Group History
Our Group Scout leader Nigel is currently the keeper of the Groups history having been a member for donkeys years. A history from 1926 to 1996 written by Nigel to mark the group’s 70th anniversary can now be viewed below.
Scouting at Compton – 70 years
September 1926 – Thirty six boys between the ages of 8 and 12 met in the Schoolroom with the intention of becoming the first Scouts. Out of that meeting was formed a Wolf Cub Pack and a Scout Troop. Higher Compton at that time was largely open country, and was an ideal nursery for the new units. Woodcraft could be carried out without restriction, subject to an occasional rapid dispersal from an unfriendly farmer. The attention of such a person was regarded as part of the training; taking cover or a strategic retreat from the “enemy” was good fun to a youngster. Both the Cubs and Scouts spent as much time out of doors as possible, as the indoor meeting place was a classroom 16′ x 15′ adjoining the main School Hall, then the Church.
It was natural under the circumstances that difficulties arose between the Scouts and the caretaker and that meant strained relations between the Trustees and the young people. It was fortunate that the boys had some sympathisers in the Society and Trust, for in 1927 the first stage of the existing Scout Hut was completed by filling in the space created by the supports of the Schoolroom kitchen. By this time Reg Johns had received his Warrant as scoutmaster, the Group was then registered as the 27th Plymouth (No 5132).
At first camping took place in Austin Fort, due to the lack of tents. Scouting in and around the Fort as shared with the 9th Plymouth Scouts (Zion Street Methodist). Later a bell tent was acquired and a camp was held on Roborough Downs.
A Rover Crew was formed in 1927, and over a dozen young men aged between 15 and 18 held meetings in the kitchen, and played as Compton Rovers Football Team on Saturdays. Their home ground was a field on which now stands Brynmoor Park.
1928 – Shortage of leaders for the first ten years did not dim the initial enthusiasm of the Group. For some years Reg Johns was leading the three units. Progress in badge work was slow, but Local Association Boxing, Football and the Sports were well supported. Assistance from 1928 by R W Fennamore in the Scouts and Miss W Morgan in the Wolf Cubs helped considerably. Our finances were ably looked after by Mrs J Rowe.
Camping was extended to Looe and Perranporth. Troop cross country races were held, and a jazz band was formed. By now Higher Compton was no longer open country: our football field had been swallowed up by the property developer, and the team rented a field at Higher Home Park.
At the end of our first ten years a lady who had two sons in the Troop answered our call for help in leadership. That lady was Mrs N Warne. We little thought at that time that she would serve us so long and so faithfully; she was known as “Akela” to scores of men and boys who learnt their Scouting at Compton.
1937 – With the Cub Pack in the capable hands of Mrs Warne, more time could be devoted to the Scout Section. The Bluebird Cafe was often the scene of a popular social and dance in aid of our funds. The Troop Band assisted at the Camp Fire held in Central Park during the Westcountry Jamboree in 1936, and both the Scout and Cub Sections took part in displays and the march past before Lord Baden-Powell, the Chief Scout.
1939 – The projected building of the new Church at Compton kept the Group busy in fund raising efforts. The completion of the Church in 1939 freed the Hall for wider indoor activities, but the outbreak of war limited the advantage we had hoped to gain. In 1937 one of our own young people, Ted Felton, was appointed Assistant Scoutmaster, and it was a great loss to the Troop when he died in Japanese hands in 1942. The Senior Section of the Troop began to shrink under the call for war service, and by 1942 the Scout section was very depleted. Mrs Wame bravely carried on with Wolf Cub meetings in spite of the blackout and air raids, but in 1943 the Scout Section ceased to meet.
On return from the Services in 1946 Reg Johns had to endeavour to re-form the Scout Section. The Scout Hut, once a place of pride in the Troop, was gutted. Much of the camp gear was missing, and the rebuilding of the Troop was slow. Boys could move about more easily with modem transport, and the “village life” of Compton had been destroyed by the war.
