Eastern Cape Scout Groups - Port Elizabeth
Please see Scout Groups in South Africa for a list of the active Groups in the Eastern Cape
The History of Scout Groups in Port Elizabeth
Very soon after 'Scouting for Boys' was published troops were being formed in Port Elizabeth. Some were linked to churches and used their halls, others over time had their own halls. Many of the groups moved several times, from one venue to the next as their premises became unavailable, too small or built their own hall. Although the demographics of the area did change, sadly it seems that in many cases the groups closed due to the lack of adult leaders.
Generally, only once a group closes down do all the historical documents and memorabilia get passed on to the Scout archives. Consequently, the archives are unlikely to have any or very little information about groups that are still active and hopefully they are preserving their own history.
The following is an alphabetical list of the groups, both past and present, where they met and a short history sourced from the very limited documentation in the Scout Archives.
Adderley (1920's - 1940's) - Mrs. A.M. Gibaud built the Adderley Scout Hall in Leylands Road North End P.E. Her husband was Managing Director of Bagshaw Gibaud (boot and shoe factory).
The Adderley Troop was very active, they camped at Humewood, "Hell's Gate" outside Uitenhage, Glencairn outside Cape Town and St. Georges Strand, a seaside resort near Port Elizabeth.
The Adderley Group consisted of two Troops, a Cub Pack and a Rover Crew. Two sisters, Ethel and Paterson, ran the Pack, Cornelius Joubert the Scout Troop, and Sam Morris the Rover Crew while N.M. Griffin provided assistance.
A name associated with the Group in the 1920's and 1930's was Gordon Gibaud who joined the Group as a Cub and progressed to Scouts, became a Senior Rover Mate and later their Scoutmaster. He was a Pack leader in the Wolf Cubs and a Troop Leader in their Scouts. He also had the distinction of becoming a King's Scout.
He was fortunate to meet the founder of the Scouting movement, Lord Baden Powell in St. Georges Park, Port Elizabeth during February 1927 and a few years later camped in Glencairn, near Cape Town at a National Rover Moot in about 1933. Here Gordon was pictured, planting a tree with Peter, who was Baden Powell's son, and this was published in the Cape Argus newspaper.
Records for the Cornwell Badge Award in 1940 list Ian Fletcher and William Doidge as being members of Adderley / Algoa Sea Scouts, which could indicate it merged with Algoa around this time.
Algoa Sea Scouts (1929 - Active) - The group started out as the Swartkops Sea Scout Troop where they crewed as extra's for members of the Swartkops Yacht Club. The Troop was registered on 1st October, 1929, and the name was changed in 1930 to the 1st Algoa Sea Scouts. From those early days it was reported that: - "There was a great deal of activity, weekends were spent sailing, rowing, fishing and practising sea crafts. The Troop met at a given place in town and then cycled to Swartkops were they were given free access to facilities at the Swartkops Yacht Club". A nostalgic 50-year anniversary logbook was produced. Read more….
Aloe (1966 - 1984) - The Group was registered 22 June 1966 and possibly included boys from the old St Bernard's and St Saviour's Groups. The name caused some confusion and was changed in 1984 to Walmer Aloe.
Capeways (1969 - 1970's) - The first Chinese Group in South Africa, it was formed in January 1969 by Ken Smith, Viv Kendall and Dan Thysse, Principal of the school in Cape Road. Outbuildings of a house was converted into a hall. Original Scouters were; Gordon Date Chong, Ronnie Kwong Hing, Merle Pow Chong. Pack Scouters wore a distinctive uniform, i.e. white blouse and navy skirt along with a colourful scarf. Lay members included Dr Bertie Wing King, Quinton Quat and Mr. Johnson. Later leadership followed under Sheila and Bill Cunningham.
Congregational (1960's) - This group was active in the early 1960's and the only information is that in 1961 a Mr S H Atterbury applied to be their Group Scoutmaster.
Cotswold (1961 - Active) - The Group was founded on the 1st December 1961 and initially met at numerous venues, often outdoors, but in the winter of 1967, it is recorded that they used the 1st Kabega Scout Hall near St Josephs. By October 1967 they had their own plot and clearing begun. Sterling work was done on the lay side by Ray Pressley and the Witte family resulting in their hall in Kiewietjie Street being officially opened by the Mayor Solly Rubin on 13th May 1972.
From their 1987 AGM which celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary it was reported that:- This was a busy year for the Cubs, participating in, Gilsands field day, Oceanarium, Carols, Swimming gala, BP Service, Kontiki, Willows Camp, Soccer, First Aid, Athletics plus 79 interest, 25 advancement and 4 Leaping Wolves badges. The Scouts had camps, entered competitions and achieved a number of Springbok Scouts. Visit their Facebook site for current activities.
Hellenic Dephi (1970's) - Very little information in the archives about this group other than that in June / July 1974 they took 14 Scouts on a 29-day sightseeing tour of Greece. This included the islands and many visited family members.
Humewood Sea Scouts (1927 - Active) - The Humewood Sea Scout Group was registered on 21 March 1927 and met from its inception in a wood and iron hall in Brookes Vale, later it was demolished to make way for the Museum complex. Next home was an army hut next to where the City Lodge is and in 1963 the Group moved into its newly built hall in 2nd Avenue, Summerstrand. As it is still active its historical documents remain with the Group.
Jewish (1915 - 1970's) - Scouting was only a few years old when the Port Elizabeth Jewish Troop first saw the light of day, as the original Warrant, was issued on the 1st December, 1915. Then came a period of inactivity for the Troop, but in February, 1927 it had a new lease of life. They met at Emmanuel Hall but it was not always available. They would often go camping and attended the 1937 Midlands Jamboree in Cradock. From the inspiration gained at this camp, it was felt that these efforts led them to win the Colour Competition Camping Trophy three times running in the next few years. It also led to quite a few of the Troop qualifying as King Scouts and even getting "All-Round Cords". From 1929 and for many years their Scoutmaster was Mr. O. Altschuler, better known as "Okkie ". Read more….
