Although now relegated to Scouting's history, the Senior Scout section of the Movement once provided an exciting transition between the Boy Scout Troop and the Rover Scout Crew. For one group of 16-year-olds in the 8th Lambeth it offered an opportunity for much more challenging adventures. In July 1955, they formed the Scott Patrol, taking on the names of Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott and members of his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912. Patrol Leader Robert (Bob) Hay was "Scott", Patrol Second John Downing was "Bowers", Alan Willis was "Oates", Edward (Busty) Fleming was "Atkinson" and Michael State was "Wilson".

Their activities over the next two years are recorded in a Log Book, still held by Bob Hay. Among their exploits were:

  • the 2nd International Patrol Camp at Gilwell Park, Essex (July 27-August 5, 1955);
  • a visit to see production of The Daily Mail in London (September 16, 1955);
  • a winter camp at Downe Scout Campsite in Kent (December 21-24, 1955);
  • Easter camp at Chalfont Heights Scout Campsite, Bucks (April 3-6, 1956);
  • a Venturer Badge hike (July 21, 1956);
  • participation in a District Scout Show (May 3, 1957) with the Mayor of Lambeth in the audience;
  • Whitsun camp at Chalfont Heights Scout Campsite, Bucks (June 7-10, 1957); and
  • helping at Cub Scout Camp at Borden, Hants (August 4-11, 1957).

There's plenty more - not least walking from Stockwell to Epping Forest and back; putting on several displays at 8th Lambeth parents' evenings; demonstrating their athletic prowess (or lack of it) at various sports events and swimming galas; and securing important roles in the Ralph Reader extravaganza "Voyage of the Venturer", staged at London's Royal Albert Hall in July 1956.

On February 19, 1957, the Log Book records the award of a Queen's Scout Certificate to Alan Willis ("Oates" of the Scott Patrol) and his decision to join the Merchant Navy. His romance with the sea was short-lived and Alan returned to Stockwell in April. In May 1957, Bob Hay (aka "Scott") learnt he was one of four Scouts from Central Lambeth District chosen to attend the World Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield.

Out and About with the Scott Patrol
Cleanliness is next to... something... Okay... who forgot the primus? Hiking with style...
Winter Camp at Downe, December 1955 "Grub up" at Easter Camp - Chalfont Heights, 1956
 
Achieving
the Top
Scouting Award - Queen's Scout
Bob Hay on one of the testing hikes needed to achieve his Queen's Scout Award. The much-prized certificate awarded to Bob on completion of a lengthy round of tests. Somewhere beneath the disguise lurks Patrol Leader Bob Hay. An exploit recounted in the Hamclap Seniors sagas.
 
Two of the 8th Lambeth's Scott Patrol attended the World Scout Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield in August 1957.
The press clipping (below) features Scott Patrol member Alan Willis and other Lambeth Scouts.
One Scott Patrol member was keen to reassure his parents that press reports of storms devastating the Jamboree were somewhat exaggerated!
The picture postcard was a popular means for Scouts to let their families know how they were fairing.
 

Ready when you are Mr Reader...

When Gang Show maestro Ralph Reader brought together 2,000 members of the Scout and Guide Movements for his spectacular Royal Albert Hall production "Voyage of the Venturer", several of the 8th Lambeth's Scott Patrol couldn't wait to be involved. They took part in both the 1956 and 1957 shows.....

The following article appeared in the show's programme...
Voyage of the Venturer
An Appreciation by KEN JOHNSTONE

This is not " Boy Scout " nor is it an adaptation of " The Gang Show," though it is the creation of Ralph Reader whose work on a wide canvas of Youth has endeared him to the British Public.
It has been labelled a "Mammoth Musical Spectacle" and, unlike some Hollywoodisms, this description bears closer scrutiny. It is mammoth. (The Oxford Dictionary denotes mammoth as (i) a large extinct elephant and (ii) huge. Unquestionably we mean the latter.) For nearly two thousand performers is no mere concert party; it is, in fact, one of the largest productions ever staged at the Royal Albert Hall.
 more --->
 
Central Lambeth Scouts put on a Show in May 1957
Masterminded by local Gang Show enthusiast Fred Donaldson and well supported by members of the 8th Lambeth Scout Group including Scott Patrol......

THE OPENING
1. Fifty Years Ago
2. The Postman
3. Order of the Bath
4 The Little Dears
5. Just Unlucky
6. Spring
7. Talking for Talking's Sake
8. The Owls
9. Cheer Ups
10. SING
FINALE ACT I

11. Blue Bird
12. Problem Child
13. We are here so our Mummies can see us
14. Early in the Morning
15. Stand by for your Medical
16. Rag Alley Aces
17. Lambeth Wanderers
18. Our Alphabet
19. Love. Love. Love
20. The One Beside You
FINALE

