan T Wild

Chairman: George Dow @ later Mr J Gardner

Secretary: Rosemary Jackson @ later Mrs Sue Jones

Treasurer: Mr A Stickings

1984-85

Cubs Tues

CSL: Mrs Elaine Bell

ACSL: Sarah Howlett (leaves later in the year)

Cubs Wed

CSL: Mr Bernard Nason (retired as Akela at the end of July)

Scouts (20 boys)

SL: J M Taylor

Group

GSL: Alan T Wild

Chairman: Mr John Gardener

Secretary: Mrs Sue Jones

Rep for Scouts: Mr Peter Timms

Rep for Wed Cubs: Mr John. Nason

Rep for Tues Cubs: Mrs Barbara Rickard

Treasurer: Mr Anthony Stickings

1985-86

Cubs Tuesdays

Cubs Wednesdays

CSL: John Gandier

Camp: District Cub Camp @ Horley 17-19th May

Scouts (28 boys)

SL: J M Taylor

Camp (1 week) @ Chirk (Wales) 12 boys.

Group

Group Scout Leader: Alan Wild

Secretary: Mrs Gloria .W. Lester

Chairman: Dave. A. Broughall

Events:

Cub & Scout visit to the R.A.F. Museum @ Henden Sat 19th April

1986-87

Cubs Tuesdays

Cubs Wednesdays

CSL: Sandra Williams

Scouts (26 Boys)

SL: Mr J Taylor

Weekend Camp @ Great Tew

Group

GSL: Alan Wild

Secretary: Mrs G Lester & later Mrs Sue Rodd

Treasurer: Mr (Anthony) Tony Stickings

Chairman: Mr Dave Broughhall & then Mr John Morley

1987-88

Cubs

CSL: Mrs E Bell

CSL: Mrs S Williams

Scouts

SL: Mr J Taylor

Group

GSL: Alan Wild

Secretary: Mrs S Rodd & later Mrs G Lester

Chairman: Mr J Morley

Treasurer: Mr A Stickings

1988-89

Cubs

Scouts

1989-90

Cubs

Scouts

1990-91

Cubs

Scouts

1991-92

Cubs

Scouts

1992-93

Cubs

Scouts

Camp @ Blenheim 15 boys, 4 leaders, 1 helper

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

Cubs (ended this year)

CSL: Paul Clark

ACSL: Ted ?

2004-05

Scouts (started again this year) Wednesdays

SL: Graham Duckworth ASL: Stephen Haynes

April Hike to Horley Camp site

Malvern Hills Hike & Camp (Easter)

Group - GSL Kate Broome

2005-06

Beavers (Started this year) Wednesdays

BSL: Kate Broome

Scouts SL: Graham Duckworth ASL: Stephen Haynes

District Aqua Camp

2 Scout get through the selection process for the World Scout Jamboree 2007 (UK).

Group GSL: Kate Broome, Treasurer: Melanie Rayner, Secretary: Helen Shaw

July Group Camp @ Horley

2006-07

Beavers

Cubs (Started again this year) Thursday Nights CSL: Clare Wood, Helper: Brian Piper, Helper: Natalie Warlow

Scouts: Graham Duckworth ASL: Stephen Haynes

CPCW

Troop Survival Camp at Bearly Woods nr Stratford

July: 2 Scouts on the 21st World Scout Jamboree (Essex - UK) visited by 3 Scouts & 2 Scout leaders.  Paul Clark ex Cub Leader is part of the entertainment on stage.

Group - GSL Kate Broome

May: District Centenary Camp @ Sibford School (in a very bad storm)

Group Camp @ Youlbury, July

2007-08

Beavers - BSL: Kate Broome

 Cubs CSL: Clare Wood, ACSL: Natalie Warlow, Helper: Bryan Piper

Scouts SL: Graham Duckworth, ASL: Stephen Haynes

County CPCW @ Youlbury

Troop Survival Skills Camp

Group

Group Camp

2008-09

Beavers - BSL: Kate Broome

Cubs CSL: Clare Wood, ACSL: Natalie Warlow, Helper: Bryan PiperBeavers

2019-2020 (Our 110th anniversary in July 2020)

Beavers

Cubs: Kate Broome assisted by Megan Broome

Scouts SL: Graham Duckworth,  ASL: Megan Broome, Helper: Natalie Dyer

Group - GSL: Kate Broome, Treasurer: Natalie Warlow

COVID 19

In May 2020 as with the rest of the country the Scout Group was hit by the COVID 19 restrictions.  

All sections stopped face to face meetings and only the Scout Section continued to run using a variety of virtual activities to continue right through summer.

Sadly our 110th anniversary celebrations, summer camps and even the European Jamboree have had to be cancelled.