1st Kabega (1962 - 1998) - To start off 1st Kabega held its meetings in the garage on the property of the Cunningham's. Sheila ran the Cubs and Bill the Scouts. The first sod for the Scout Hall in Avondale Road was turned by Councillor Alberts circa 1966/7 and the hall was built by way of the committee and Scouts digging the trenches and thereafter a builder was used to finish the hall.
2nd Kabega (1964 - 2000's) - The original hall could be found in the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church in Kabega. Unique in that it was originally financed, by a Scouter, Colin Faifer. Later the Church took over the hall and recompensed the Group who then built another hall in Ritchie Crescent. Scouters from the early days were, Herbie Ireland, Ken Folley, Joy Smith, Audrey de Jong and Joan Marriner, Jenni Smith. The 1998 AGM reported that the Cub activities included; JOTA, Halloween Party, Skilkana in Uitenhage, Cub Cricket, Kontiki, and Soccer Challenge. Scouts participated a number of hikes including Bike hike, District Night hike, Beach hike and Groendal hike.
Lorraine (1994 - 2005) - This was a Cub Pack only group and the Akela was Elaine Cadger. It was a very active Pack, achieving a number of Silver Star awards and winning many events and in particular the Cub Kontiki. It is likely that they met in the Lorraine Methodist Church Hall.
Mayo (1920's) (1956 - 1965) - Records indicate that they were first registered in May 1920, also known as 2nd Port Elizabeth, and at some point, closed down. They re-registered in February 1956 and were active until they closed down in August 1965 and the remaining boys joined other Packs and Troops.
Mater Dei Sea Scouts (Catholic) (1970 - 1975) - This was a closed sponsored Sea Scout Group that held their meetings at St. Brigid's Hall, Cape Road. The Group Scoutmaster was Bill Wenzel and the other Scouters were Lorraine Wentzel, Basil and Yvonne Liston, John Batt, Ron Cooper and Fr. Murphy. In 1975 the group closed and 6 Scouts joined the Cotswold troop.
Mount Pleasant (1962 - 1964) - No information available other than it was active in the early 1960's.
Newton Park (1946 - 1980's) - The Group met at various places in Newton Park starting at the Methodist Church Hall in Third Ave, 26 West Street (c1952), Pirates Clubhouse, Westview (c1961) before a hall was built at bottom of 4th Ave which was also used for District meetings. Names associated with the group were: - Pat Callaghan, Thelma Fouche, Arthur Horne, R. Marryatt (GSM), R. Skelton (SM) and Mrs H Marryatt (CM).
N E (North End) Methodist (1939) - They met at Church Hall, 26 Bagshaw Street, North End and were active in 1939.
Northerns (1970's) - The Group was active in the 1970's with Assistant Scoutmaster Allan Zeiss, Cubmaster Tony Jones and ACM Mrs Val Fuller.
Pioneer Group (1960's) - They were active in the mid-1960's and may have been associated with the hall in Villiers Road between 9th and 10th Avenue.
Red House (1950 - 1961) - Active in the 1950's and closed down in 1961.
SOE (Sons of England) (1921 - 1983) - The Group was founded on the 10 May 1921 as the 4th Port Elizabeth S O E Group by the Sons of England Benevolent Society. It was initially a controlled or closed group, whereby boys wanting to join were required on their application form to detail their English heritage. Like many Groups they had their 'ups and downs', but through the war years they were in the top five of the many competitions, winning the prestigious Colour Competition 3 years in succession 1943/4/5 and the Camping Trophy in 1944. Read more….
Salvation Army Boy's Home Sydenham (1949) - Mention is made of this group being active in 1949.
Sea Scout Groups - Records show that Sea Scouting, a branch of Boy Scouting that had existed in Port Elizabeth since 1908, was up and running in Swartkops in 1927. The Humewood Sea Scout Group was registered on 21 March 1927 and the Algoa Sea Scout Group in 1929. These three Groups had fluctuating fortunes, using the Swartkops River and camped on the various craft used while building the harbour took place and then had a base on the "Palus", a bucket dredger, while the breakwater was being constructed. Read more….
S E (South End) Methodist (1950's) - Mention is made of this group being active in the 1920's and 1950's.
Scottish (1927) - Also known as the Port Elizabeth Scottish, they met at Dunn Hall, Belmont Terrace.
Sidwell (1968 - 1969) - Mention is made of this group being active in 1968.
St Andrews (1970's) - Met at the Presbyterian church in Heugh Road, Walmer. Group Scoutmaster was Don Gillard and Pack Scouter Brian Peters.
St Augustine's Sea Scouts (1931) (1960/70) - Our Scout archives record that the Group, also known as 8th PE, was first started in 1931 at the St Augustine's (Catholic) Cathedral and closed sometime later. It seems to have been revived as a copy of their magazine 'Catholic Trail' dated September 1960 where it was reported that: - On Sunday 28th. August 1960 a full turn out of Cubs, Scouts and Rovers was witnessed at the Cathedral for the Feastday of the Group. Father McNamara celebrated Mass and gave an excellent sermon on Scouting, the best we have heard for some years in fact. He encouraged parents to make the most of what Scouting offers and the boys he encouraged to play the game on the highest level. After Mass refreshments were partaken of in the Hall, kindly supplied by the Committee. Their Scoutmaster was Ken Smith and probably met at the McSherry Hall, near the Feather Market.
St Barnabas (1960's) - No information available other than it was active 1965.
St Bernadette (1960's) - Little is on record other that it being registered in 1960 and the Scouters were Norma and Merne Pannacchini. There is a possibly that in 1966 St Bernard's amalgamated with St Saviours to become part of the Aloe Group.
St Columba's (1928 - Active) - Their hall is in Richmond Hill Street. Scouters from the early days included, Ron Nicoll, Nesbitt Morgan (Moses), Crystal Grobbelaar and Martin de Bruyn. As it is still active its historical documents remain with the Group.
