Sibford Scene Archive

The first Sibford Scout Group was formed outside the Village School one lunch time by a lad named Bernard Farmer of Epwell who asked if there were any of the boys interested in the Scout Movement. The answer was “yes” so Bernard contacted Sir Jeffery Fiennes of Broughton Castle. He, being District Commissioner came and started a new Troop of two patrols, the Otters and the Hawks. Like the present Group, meetings were held on a Friday in the Old Village Hall.

A number of the boys are still about today, Harry Sabin, John Gadd, Fred Bishop, Arthur Bishop, Frank Woolgrove, Eric Payne, Maurice Kaye, Jack Stephens and Edward Haynes.

The Group closed in 1937 but reopened in 1941 under the leadership of Mrs Campbell of Buttslade House assisted by Mabel Poulton. To our astonishment we were pounced on by boys from London who had been evacuated into the area for the duration of the war. This took our membership to over 40. They were certainly a great help because they had a lot of knowledge of the Scout Movement.

In 1943 Mrs Campbell moved with her Naval Officer husband and sons down south. Again Lord Saye and Sele was brought in with a new Scout Leader – Eric Payne. With his wife Mabel assisting, they carried on with more than 40 boys until 1946.

Captain Clarke with his wife then worked with boys, but the membership had diminished from the large numbers seen during the war to around 22. The London boys had returned home to the city.

Captain Clarke was forced to give up his Scouting activities because of illness.

in 1956, the Reverend John Blackmore accepted the Church living of Slbford and Epwell. He kindly offered to start another Group under the name of Holy Trinity Church Group, and carried on until the early ’60s when it closed.

A link with the early days of Scouting in the Sibfords, is the Scout badge on the top of the Scout flag that is carried on parades and is used as part of the Scout investiture ceremony. It is the same one that was obtained by the boys in the period of 1942 – 1946.

Good Luck. to the present Group.

Eric Payne – Founder Member.

In 1981, Richard Austing and Erica Wimbush got together to re-start a Cub Pack in Slbford Gower. Nine boys, Gideon Hedley, Guy Robbins, Simon Tustain, Matthew Spicer, Alex Marcovitch, James Marcovitch, Scott Conway, Ross James and Matthew Simms formed the basis of the new Pack. Cheryl James joined as ACSL. Elaine Hutchinson and Dawn Wealsby became instructors.

Their enthusiasm and energy set firm foundations for the future Group. The Group Executive Committee was formed in 1983 under the Chairmanship of Alan Chater. Numerous committee members have worked hard over the years to provide a secure financial base for training activities. From the very beginning, the Pack was always keen to support District and County events and twenty three Sibford Cubs went on the District Cub Outing to Chester in 1982.

Within five years a Scout Troop of eleven boys was formed under the leadership of Mike Bowden. Two of the original Cubs, Guy Robbins and Gideon Hadley led the two patrols. ln June. Roger Jackson joined the Troop as ASL.

In 1988 a Beaver Colony was added to the Training sections with Robin Spicer as Brown Beaver. This was followed in 1990 when Colin Akers agreed to lead the new Venture Scout Unit.

Keith Hicks – Group Scout Leader.

The Group now has more than seventy members including nine warranted leaders. The wide age range makes it important for the four sections lo get together as often as possible during the course of a year. Family camps and the yearly Group camp fire are very popular. Scouts have helped at Cub Camp and regular family evenings involving parents and friends all help to achieve a sense of “Group” identity.

Scouting at all levels means commitment; from the leaders in training and keeping abreast with new developments; from the boys in giving of their ‘best’ at all times; and from parents in encouragement and providing the resources for the leaders to carry out the training programme. In every respect 1st the Sibfords has this commitment and looks forward to an exciting and prosperous future.

Keith Hicks – Group Scout Leader.

The Sixth Form at Sibford School, in conjunction with the Social Services Department, are planning to set up a Luncheon Scheme for frail elderly people who are being maintained in their own homes, but need some day care input. This is an exciting new initiative that will form part of the Community Care Plan, which aims to keep elderly people living in the community for as long as possible.

The School will provide input, but they will need some adult volunteers. Tasks involved will be – helping with transport, assistance in the serving of meals, help with social activities (which will take place after the meal), and taking meals out to those who are not able to come. Obviously we shall need a greater input from volunteers during school holidays. It is planned that the Luncheon Scheme will take place on a Wednesday.

Obviously the more volunteers we have, the less work there will be for individuals! It is hoped that both male and female volunteers will be recruited.

A Meeting to discuss the Scheme will be held at the School on 14.2.92. at 7.p.m. and anyone who is interested is warmly invited to attend.

If you are interested in the Scheme but are unable to attend, would you please telephone either Gill Manthorpe at the school or Judith Weeks at the Social Services Department so that you can be informed of developments.