During this Lockdown period a number of the leaders decide that they had "done their bit for the group" and decided to hand back the reigns.

The group would like to thank our Group Scout Leader Kate Broome for the 16 years she has spent looking after the group and the sections and we wish her continued success as part of the District Training Team.

We would also like to thank Natalie Warlow who was both leader and treasurer for the group well after her own children had grown up and moved on to new adventures. 

2020-2021 (Our 110 year as a group and our 111th anniversary in July 2021)

COVID 19

In September things were not looking great for the group.  Even though some restrictions were getting better some were worse.

The group did not have any Beaver or Cub Leaders, no functioning Exec and the Only section still running was Scout.

However due to changes at Bloxham Primary School (reducing the available meeting times) the Scout section had to find a new premises to meet at.  Tadmarton Village hall became their home with a monthly trip over to Horley Scout Camp before once again COVID restrictions drove the activities online again in the run up to Christmas

The County Team stepped in to try to help the group muster support and try to find section leaders and exec members to help get the group up and running again.  TBC...

We would like to thank Natalie Dayer who was a long term helper with Scouts and decided to "retire" at Christmas, again well after her own children had grown up and moved on to new adventures. 

Beavers: Not Running (No Leaders)

Cubs: Not Running (No Leaders)

Scouts SL: Graham Duckworth,  Helper: Natalie Dyer (who retired @ Christmas 2020) & a weekly Parent rota

Group - GSL: vacant            Group Exec: vacant

Easter 2021

Through great effort and help from the District & County Teams the Group managed to find volunteers to take on the roles of Cub Leaders, Beaver Leaders & Exec.  There is still no Group Scout Leader or Assistant Scout Leader, but we will be getting the Beavers & Cubs Section up and running as soon as the new leaders finish their training.

May 2021

Group Scout Leader: Position Vacant (Graham Duckworth as acting interim GSL)

Group Exec - Chairman: Davis Cox

Group Exec - Secretary: Natalie Intasean/Smith

Groups Exec - Treasurer: Shelly White/Wood

Beavers  Section Leader: Brian Smith (Beavers running 2 smaller groups of 9-10 Beavers bi-weekly - based out of Jubilee Hall)

Beavers Assistant Leader: Emma Henderson

Beavers Assistant Leader: Rachel Saunders (due to come on board in June)

Cubs Section Leader: Jon Clinkard (Cubs running outdoors at Bloxham Primary School & Horley - 20 Cubs)

Cubs Assistant Leader: Lucy Johnson

Cubs Assistant Leader: Daniel Coppin

Scouts Section Leader: Graham Duckworth (Scouts running from Tadmarton Village Hall & Horley - 10 Scouts)

Scouts Assistant Leader: Vacant (running with weekly parent rota)

2022-2023

Group Scout Leader: Position Vacant (Graham Duckworth as acting interim GSL)

Group Exec - Chairman: Davis Cox

Group Exec - Secretary: Gail Miller & Pauline Wilkinson

Groups Exec - Treasurer: Jon Clinkard

Beavers  Section Leader: Vacant (Beavers not running)

Beavers Assistant Leader: Vacant

Cubs Section Leader: Daniel Coppin (until Christmas 2022) then  Simon Webb from Easter 2023 to Summer 2023 (Cubs running outdoors at Bloxham Primary School & Horley - approx 20 Cubs)

Cubs Assistant Leader: Tracy Dunleavy

Scouts Section Leader: Graham Duckworth (Scouts running from Bloxham Primary School & Horley - 10 Scouts)

Scouts Assistant Leader: Simon Webb (until Easter 2023) the Mark Taylor.

2023-2024

Group Scout Leader: Graham Duckworth from Jan 2024.

In January, under the new Transformation Project -  Graham Duckworth takes on the main role of Lead Volunteer (GSL) with help from New Deputy Lead Volunteer Mathew Labuda.

Group Trustees- Chairman: Davis Cox

Group Trustees - Secretary: Gail Miller & Pauline Wilkinson

Groups Trustees - Treasurer: Jon Clinkard

Beavers Leaders:  (Beavers not running at the start of the Scouting year) New Leaders in training

Beavers Restarts 17th Jan 2023 with new Leaders Manuela Perez De Haro (Robin), Ben Wicksteed (Hawkeye) & Jonny Grant (Badger)

Cubs Leaders: Positions Vacant (Cubs not running) exec looking for 3 volunteers.

Scouts Section Lead Volunteer: Graham Duckworth (Scouts running from Bloxham Primary School & Horley - 10 Scouts)

Scouts Adult Volunteer: Mark Taylor.

Activities:

Scouts:  St Georges Day Weekend 2024 District Camp at Pikes Pool (Medieval Theme).