St Croix Sea Scouts (1963 - Active) - Their hall is located at Tippers Creek, Amsterdamhoek. The was founded 1963 by Group Scouter Lynwood Reynolds, Troop Scouter Alex Martin and "Akela" Dorothy Reynolds. The first meeting was held around a camp fire on the hill overlooking the Zwartkops River. As it is still active its historical documents remain with the Group.
St Cuthbert's (1939) (1946 - 1971) - Met at the St Cuthbert's (Anglican) Church Hall. In April 1971 they merged with SOE.
St George's (1928 - 1958) - The troop was formed on 19th April 1928 at the Eastern Province Children's Home under Scoutmaster Walter Bradford (Daddy) and met at St Georges School in Park Drive. In 1958 the Headmaster of St George's Preparatory School advised that their Scout Troop which he was running had closed down. Read more….
St John Methodist (1950's) - No information available other than it was active in 1957.
St Joseph's (1939) (1985) - The Group was initially active in 1939 and closed down. In 1985 attempts were made to revive the Group.
St Hugh's (1959 - 1980's) - Met at the church hall in Cape Road. In the 1970's the Scouters were, Group Scoutmaster Mr E Rushman, Scoutmaster Selwyn Gray, Pack Scouter Mrs R Corrall and ACM Mrs D Mclachlan and ACM Mrs H Leach. Other scouters associated with the group were, P. Bingle, Joan Mallon, Ada White and her son, David. Then, Colin Faifer, Pegotty Hutchings, Grenville Thomas, Viv Kendall, Ray and Norma Bland. The group was revived in December 1983 with Christal Webb and Margaret Bleut.
St Mary's Sea Scouts (1920's) (1960's) - From the groups very old logbook it is recorded; "A meeting of boys connected with St Mary's (Anglican) was held in the schoolroom on Thursday May 6th 1920, at which the Rev E A Barrett, assistant priest of St Mary's explained the aims and objectives of "Scouting for Boys" and advocated the formation of a Troop in the parish". The first Rally (meeting) of St Mary's Troop was held in the schoolroom on Monday 10th May, 1920.
The group must have closed at some point as it was revived in 1960 as a Sea Scout Group with some of the Scouters associated with the group being: - E Rushman, P. Bingle, Joan Mallon, Ada White and her son, David. Then, Colin Faifer, Pegotty Hutchings, Grenville Thomas, Viv Kendall, Ray and Norma Bland. Read more….
St Patrick (1947) - Mention is made of this group being active in 1947.
St Pauls Sea Scouts (1913 - 1916) (1956) - On the 3 September 1956 the Port Elizabeth Herald reported that the Sea Scout troop at North End had been revived: - "A Port Elizabeth Sea Scout troop which last functioned in the City at the St. Paul's Church, North End more than 40 years ago, has been resuscitated for the benefit of boys in the northern City areas. This Scout troop was founded in 1913 but was disrupted by the First World War and became defunct in 1916.
It has been re-formed to meet the need of youths in the City northern districts, as the distance they have to travel to the existing troops at Humewood and the harbour is considered too far. Meetings will be held at the Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. on Friday evenings. They will use the North End Lake for their boating activities and will start seamanship training as soon as they are able to acquire a boat. Efforts by members of the troop to find a suitable seaworthy craft have so far not been successful but they are organising a fundraising campaign in order to buy one".
St Paul's Church was at the corner of Govan Mbeki Street and Albany Road – at that time called Queen Street and Cooper's Kloof respectively. In 1959, St. Paul's (Anglican) Church had to be demolished to enable Albany Road to be widened.
St Saviour's (1949 - 1967) - They met at the Scout Den which was next to St Saviour's Anglican church in Walmer. The Group was closed as per church letter dated 3rd October 1967, "due to a complete lack of support from the church, parents and boys" and was deregistered at Scout HQ on 10 October 1967. There is a possibility that in 1966 the remnants of St Saviours amalgamated with St Bernard's to join or become the Aloe Group.
Sunridge (1961 - Active) - 25 Broadway Ave, Fernglen. Their first hall was a prefabricated Army hut in the grounds of the Stella Londt Home. Scouters from the early days were, Aubrey Krőoger, Gwenda Wesson, Kay Adendorff, Thamar Darling, and Guy Marshall. Later the group relocated to its present site with Scouters Pat Callaghan and Crystal Webb. As it is still active its historical documents remain with the Group.
Sydenham (1958)- Mention is made of this group being active in active 1958.
Taybank (1984) - Flourished for a short while with Scouters Ray and Sheila Cough and later Ray and Norma.
Walmer (1926 - Active) - Fordyce Road, Walmer. Opening with a Pack in 1926 and a Troop in 1928, the Group operated from a wooden hut on the site for many years. The current Walmer Scout Hall was built in the early nineteen fifties thanks to Mr. Arthur Coy, better known some years back as President of the South African Cricket Board, who headed the lay member participation in the raising of funds to complete the Hall. Visit their Facebook page for current events.
Miss E.T. Crooks, Grey Wolf, was the most prominent Scouter in the history of the Group, taking over the Pack when it started and remaining active until her death in 1967. Grey Wolf also attended the Arrow Park Jamboree in 1929. Another well-known Scouter was Bill Hodges who was Leader of the Cape Midlands Training Team and for many years assisted at the PLTU at Lexden, Natal.
Walmer Aloe (1984 - 2000's) - The history of the Walmer Aloe Scout Group goes back to various name changes and mergers with older groups that had closed down. A letter dated 22 June 1966 from the Divisional Secretary Mr H Young under the heading "Registration of a new Group" states that the registration of the Aloe Group has been approved. There was also documentation to indicate that possibly St Saviour's and St Bernadette merged to form part the Aloe Scout Group.
The group changed its name in 1984 from Aloe Scout Group to Walmer Aloe Scout Group. Their Scout Hall was situated in Villiers Road, Walmer, between 9th and 10th Avenue and their scarf was half blue half yellow. Read more….
West End (St Mary Magdalene) (1991 - Active) - 50 St Oswald Cres, Bethelsdorp.