THE QUEEN

THE CAST
Messrs:
Allen, S.
Barlow, A.
Barnes, P.
Bates, E.
Bigby, M.
Boston, M.
Brickell, M.
Brickell, R.
Brown D.
Carter, D.
Chart, M.
Clarke, B.
Clark, R.
Clothier, L.
Cook, B.
Cooke, D.
Cooper, E.
Cummings, D.
Curtis, A.
Doswell, G.
Downing, J.
Downing, R.
Edgington, A.
Edgington, D.
Everett, B. 		Flynn, H.
Frost, S.
Gales, C.
Hay, R.
Holding, E.
Hook, J.
Jenkins, P.
Jones, P.
Knowles, V.
Lock, D.
Locke, M.
Lounville, J.
Maddock, R.
Maguire, G.
Mahoney, M.
Manning, C.
Merchant, R.
Marshall, A.
McWilliams, M.
McQuillon, J.
Merchant, D.
Morse, M.
Newman, E.
Newton, P.
Norse, J.
O'Haro, P.		 Parker, M.
Parker, T.
Pope, W.
Price, D.
Rashbrook, A.
Rogerson, K.
Ross, E.
Rowlinson, A.
Russell, J.
Savoury, M.
Smith, D.
Smith, W.
State, L.
Sullivan, F.
Summers, J.
Syred, C.
Taylor, P.
Tompkins, L.
Treacy, C.
Van-Tien, N.
Walsh, J.
Warren, D.
Wheatley, P.
Wood, J.
Wood, P.
Wood, R.
THE LADIES
Miss C. Bell
Miss M. Bell
Miss B. Cross 		Miss A. Gushlow
Miss D. Hoedemaker 		Miss D. Simons
Miss P. Suckling

JAMBOREE YEAR EVENTS
17th-24th June Good Turn Week
1st-12th August JAMBOREE (4 boys going from District)
14th-15th Sept. Scouters Camp
From now until the end of the year, there are many Scouting activities taking place. Details of these may be obtained from your local Scout H. Q.
YOUR SUPPORT IS ALWAYS WELCOMED

 ANNUAL DISTRICT EVENTS
1st June Cub Sports—Brockwell Park, 3 p.m.
3rd June Road Relay—Myatts Park, 7 p.m.
20th July Scout Sports—Tooting Bee, 3 p.m.
25th July Swimming Gala—Clapham Baths, 7 p.m.

"SING" will be presented again at
THE BISHOP MONTGOMERY MEMORIAL HALL, KENNINGTON OVAL, S.E.11 (Opposite Gate 16 of the Oval Cricket Ground) on Saturday the 22nd June at 3 p.m. in aid of THE BELGRAVE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

Lambeth Division Girl Guides are holding
THE LAMBETH GUIDE FAIR at 3p.m. in Lambeth Town Hall on Saturday the 11th May
Admission 6d. PLEASE SUPPORT THEM

 
There's no business like show business.......
and Central Lambeth Scouts - ably supported by members
of the 8th Lambeth - tread the boards once again in 1958....

the cast  
Allen, S.
Baulch, R.
Beal, P.
Blackmore, P.
Buckle, J.
Carter, D.
Clarke, R.
Cook, B.
Datchelar, K.
De'Athe, K.
Dereham, J.
Gatford, T.
Goby, B.
Gore, D.
Grant, T.
Greenland, M.
Griffiths, A.
Gushlow, R.
Hitchcock, A.
Holding, J.
Kellow, J.
Kellow, L.
Keevill, D.
Locke, D.
Lockwood, T.
Lothian, M.
Manning, C.

May, J.
Marshall, A.
McIntee, G.
O'Brien, R.
O'Dell, G.
O'Hara, P.
Parker, T.
Pickering, D.
Richards, M.
Rose, B.
Rowlands, K.
Rowlinson, A.
Russell, J.
Saxby, M.
Scobie, D.
Sculthorpe, B.
Severein, P.
Shepherd, S.
Smith, D.
Spilling, J.
State, M.
Sullivan, F.
Taylor, P.
Tiley, J.
Welch, R.
Willis, A.
Wyld, H.
the ladies
Miss C. Bell
Miss M. Bell
Miss G. Burke		 Miss B. Cross
Miss A. Gushlow
Miss L. Gushlow
PROGRAMME
1st RACE
1 The Opening
2 Herbert Browne
3 Up Girls and at 'em
4 St George
5 Godfrey
6 Happy Ending
7 Ray and Lou
8 Rebels are Out
9 Way of a Rumour
10 Ride, Ride, Ride
11 Finale Act 1
 2nd RACE
London Town 12
Ambitious Cubs 13
Rule England 14
John 15
Picnic 16
Bob-a-job 17
Which Way? 18
Mable 19
The Pageant 20
Over the Garden Wall 21
Finale 22
THE QUEEN
PRODUCER F. A. Donaldson
Stage Director M. Pigott
Stage Manager P. Maguire
Asst. Stage Manager B. Clarke
Sound Francis Nye
Production Secretary Mrs. E. Donaldson
House Manager V. Gifford
Box Office Manager E. Keevill
Continuity P. Gehringer G. Doswell
Costume West End Costumes (Peter Dunlop) Ltd
Make Up Marjorie Lydall
Programme Design R. Hay
CENTRAL LAMBETH BOY SCOUTS
L.A. Secretary L. Corke Esq. 43 Plato Road •
London • SW2
District Commissioner C. W. Virgo Esq.
 

BRING ON THE RECORDING CONTRACTS...
The late-50s and early-60s popularity of folk music entertainers and skiffle groups wasn't lost on the 8th Lambeth's Scouts as they formed their own group: "The Renegades".

Setting the standard for Lonnie Donegan: The 8th Lambeth's Scott Patrol tune up for an outdoor session. Sartorial splendour: The Renegades set out to upstage The Shadows and other pop idols.