A Continued History of 1st Shepperton

In 1936, thanks to Dr Vinter, the Group took over the old school house in the High Street as its headquarters. Naming it 'Russell Hall' after William Russell (the Rector who founded St Nicholas School) it would remain the Group's home until 1972.

A feature of the Group between the wars was a Sea Scout Unit within the Troop. The Group's band had been started in the 1930s but saw its peak between 1945 and 1953 with around 40 members who played each week at events in and around London. Despite being depleted by members undertaking national Service, the band built a considerable reputation and played at the Coronation Parade in 1953 at Kempton Park.

In the 1950s the Group presented regular Gang Shows and there are many pictures of Scouts and Rovers wearing shiny costumes in elegant styles. The size of the Village Hall stage, however, must have inhibited some of the more spectacular Ralph Reader numbers! Fund raising activities of the time included Beetle Drives and the annual Summer Fair organised jointly with the local Guides. Held at different times on Halliford School's playing field, the Rectory Garden and the Rifle Range Park, a large number of stalls were run. The programme of the Fair of 1953 listed the afternoon's amusements as side shows Including Treasure Trove, guessing the weight of the cake and 'the Spinner'; while squashes, tea, sandwiches and cakes were available and 'ices at reasonable prices'.

The demise of the Fair In the mid 70's was brought about by a reduction in profitability and support; although the launch date of the now ubiquitous (and more lucrative) Jumble Sale is not recorded. The aim of raising the funds to build a larger headquarters was realised in the early seventies. On land rented from the local council for £90 per annum, the shell of the structure was built by a contractor with the bulk of the foundations, concrete work and finishing being carried out by parents, Leaders and supporters. On 9th June 1973 the Russell Vinter Hall was opened by Jim Elliot, County Commissioner, taking the 'Russell' from the name of previous headquarters and adding the name of the man who had guided the Group for more than half its history.

Other memorials to Dr Vinter lie in the Old People's Home at Vinter Court, Laleham Road and also in a stained glass window in St Nicholas Church. Purchased through public subscription, the window was unveiled in 1961 by the man whose work it commemorates, then aged 97.

He was said to be on his retirement from Scouting at the age of 92, the oldest serving Scout. He died on Thursday 9th November 1961, less than 6 weeks before his 98th birthday.

The Group continued to thrive throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s and membership remained in the 100s with two Cub Scout Packs being run up until 1997 and an always well-subscribed Scout Troop. The Group also ran a Venture Scout Unit until 2001 when, following the national re-organisation of Sections and age-ranges, the older (14+) members became the responsibility of the Scout District and Group numbers fell to the current level of between 60 and 70.

In 1998, twenty-five years after the opening of the Headquarters, a major landscaping project was undertaken after the many trees surrounding the property were stricken by Dutch elm disease. Funded by Heathrow Airport Ltd, the Surrey Herald and Groundwork Thames Valley the trees were removed, the earth banking sculptured to give a more useable area and new trees and shrubs were planted around the perimeter. Internal projects have resulted in refurbished toilets, a new kitchen and the redecoration of the main hall along with upgraded heating and new flooring.

Now, in the 21st Century and with our Sunbury and Shepperton District now merged with Staines to become the Borough-wide Spelthorne District, our aims remain much the same as they were back in 1910. The 'lemon-squeezer' hats, Scout staves and shorts may have been replaced by cargo pants and sweatshirts. Semaphore and Morse code may have been superseded by computers and mobile phones but the Scout movement, and 1st Shepperton (St Nicholas) Scout Group, continue to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

This Year is a very exciting one for us as we build towards our Centenary in 2010.

Do you have memories, photos, press cuttings, old programmes, flyers?

Were you, or any of your relatives a member of the troop?

We would love to hear from you, just email us with any information & contact details and we will be in touch.