Westering (1974 - 1990's) - Originally known as 1st Westlin the Scouters were Ellen Rankin and Georgerde Jager. Meeting places were a problem they used church premises and around 1986 they built their own hall. It was renamed 1st Westering in 1965. Scouters were, Ruth and Viv Kendall, Merlyn Koen, Esther Smith, Betsey Mc Crindle, Margaret Boehm and Brian Hunt. A second Pack, 2nd Westering, was built up by Esther Smith and closed when her husband went on transfer. Later Scouters were Lyn Dickson and Trevor George. In the 1970's Terry McDermid was their G.S.M.
Woodridge (1960's) - In the 1960's it was a popular camping venue. The Headmaster, Leslie Carter and his son Julian were the Scouters. It later adopted its own outdoor youth programme.
PE North District is recorded as having the following groups in 1970's - St James, St Michael, St Martin de Porres, St Kevin, Arcadia, St Rita and Kleinskool.
Algoa Sea Scout Group
The first 50 Years - 1929 to 1979
Most of this article is reprinted from the 1979 Jubilee Edition of the Group Magazine edited by Mr. G A McDonald.
Pressurized by a group of young lads keen to improve their seamanship, Mr. W.C. Lauder, formed the nucleus of the Algoa Troop. He did this, unwittingly, by organising the lads as extra crew for members of the Swartkops Yacht Club. The boys' belonged to the Swartkops Sea Scout Troop which, however, was not very active in boating at that time.
The Troop was registered on 1st October, 1929, the name being changed in 1930 to 9th Port Elizabeth - 1st Algoa Sea Scouts, but generally known as Algoa Sea Scouts or simply Algoa. Since the majority of the lads were from Port Elizabeth Central and found it difficult to meet regularly, the Troop moved to a more convenient meeting place at the North Jetty. Headquarters were found in a shed above two garages in Geard Street, North End. Henry Berry was the Scoutmaster and Mr. W.C. Lauder the Group Scoutmaster. A Rover group was formed to cater for the needs of the older Scouts.
In 1932 the scarf was changed from the red of the Swartkops Sea Scouts to blue and white. The manner in which the scarf was worn, blue to the left or blue to the right, served to differentiate the two watches in the Troop, port and starboard. The period 1929 -1936 saw a great deal of activity. Weekends were spent sailing, rowing, fishing and practising sea crafts. The Troop met at a given place in town and then cycled to Swartkops were they were given free access to the facilities at the Swartkops Yacht Club. Mr. Lauder had a shack at Amsterdamhoek which they used regularly, rowing there from the Yacht Club.
At the old North Jetty, they kept an 8 metre Montague whaler. Although given by the Royal Navy at Simonstown, it was necessary to raise funds for railage and maintenance. Mr. Sandy Lauder, son of the Group Scoutmaster and, at one time, Troop Leader, tells us that the money was raised by holding regular dances at the old North End Library. The 7-piece Oceania Orchestra was booked for Algoa for the winter season. The hall was decorated by the Scouts and special transport, from the Triangle Bus Service, was organised to fetch and carry guests. Sandy, with a twinkle in his eye, says that the presence of young ladies at these evenings gave the Scouts the added bonus of learning some social graces. The whaler was lowered from its davits at North Jetty weekly and voyages were undertaken to St. Croix, into the Swartkops River (a hair-raising experience), Cape Recife and visits to the Castle liners lying at anchor in the bay.
Algoa's representative at the 3rd World Jamboree, Arrowe Park, England was Mr. Dougie Paterson who left with the Cape Midlands contingent aboard the Edinburgh Castle on the 5th July, 1929 for a three month stay. Algoa's first King's Scouts were D. Paterson and C. Tandy with M. Muller becoming one in 1934. During this period Charles Tandy was the Scoutmaster and the Troop Leader was Sandy Lauder.
Camps were held at Grahamstown, Van Staden's and Uitenhage, with hikes to Hell's Gate in the Uitenhage mountains. Many a time the trek cart was loaded onto the train in Port Elizabeth, a night was spent at the S O E Scout Hall in Uitenhage and then the final hike to Hell's Gate.
1930's - Records for this decade are scanty but during the period 1934 to 1937, one lonely patrol carried right on to the period when the one and only "Guns" Baxter joined Algoa. "Guns", a Royal Navy and Railways and Harbours deep sea diver, answered a newspaper advertisement asking for an instructor in seamanship. There were then four Sea Scout Troops - St. Mary, St. Augustine, Algoa and Humewood. Owing to the lack of Sea Scouters, St. Augustine, Algoa and Humewood were made into a Central Sea Scout Group. This Troop was formed by R.S. Pearson to put sea scouting on the map again in Port Elizabeth. "Guns" took over Algoa, Tom Davis took over St. Augustine's, while Humewood at that time had no Scouter. The combined groups met in the Humewood Scout Hall but were all soon forced to seek further accommodation through an increase in numbers. A home for Algoa was found at the Seamen's Institute and the first parade was held on the 12th August, 1938 with "20 hands on board and one hand adrift". "Guns" Baxter was Scoutmaster and Scotty Smith Assistant Scoutmaster. The Troop Leader was Gordon Hill.
At this time Algoa was given a lighter which was moored at the mouth of the Baakens River. Lighters became redundant stock after the building of the CharI Malan Quay which enabled ships to tie up alongside. "Guns" said it had been built up on the Baakens River, launched on rollers and pulled out to sea some sixty years prior to 1955. After many hours of scrounging materials, an upper deck cabin was built, with eight bunks and a galley. The pulleys had two boats hoisted on them, the Gig and the Pram. Training was carried out from the Lighter with the Whaler being used for the Oarsman Badge and the Pram for the Boatman Badge. There were no more jaunts out to sea because the harbour was becoming "regulation bound". "Guns" recalls that the Lighter lasted until about 1954 when it had got too old to repair. It was finally sunk on North End beach.
The Algoa Cub Pack was established in the late 1930's in Mr. Gosschalk's garage who was the District Commissioner. Mrs. Paterson was the Akela and her husband, Russell Paterson, the Chairman of the first Group Committee. Soon after the war the Cubs, combined with St. Cuthbert's and under the care of Grey Wolf Crooks and Miss Van Eyssen, met at the Bingley Street church hall.