1951 – It took some years before we could benefit from the gradual movement of Cubs into the Scouts, and even then we had to face the competition of the attractions of Government sponsored Youth Units, which included free uniform and camps. With the assistance of a Royal Marine Commando, Peter Irving, the Troop was kept going, and although he was moved in under two years, progress was maintained. A Parents’ Association was formed and a pantomime “Cinderella” was presented in the Church Hall, on two evenings. The Cubs were ably assisted by Mrs Smythe, Miss Yvonne Jope and Miss Valerie Burge, and in the season 1951/52 the Cubs won the Division II Shield for football.
1957 – In the Annual Sports they also did well, and in 1957 were runners up. The Scouts camped at the home of Scouting, Gilwell Park, but found it rather “civilised” compared with the wilder country on the foothills of Dartmoor.
The arrival of Ron Lloyd was opportune in holding the Senior Scouts together, and the Group hoped for the first time that some Queen’s Scout awards might be gained. However, the attraction of Local Association service lost us the experience of this Scouter, and once more our hopes evaporated. Shortly afterwards, the Group was thrilled to learn that the Medal of Merit had been awarded to Mrs Wame for outstanding service to the Movement. In spite of taking up duties as District Cubmaster, Mrs Wame regularly gave service to the 27th Cubs, and some of her boys gained as many as fifteen badges. It is of interest that one of the “Trigger Twins” – Ian, is now to be seen in plays on the BBC [and more recently, played a small role as a jeweller in the 1994 movie [The Fantastic Four] – look out for the name!
One of our own lads, John Kelly, now became Assistant Scoutmaster and was of great assistance to the writer in holding together a thriving Scout Troop. The Group camped in Mount Edgcumbe Park at the Westcountry Jamborette in 1957. Our summer camps were held in untried sites – rather remote but nevertheless all the more exciting. Eggworthy Farm on the Walkham and Coningdon Farm, South Brent were “discovered”. Camping sites such as Bickleigh, Cadover Bridge and Clearbrook had become the scene of so many camps by local Troops that wood had become scarce. Therefore new sites had to be found, and we always had a warm welcome from the Methodist farmers of Eggworthy and Corringdon. On one occasion the Senior Scouts went camping to North Wales in a minibus. The Scouts attended the International Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield in 1957, and the thrill of taking part in this event, where most of the nations of the world were represented, is an experience some of our boys will never forget.
1960 – With the removal to London of John Kelly from the Junior Section, and a leaderless Senior Section, the Troop ran through difficult times. It was fortunate that the Cub Section was well staffed and thriving. Early in the 1960’s the wind changed – Nigel Norris asked Reg Johns if he could be of any assistance. The ailing Senior Section was put in his care, and although he had no previous experience of Scout leadership, he succeeded in holding them together. As we all know, he is now Scoutmaster of the Group, and doing a wonderful job. But his service to the Senior Scouts enabled another to come along and build that unit into a grand team. Out of that section, piloted by Mr Dick Williams, came 20 Queen’s Scouts, one Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and one Silver Award. We were fortunate that at the same time Mrs Williams (once an old Sunday School scholar, Margaret Dryden) came with him to help Mrs Warne. The Cubs were also assisted by one of our ex-Scouts, Tony Fenton.
1963 – For the first time in over 35 years the Group was properly staffed, supported by a Parents’ Association which although small in numbers, made up for it in enthusiasm. A recent addition to our Staff is Mr Stephen Ainsworth, who has been Assistant Scout Leader since 1963. He grew up amongst us, and it gives great satisfaction when such men are prepared to take up leadership. We also welcomed two ASM’s – Keith Gillard and Roger Tyack, and for a time we had the assistance of Mr David Pocock, who is at present helping with the Eggbuckland Church Scouts. Dick Williams has taken us Local Association work, but is maintaining contact with the Troop.
