A Short History of 1st Shepperton
In June 1910 the first meeting of the 1st Shepperton Troop took place with 25 Scouts registered under Scoutmaster Blakeley - a captain in the Church Army, assisted by Assistant Scout Masters Poulton and Alexander.
Information from the Middlesex Chronicle, Staines & Thameside edition, dated 6/8/1910, page 3, reads:
"Scoutmaster H. Blakesley, of the first Shepperton Troop of Boy Scouts, has been awarded the silver cross for life-saving by Lieutenant-General Sir R. Baden-Powell, the Chief Scout. In June last Scoutmaster Blakesley rescued a lad who had got out of his depth and had sunk."
The Surrey Herald of the time reported "the founders felt that the Scout movement was most advantageous to the rising generation. It was calculated to improve the lads of the country physically, mentally and morally".
Three principles were laid down as the basis for the movement -Teaching of Patriotism, Self-sacrifice and Discipline
The 1st Shepperton Troop clearly flourished as their activities were reported in 'The Scout' newspaper in April 1911 including a demonstration of bridge building at Staines for the County Commissioner. On July 8th 1911 a further report appeared: "Judging from a display given by members of the 1st Shepperton Troop the Scout movement has made great progress in that district. Displays of life-saving, bridge building, physical drill, ambulance work and signalling were given by the Scouts while some vocal and instrumental items were rendered by friends of the Troop"
Early meetings took place in the Church hall in Wood Road from where meetings transferred to the Rifle Range hut. Meetings continued through the First World War with Patrol Leaders taking over the role of adult leaders when they volunteered for active service. An illuminated scroll presented to the Group listed 3 Leaders and 25 Scouts who had served during the war. During that period the start of the Wolf Cubs occurred, to be followed in 1928 by the Group system. A photograph of a Church Parade in 1931 shows equal numbers of Cubs, Scouts and Rovers.
1926 saw the arrival in Shepperton of a leading figure in the Group's history, Dr Sydney Garret Vinter. Already 62 years old when he moved here from Cornwall he was to have a profound influence on many areas of the Group's activities as a leader for over 30 years. A devout Christian and teetotaller, Dr Vinter is remembered as "a perfect English gentleman with wispy white hair and a mild manner".
It was Dr Vinter who forged the link with St Nicholas Church in 1927 when the Group's title incorporated the name of the Church. A generous philanthropist, he was to finance not only the Group's headquarters, but numerous outings and events. Former members recall that, for Scout outings you only had to turn up at the appropriate time, when transport and food - sandwiches and a bun - would be provided at no cost. It is also recorded that a three-week camp during 1944 at Dale, Pembrokeshire; cost parents a mere £2 for each boy and the balance of £6 was paid by 'the doctor'.
Other men who were to bridge long periods In the group included Lionel Cornwall who was Scoutmaster between 1930 and 1952; while between 1937 and 1956 Bill Ead served the Group latterly as Senior Scoutmaster.
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