1940's - This was a difficult period and during the Second World War (1939 - 1945) the Troop met in the basement of the C.M.L. Building and after the war the Scouts went back to the Seamen's Institute. Algoa received a certificate at the end of the war from Lord Baden-Powell. It read: "I want to thank you for helping to give shelter and assistance to our distressed refugees". Twenty-three Algoa old boys served their country during the war, fourteen of whom were in the naval service.
Two Algoa Sea Scouts, Ian Fletcher and William Doidge, were awarded the Cornwell Badge in 1940. This badge is the highest award a Scout can win and is given in respect of pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage, endurance and gallantry. The award is granted only to Scouts under 18 who have, in addition, an outstanding record of service and efficiency. Both Scouts had faced grave illness bravely.
The first King's Scout "belonging" to "Guns" was Clifton Hart, followed by W. Zeeman, B. Gosschalk, R. Olsen, B. Baxter, J. Salmon, A. Landman and C. Smallwood.
1950's - A new base for Port Elizabeth's Sea Scouts came about when the Railways & Harbours granted them a piece of land in the harbour. Funds were raised to build a hall, one such event being a "Crossing-the-line Ceremony" in St. George's Park swimming bath. In 1951 the hall was completed after the Rev. W.H. Marshall of The Seamen's Institute, in some miraculous way, found the shortage needed.
The parade ground on the sea side, plus jetty and slipway were built by Scouts, parents and other interested supporters. The Base was officially opened on 14th July, 1956 by Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey Robson. As a fitting tribute to a man who had devoted 22 years to the Algoa Sea Scout Troop, the hall was officially named the C.W. Baxter Hall. History was made at the opening as it was the first time ever that an Admiral had been "pulled" ashore at a South African port. Two of our Scouts with Boatswain's whistles piped-the party ashore.
At this time the Algoa Chairman was Mr. Ashley Mann and the uniformed members were Group Scoutmaster "Guns" Baxter, Scoutmaster Malcom Davidson (Seahorse) and A.S.M. Jimmy Bruce. The role of S.M. was a very new one for Seahorse as he had taken over from S.M. A Kerr who emigrated to New Zealand.
Algoa did not have to say goodbye to "Guns" even after he had left. He kept in touch with his old Group and at 84 he returned to Port Elizabeth to be welcomed by 65 friends (mostly ex Algoa Scouts) at a happy reunion. He died four years later in 1975.
The Groups magazine, Algoa Logbook, appeared in September 1955 in the form of a monthly newsletter. Funds were raised for paper, stencils and ink by selling newspapers. Peter Ibsen, a Queen's Scout, edited the Logbook and he represented Algoa at the Jubilee Jamboree of Scouting in August 1957 held at Sutton Park, England. He was one of the 380 South Africans that attended.
1960's - The decade started with a number of boys being awarded their Queen's Scouts Badges, they were Jimmy Sterley, Antony Newlands-Nell, George Van Dugteren and Jan Schubart. George and Jan were the last two Algoa Queen's Scouts before South Africa became a Republic. The presentation of their awards was made on 1st July, 1961, the same day that their sailing boat "Guns" was launched by the Mayoress of Port Elizabeth, Mrs. Monty Van Der Vyver. After the ceremony Algoa Scouts had a race against the Sea Cadets in two whalers and carried off the honours. Algoa's crew were: Coxswain George Walton, Jan Schubart, Ian Coppin, Peter Dickason and Gavin Lennie.
The first Springbok Scouts in 1962 were Peter Dickason, Gavin Lennie and Jeff Hatton followed closely by Ian Coppin (renowned for his ghost stories in camp) Robert Shepherd, Neil Robertson and Derek Dickason. The Springbok Badge at that time, preceded the Chief Scout Award which was the very highest honour in South Africa. It is awarded to those who continue working for Scouting for at least six months after their Springbok Award. In 1963 Ian Coppin, Robert Shepherd, Peter Dickason and Gavin Lennie received this award, followed in 1964 by Neil Robertson and Derek Dickason.
These lads laid the foundation for what were to be Algoa's years of glory. The Logbook records that in 1963 Algoa won every Scouting competition in the District and most of the competitions in the Division. The sea was not the only interest during these years. Successful camps were held at Grahamstown, the Lady's Slipper and on Mrs. Devenish's farm "Charlesford" on the Knysna Lagoon.
Malcom Davidson (Seahorse) left Algoa in December 1961 and his place was taken by George Walton with A.S.M.'s Noel Stoppforth (a stalwart editor of the Logbook for many years) Louis Whitehorn, Otto Searle and Jan Schubart to help him. (Those were the days!)
The Canoe Race, started in 1962 by Humewood, was won by Algoa for seven consecutive years to 1969. Algoa regained the honours in the junior event in 1977 when Paul Morgan (first) and Peter McDonald (second) battled it out against a raging South Westerly gale which made a sea of the Swartkops River. They both earned awards for endurance and courage.
The Annual Scouts Gala was won by the Algoa Troop from 1964 for five years in succession and the Pack for eight years in succession. In all the Scouts had gained the shield eleven times since it was first presented in 1943.
From 1960 to 1963 the Pack was run by Mrs. Edna "Tiny" Packwood and Algoa was a match for everyone. Derek Scarr took over in December 1963 and the Cubs saw more of the Eastern Cape than at any other time. Hiking was undertaken round Kragga Kama, Mount Pleasant, Cape Receife and the Baakens Valley, while camps and visits included the Cango Caves, Graff Reinet (to see the snow), Yellowoods, Zuurberg and Loerie via the faithful Apple Express.
Six members of Algoa Wolf Cub Pack with certificates and badges for swimming a mile. They are, from left to right, Michael McCurdie, Clive Wilson, Peter Mitchell, Douglas Lawrence, Nigel Cones and Bernard Going. Douglas Lawrence was awarded an additional certificate for 10 miles.