1967-1971 – At the opening of this period Mrs N E Warne had to retire as “Akela”, through ill health. We had to record her death shortly afterwards, with regret. The introduction of the Advance Party Report completely changed the pattern of training. The responsibility for the change fell on Mrs M Williams for Cub Scouts, Mr Nigel Norris for Scouts and Mr R Williams, Senior Scouts. The Troop won a certificate for first place in the National Scout car races at Scarborough. Mr Nigel Norris resigned as Scout Leader to go to Cliff College (Methodist Lay Training College), also Mr Keith Gillard resigned as ASL. Skip Johns then took over running the Troop.
1972-1976 – Skip had to retire as Group Scout Leader due to age regulations. Shortly afterwards Mr & Mrs Williams also retired. Nigel Norris returned and became GSL, Mr R Stivey SL, Mrs Linda Massey the CSL. We held the re-opening of the Scout Hut after the fire. Two new flags were dedicated and a retirement gift given to Mr Johns (“Skip”). This period had been very hard – to find dedicated leaders for all sections, but with faith we carried on. Mr Ian Duffy became Scout Leader and Mr Keith Gillard and Mrs Pat Bennett, Cub Scout Leaders and a new Supporters’ Association was formed. Malcolm Bennett also came over to help with Cubs and Scouts and eventually took out his Scout Leader’s Warrant.
1976 – On Saturday 16th October we celebrated 50 years of Scouting at Compton by parading old and new colours at a Thanksgiving Service in our Church. Present and past Cub and Scout members and nearly 200 parents and friends heard the Rev John Trevenna speak on “The fight of faith”. A Jubilee cake made by Mrs Mason crowned the buffet tea. Mrs R Stivey, Mrs M Mason and Mrs D Hocking, who had been on the Committee for over ten years, were presented with thanks badges by City Vice President Scout, Mr George Crocker.
1976-1986 – We were now ready to go forward for another ten years, but again we had problems with finding leaders for both sections. Mr Keith Gillard resigned from the Cubs’ section, to live at Tavistock where he continues leading a Cub pack. Mrs Carol Richards resigned on health grounds. Mr Ian Duffy and Mr Dave Cockburn left the Scout section. With the help of Skip and Pat Bennett we tried to hold things together, however some parts of the church community said close it down. The writer, being so stubborn, kept things going in faith. Our prayers were answered. Mrs Barbara Jackman became leader of the Cub Scout section and Mr Malcolm Bennett (Ben), became leader of the Scout section. Now we had been able to find leaders for both sections we were able to build up each unit with Scouts and Cub Scouts. At this time the City Scouts changed the districts, the 27th Plym being in the north, was transferred to Plymouth East District under the leadership of Mr John Babb. At this time numbers were growing in both sections. We welcomed John Tyers, Clive Dyer and Clive Deacon, to help Ben in the Scout section and Debbie Cowl in the Cub Scout section. A Supporters’ Committee was formed of parents of the boys, to help raise funds for the Group under the Chairmanship of Mr Adrian West.
On 18th August 1984 we were all saddened by the sudden death of Mr Reg Johns (Skip), the founder of our Group. For nearly 58 years he was connected with Scouting in our Group at district and at county level. It was fitting that at his funeral service there was a guard of honour of Scouts to say the last farewell to him, a man who had left a mark on many a boy’s life and especially mine. Skip will always be with our Group – he has left us many memories that we shall never forget.
The Group now attained the use of a hut at Shaugh Prior for our outdoor activities. On Sunday 21st July two new Flags were dedicated in the Church for the Scout section. The Group is now growing; many badges being gained, also the Chief Scout Award. Boys are entering District and City functions and winning some. Camping takes place for both Cubs and Scouts.