Algoa moves to a new home
The July 1965 Logbook records the move from the Seamen's Institute: " At the end of July we have to meet at a new hall because the Institute will be using their hall on Friday nights in future. The new mailship schedule has now started and in future we will see two Castle ships in port on Fridays and Saturdays. This means the usual weekend dance which the Institute has for the seamen will now take place on Friday nights - hence the move". They had been meeting in the Seamen's Institute hall since 1938 (with a break during the war years) so it was really a sad thought that they no longer would have the use of a very fine hall".
So it was that on 1st July 1965, after 27 years, Algoa moved from the Seamen's Institute to the Baxter Hall, but this soon proved too small. With the mediation of Councillor Bernard Nagle, Algoa was given an ex-Army hutment, the old Marist Hall, and grounds in St. George's Park. At this time the Scoutmaster was Mr. De Nevilly-Rice assisted by Lyn Singmin and the Group Scoutmaster was Mr. Gordon Nicol.
The Scouts camped and hiked regularly, the highlight being the long annual summer camp which included such venues as "Charlesford" near Knysna and Bathurst. Hiking was undertaken round Coega, Perseverance, Hell's Gate, Lady's Slipper, Maitland River, Van Staden's and as far afield at the Diaz Cross.
During the 1960's the Groups magazine, Algoa Logbook flourished under the efficient and enthusiastic help of such people as Noel Stoppforth, Miss B. Schaeffer and Mrs. Helene Scott. There was a regular monthly edition packed with news and items of interest. It was circulated as far afield as New York and Honolulu where it was placed third by the Explorer Post Ten Bulletin in competition with all other exchange newspapers. The award was a ribbon - where is it now?
In 1966 the Logbook won first place in the local Marsh Memorial Trophy for Scout Journalism in the Cape Midlands and placed third in the National event. It was thanks to people like Mr. Noel Stoppforth, Mrs. Helene Scott and Mrs. Dot Schubart, their Information Officer who served Algoa for over 16 years, that they had such good records of Algoa's activities. They hoped that the tradition would continue.
1970's - The nineteen seventies saw Algoa participating in all Scouting events in the Cape Midlands Area. Under the guidance of Akela Val Jones, Baloo Jenny van Breda, who later became Akela before moving to East London, and the competent Charmaine Dangers, the Cubs flourished.
For many years the Cubs annually collected groceries for the blind of Port Elizabeth. They attended camps at Lady's Slipper, Graaf Reinet and Hobbiton-on-Hogsback, and regularly visited places of interest in Port Elizabeth.
In 1977 Algoa acquired five Pelican yachts and with the noble assistance of Algoa's longest standing friends, the Swartkops Yacht Club, eighteen Cubs and Scouts completed a Beginner's Course in sailing and eleven the Advanced Course. Several Algoa Scouts then crewed for the Swartkops and Redhouse Yacht Clubs. As they say, history repeats itself. In 1979 a rowing boat was purchased to initiate boating training.
It wasn't all nautical however, and Camping and Hiking were very much part of the Group's activities with trips to Tsitsikama, Katberg and the Elands River Valley. The Scouts, under Ronnie Baer and Andy Cory, with Group Chairmen, D.R. John, B. Castignani and P.M. Ie Patourel all ensured that Algoa continued and was represented at such events as the Walton Trophy the McClelland Camping Trophy, the Haig Ambulance Trophy, swimming galas, the Koniki and the Annual Canoe Race.
Golden Jubilee
In 1979 Algoa Sea Scouts celebrated their Golden Jubilee. The event was held on the 18th November, 1979 to coincide with the 50th Annual General Meeting. Old friends mingled with current Cubs and Scouts at an informal braai, after a simple but moving ceremony to mark the Jubilee.
They were honoured to have Area President, Mr. R. Barker, Area Commissioner, Mr. G. Witte, Assistant Area Commissioner (Training), Mr. C. Stretton and District Commissioner, Mr. G. Cannoo, with them. A warm welcome was given to Regional Commissioner, Girl Guides, Mrs. M.P. Bromiley.
The very special guests were five of Algoa's earliest sea Scouts: Mr. D. Paterson and his wife who travelled all the way from Natal to be with us, Mr S. Lauder, Mr. C. Webber, Mr. E. Rother and his wife and Mr. G. Buchanan and his wife. To commemorate this occasion our five Pelican yachts will be named after Algoa's "oldies".
Names of Scouts on photo:-
Back row: C. Dangers (Akela) J. Haggerty (Beaver) R. Henderson (Baloo)
2nd row: R. Gibson J. Ie Patourel R. Trumpp L. Castignani R. Tozer M. Akers
3rd row: Founder Members: C. Webber E, Rother D. Paterson S. Lauder G. Buchanan
4th row: B. Egett G. Harradine G. Haggerty C. Akers G. Winder C. Lacey T. Ball Mo Winstanle
5th row: S. Corcoran R. Libbrecht B. Riddle P. Gibson R. Eggett G. Riddle B. Corcoran
The Area Commissioner, Mr. G. Witte representing the Cape Midlands branch of the Scouting Movement in his speech said: - "For any scout group a 50-year Jubilee is a fine achievement. Too often scouting groups close down through lack of leadership. Algoa Sea Scouts have proved themselves. They remained active throughout the Second World War; they lost their base but soon found another. They have had many King's Scouts, Queen's Scouts and Springbok Scouts. Though the Group has had lean days, it has always come back. It is a fine record. I extend my congratulations to the Group and to all who are and were connected with it and wish you all happy scouting for the future. May you go from strength to strength".
The Group celebrated their 75th Anniversary on 28 August 2004. The year was quite a milestone for Algoa when in April the Eastern Cape's first two Springbok Girl Scouts, Erika Demeyer and Shelly-Anne Wakeford, were presented with their Awards. Additionally, their magazine Algoa Anchor News won the prestigious National H V Marsh Award for Scout journalism for the second time. They won it in 2002, 2004 and 2005.
PE Jewish Scout Group
50th Anniversary Editor : J. Ellis
Presenting the Editorial for this, our Jubilee Number, I feel rather like the after-dinner speaker who starts: "Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking …" and then talks inevitably for two hours or so. Well, unaccustomed as I am to writing about fiftieth birthdays of any kind, I was rather apprehensive about tackling this one.