On 22nd April 1986 Mrs Pat Bennett resigned as Assistant Cub Scout leader, after serving for over ten years with us. We welcomed Mr Alan Dibben as the new Assistant Cub Scout leader. After many years of use the Scout Hut needed a new floor, the old wooden floor had rotted and there were some gaps in it, so it was too dangerous to use. With a lot of deliberation with committees we got on to repairing it. A group of lads from the YWCA ripped out the old wooden floor and filled it with rubble to make a foundation for a concrete floor. Then a group from the Youth Training Scheme (Pathfinders) came and concreted it and also decorated the hut for us. At this point I would like to thank Mr Bob Stivey for all his help in this matter for us. The Scout Hut, now known as the Reg Johns Memorial Hut, is in use again. During the early stages of the last decade camps were few and far between as it proved a difficult job to get enough leaders together to help run them. However, Ben was aided in this aspect by several assistants who came and went. These included Paul Wiltshire, Roy Fillingham, Chas Eddington, Phoenix and Norseman Venture Scout Units as well as his present “gang of three”. However, prior to acquiring the camp site at Shaugh, the 27th combined with the 7th Plymouth to travel to Monmouth and the Isle of Wight, before venturing alone to Tiverton last year. This must have helped stimulate an interest in the troop as the numbers have been growing ever since.
Mount Edgecumbe Park was the venue in August 1986 for the Westcountry Scout and Guide International Jamboree. About 6,500 Scouts and Guides from 21 countries around the world attended and it was pleasing to see our own Scouts won first prizes for their technical merit for their construction of a hot and cold solar powered shower under the heading “Camp Technology”, as well as in two categories of the Sedan Chair race, fastest and most imaginative construction. Both the 2 dozen camping Scouts and the Cubs who visited for a day enjoyed themselves and took away some happy memories.
This year is also important for the Cub Scout section as they celebrate their 70th year. They have been using the theme of the “rainbow” for the year, which has involved various games, activities and events for them to take part in. They too have been camping at Shaugh, which means that when the Cubs join the Scouts they at least have a general background to develop.
It is at this point that the word of thanks must be passed to all the leaders and anonymous supporters of the Group for all their loyalty and encouragement over the last 60 years. For once we have sufficient leaders and over 60 boys. With this kind of enthusiasm, Compton Methodist can ‘Be Prepared” for Scouting for many years to come, with a steady stream of boys making a promise, THEIR Promise:-
“On my honour I promise,
That I will do my best,
To do my duty to God and to the Queen, To help other people,
And to keep the Scout law”.
1986-1996 – On Saturday 18th October 1986 (Diamond Jubilee) we held an Open Night to welcome back past members of the Group and on the Sunday we held a Service of Thanksgiving in the Church conducted by a past Minister of the Church, the Rev Alfred Wood. This indeed was a memorable service and is still remembered by those who attended it.
1987 – Malcolm Bennett resigned as Scout Leader. Clive Dyer, John Tyers and Clive Deacon ran the Troop. Clive Deacon then took over the leadership of the Troop. Clive has worked himself up from the Cub-Scout Section – Scouts – Venture Scouts in which he gained his Queen Scout Award.
On 3rd March 1987 Beaver Scouts started at Compton under the leadership of Mrs Jenny Dibben. The emphasis being “fun and friends”. Some of the first Beavers are now just joining the Venture Scout Unit – Stephen Lyddon – Jeff Beare – Adam Paul – Nick Connett and Graham Easthope.
The highlight of the last 9 years must be the First County Beaver Scout Fun Day which the Company attended with 1,400 other Beaver Scouts from the County, held at Killerton House in September 1996.
1988 – Barbara Jackman and Debbie Cowl resigned from the Cub Scout Pack and Mr Alan Dibben took over this Section. Assistant Leaders included Kelly Bowhay, Bob Lusty, Ceri Palmer, Grant Fox and Ralph Beckett with additional help from Ivor Taylor and Pat Bennett. The Cub Scout Programme has changed for the “Arrows” and replaced by Cub Scout Award, Adventure Award and Adventure Crest Award. Caps have gone and berets for Scouts. Held annual camps at Shaugh Prior campsite. August 1996 – Cubs went to Cuboree in Wadebridge, Cornwall, for a week – attended by 2,500 Cub Scouts. Mrs J Connett became Chairperson of the Group Executive.