First thoughts were to hold forth about the virtues of Scouts and Scouting in general; and the splendid (though rather erratic) record of the Jewish Group in particular. Then I received the grand eulogy to our "Okkie" (may his shadow never grow less) and I was very much "Cut down to size", as the saying goes. Bowing in all humility before such a record of service, over the years one feels that any comment or even praise given here would be presumptuous. And yet, as an onlooker seeing a good deal of the game, I would like to make a few general observations.
The Group, broadly speaking, is in a healthy condition. If I may use the analogy of the motor-car: The driver, Okkie, and his co-driver, Ronnie, are going steadily along, with the Cub Pack manfully keeping pace. They have the petrol in the tank at the rear (Parents Committee) which reaches the pistons (troop-pack) in due course. As you know, the petrol in a car needs a spark to ignite it and so start the car moving.
Luckily, at the moment the Group has quite a flurry of bright sparks on the Committee under the enthusiastic leadership of Mr. Jack Nathan, our worthy Chairman. much thanks is due to them for their work behind the scenes.
Life is so complex nowadays, people young and old get involved in all sorts of activities, that it is not an easy matter to control and administer a committee of any size. I think, all in all, our committee deserves a pat on the back, with a special one for Jack.
This issue of the Log is, I feel, a good example of a good combined effort. my thanks to all who contributed to it.
The Log adds its Congratulations on this happy occasion.
50 Years of Scouting - A Review
Scouting was only a few years old when the P.E. Jewish Troop first saw the light of day, as the Original Warrant, which is still in the possession of the present Troop, was issued on the 1st December, 1915. Unfortunately, we have not got the records of the Troop in the beginning and are only able to glean odd facts from reports given verbally and reported in the Log Book of the re-formed Troop. This will unfold as we proceed. We know that the first Scout master was the late Mr. H. Magnus and as the Troop started during the First World War, the chaps certainly had the chance to be of Service to the Community and the Country. Then the 'flu epidemic hit the Country and members of the Troop did yeoman work, on one occasion collecting 3,000 bottles in under an hour for the free distribution of medicine, whilst on another occasion bringing in over 200 pillows, which were urgently required.
There came a period of inactivity for the Troop, but in February, 1927, a new lease of life was entered upon and we have a much clearer picture of the Troop since then.
An active Committee was formed, the prime mover being the original Scout master, Mr. H. Magnus. Minute books are not available, but on the first Committee were mesdames D. Lax, J. Gluckman, with Messrs. A. Schauder, Herbert Burman, Norman Jacobs and the writer, as Secretary/Treasurer. We offer our apologies to any person whose name has not been included. Our only record is the Troop Log Book and Scribes are not interested in the personnel of Committee members.
This Troop Log Book is a well-kept record of the commencement of the second phase of the Troop's existence and although it does not keep up the standard, it is our one source of information of life and activity of the Troop. Apparently some 60 boys handed in their names, but 12 boys actually formed the nucleus of the Troop, with Mr. S. Elion as their Scout master. After the original 12 had put in a couple of months training, a further 24 were enrolled. This was in April, 1927. Before this, however, the original 12 took part in a rally in the Park in honour of a visit by the Chief Scout. They were, of course, in uniform and as they marched in through the gate, Mr. Mann, the District Commissioner, said, quite audibly "Well done, the new Troop". One can well imagine the puffed chests as a result of this encouragement. The Troop owed a lot to the help and guidance of the D.S.M., Mr. Roy Makepeace, and many are the references to "Bony Knees", nis Scout nom-de-guerre.
In the early days of the re-born Troop, the Press was most generous in the space allowed for reports on Scout Activities and one report tells of an average attendance of 85 telling of the enthusiasm for Scouting. The "OUT" in Scouting was a reality and many are the reports of week-end camps, whilst two or three camps were run at Oudtshoorn and one as far afield as Durban. These camps are undoubtedly good for enthusiasm and one wonders why more of these visits to other Towns are not carried out. This is for the good of Scouting generally.
At one time the Troop had 8 King's Scouts, the equivalent of the present Springbok Scout. The late Rev. Levy arranged several Shul Parades, which, according to our source of information, could have been better attended.
An exciting event is recorded from the extract of the Log dated the 17th October, 1929. I quote verbatim: - "A.S.M. Altschuler, we hear, will shortly be coming to P.E. and is to join our Troop. Cheers! Now things will liven up somewhat" and again on the 14th November of the same year "A.S.M. Altshuler was present". It must not be thought that "Okkie" joined the Troop after the above-mentioned Camps were run - as a matter of fact they were all after his advent and I must be forgiven if this report does not put activities in their chronological order.
One of the greatest obstacles experienced has been the lack of our own Scout Hall and on numerous occasions one reads that "the Emanuel Hall was not free". A Scout Hall, suitably provided with Patrol Corners is a "must" for a continuous programme to be arranged. Another obstacle has been the lack of A.S.M.'s and one wonders just how many sleepless nights "Okkie" has spent trying to run a Scout Troop without assistance. Again, whilst Cub Packs have functioned from time to time, there has been no continuity. As an active Cub Pack is essential, if a Troop is to have a well on which to draw its future Scouts, it is fervently hoped that the present Cub Pack may go from strength to strength.
One must here pay tribute to those who have given of their best to Cubbing in the Jewish Troop. Amongst these are Mr. A. Milwidsky, Mrs. Cowan and Mrs. F. Ossher, Miss S. Abrahams and Miss T. Bernstein and last, but by no means least Mrs. Cohn, District Commissioner for Cubs, without whose constant help and guidance our present Pack would never have been able to carry on. Thank you, Mrs. Cohn.
The late Mrs. Fred Joseph made a Troop Flag for the original Troop, a real labour of love, the flag being hand made. When the Troop went into recess, the late Mr. H. Magnus looked after the flag, handing it over to the re-born Troop when he thought they were ready to receive it.
Amongst Asst. Scout masters have been Messrs. Lentin, Zartz, W. Budlender, B. Milwidsky and W. Krsitzick.