1991-1995 – Chris Dibben was selected to represent the County at the World Jamboree in Korea. 23 Scouts and 4 leaders went to Holland for 10 days including a visit to the World Jamboree. Nick Connett and Susie Easter were selected for the World Jamboree in Holland. Chief Scouts Awards were achieved by Chris Dibben, Mark Lyddon, Keith Norton, Andrew Dodd, Andrew Dibben, Roger Connett, William Hulme, Lawrence Beare, Peter Vosper, Peter Needham, and Daniel Criddle. Mark Lyddon also gained The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. John Tyers decided to become a leader in the Venture Scout Unit. Queen Scouts Awards have been presented to Clive Deacon, Chris Dibben and Mark Lyddon. Three members of the Unit were part of a County expedition to Romania, taking aid to a school. Several members also attended a National Activity – European Venture and a mystery trip to Belgium and also spent two nights in Paris.
1995-1996 – Mrs Jo Connett resigned as Chairperson of the Executive after many years of hard work for the Group. Mrs Lin Valentine became Chairperson of the Executive Committee. Over the years the group has been supported by an Executive Committee. Raising funds seem to get harder and harder. We have also had to become a charity in our own rights and register with the Charity Commission. Things have been steady with the Group. Leaders have not always become forthwith. Changes are not always easy for everyone but at times change is needed in ways to attract young people to the movement. We have to compete with the commercial world, hi-tech equipment and such more. But we must never lose sight of our Promise and Laws that we made when coming into the movement. We are here to help young people to grow up and take their place in society. We sow the seed, what is most pleasant to me is when our young people go away to College, University or work and they join another group and I get letters from the Commissioner or Leaders letting me know that they have joined them and saying what good leaders they have made and they have a lot to offer. No one knows or can tell how they will turn out in the future, we can only sow the seed and they will be thankful for that. Today we live in a society where family life and structure has been ripped apart; children and teenage violence, pregnancy and drugs on the increase. So it is our job to try and help these young people, whoever or what they are.
My thanks go to all the leaders, helpers, Committee and supporters for all your dedication and hard work over the years. Let us with faith and trust go into the 21st Century with God’s help.
Nigel Norris MBE
GROUP SCOUT LEADER
Nov 1996 World Scout Jamborees
1991 – Chris Dibben is selected to go to South Korea WSJ
1995 – Nick Connett and Susie Easter are selected to go to Holland WSJ
1999 – Paul Taylor and James Sutton selected to attend Chile WSJ
2003 – Sean Hill is selected to attend WSJ, Thailand. Clive Deacon is chosen as Devon Leader and Jenny Dibben attends as part of International Service Team
2007 – Huw Tindall-Jones and Christopher Penrose are selected to attend WSJ in Hylands Park, Essex.
2011 – Bradley Dyer, Jack Evans, James Britton and Guy Tindall-Jones are selected to attend WSJ in Sweden
2015 – Andrew Smith, James Vincent and Elliot Lee-Cerrino are selected to attend WSJ in Japan
2019 – Jamboree in North America Caitlin Bond, Kushla Magee and Daniel Newman attended. Meanwhile the Scouts and Explorers headed to the Lake District for their Summer Camp. The Scout Group also geared up for the Plymouth Mayflower 400 celebrations and have left a time capsule inside the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth to be opened in the future.
2020 – The lockdown year! So in March the Group moved to Zoom and virtual scouting offering a full programme each week. It was different and it wasn’t until August and September when we started to meet again – mainly outdoors at Shaugh Bridge and then a blended approach of ZOOM and face to face.