The record of old Scouts who served during the 2nd World War is one of which anyone connected with the 1st Jewish Boy Scout Troop can be justly proud. Those who paid the supreme sacrifice were Troop Leader Jack Kerbel, P.L.'s Jack Eliason, Nelson Hefferman, Abe Lazarus. and Monty Porter, and Scouts Harland Ben and Woolf Berlin, whilst Scout Meyer Silber gave his life in defence of Jerusalem.
Scouts who served were D. Altschuler, D. Barris, A. Braude, L. Bendelstein, J. Bergman, W. Budlender, R. Davis, B. Dinn, I. Eliason, H. Goldman, m. Goldman, m. Herling, S. Katz, P. Lax, m. Levitt, J. Levinthal, L. Levy, B. Milwidsky, E. Mirkin, L. Mirkin, W. Mirkin, B. Ossher, D. Ossher, S. Ossher, H. Perl, T. Perl, C. Rosenberg, I. Segall, A. Solomon, L. Spilg, A. Walt and F. Walt.
An impressive list and one that shows that our chaps had learned that important lesson of Scouting, SERVICE.
Before closing I would again apologize to any whose name has been omitted. Full records are not available, but we would like to thank all those, both Uniformed members as well as Lay members, who have helped to make the first 50 years of the 1st P.E. Jewish Scout Troop so successful. may the next 50 years prove as successful.
Message from our Chairman Jack Nathan
I am deeply honoured and gratified to be filling the position of Chairman of the Jewish Group Scout Committee for this auspicious year - the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Jewish Scouting in this area.
The pages of this Anniversary edition of the Jewish Log reflect something of the past fifty years and also reveals the recent renaissance of the Jewish Troop. I hasten to express the hope that fifty years hence Jewish Scouting will be as prevalent as it is now and will have spread to other centres.
My experience in Scouting indicates the essential interest of Parents in the movement. It is almost axiomatic that an interested and devoted Group Committee sponsors an active and energetic Troop, and it is to Parents that I appeal to rally round their Group Committee whenever possible, and accept office when the time comes.
We are also in need of suitable men and women who have leadership aptitude, to join our uniformed ranks. They will receive intensive training from Scout Headquarters which will enable them to conduct our growing number of Scout and Cub sections. Should there be any persons in our community who are interested in these praiseworthy activities, please contact me at any time for further particulars.
Recently, an appeal for funds was addressed to Old Scouts, Parents and Friends. The result of this appeal was most gratifying and the accompanying letters of congratulation and encouragement equally so. These funds have contributed towards the current celebrations, and will be useful in the future, mainly for equipment etc., possibly for the Scout interest in the proposed Jewish Youth Centre.
Thanks are due all round. much has been accomplished in the last few years, and the burden of this year has been particularly onerous. Too many names of valiant workers and interested supporters would have to be selected for special mention - I thank them collectively on behalf of all who respect the ideals of Scouting.
From ex Scout: Chooks Heideman (Durban)
The knowledge that our troop, and really I think of it as our Troop, is now 50 years young, brings back many happy memories, most of these associated with camping. You will recall that in those days we went camping during most school holidays. I was very lucky that my first camping experience took place soon after I joined the troop in 1936.
Buddy, as A.S.M., took the patrol comprising of, I think, max Witt (P.L.), Monty Porter (2nd), the late Nelson Hefferman, Gussy Levy, Isaac Witt and myself, to a midlands Jamboree at Cradock. Here many friendships were formed with other troops and the troop began to take an ever-increasing interest in scouting and camp-craft. From the inspiration gained at this camp, I feel are the efforts which led us to win the Colour Competition Camping Trophy three times running in the next few years. It also led to quite a few of us qualifying as King Scouts and even getting "All-Round Cords".
But other memories also flood back, of a morning at Cradock when I woke up and looked at Gussy sleeping beside me and burst out laughing at the sight of him. This woke him up. He took one look at me and also burst out laughing. By this time everyone else in the tent was also howling with laughter. Yes, you've guessed it, both of us had had our faces blacked during the night, and neither of us realised that his own face was black.
Other memories keep on coming back of campfires and singsongs, of meals, cooked by ourselves, which seemed to us more appetizing than anything dreamed up by a French Chef, but which would probably have horrified our mothers. As an indication of how prices have changed, I can remember that for pre-war camps we used to budget at about R1.00 a head per week for food, and that we always had food over for one last glorious spread at the end of the camp.
I send the Log and Troop my best wishes. Kind regards to Okkie and his wife. Every success for the second fifty years.
OKKIE, an Appreciation
Forty-four years' Service to the Scout movement. Such is the proud record of our Scout master, Mr. O. Altschuler, or "Okkie " as he is known to all in the movement.
He joined the Scouts on the 21st September, 1921, in East London. In 1929 he attended the Coming of Age Jamboree, which was held at Liverpool and his diary of that memorable trip is one of his treasured possessions.
On his return, he came to Port Elizabeth in October, 1929, joining up as A.S.M. to the 1st P.E. Jewish Boy Scout Troop almost immediately. In the Troop Log, his first appearance is entered under date 14th November, 1929, since when he has served the troop under fair weather conditions, as well as foul.
He has been awarded the Long Service medal, with 40 year Bar, as well as the medal of merit, with Bar. He was offered the position of Assistant District Commissioner, giving an idea of the opinion in which Headquarters have of him. This last was an honour which he was unable to accept, as most Troops meet on Friday night and acceptance would have meant visiting Troops and thus breaking the Sabbath. This well illustrates Okkie's outlook, his religious observance coming before high honour in a movement to which he has given so much.
This, then, is a very brief factual history of Okkie's Scout Service.
But what does all this mean. To those who have served the movement in any capacity, they will know of the nights devoted to the movement, not one, very often, but sometimes two and three nights in one week. Programmes to be planned, attending Scouters' meetings and seeing to the hundred and one things that must be done, behind the scenes, for the successful running of a Troop; carrying one's share of the burden, though a labour of love, if one is to play one's rightful part in this World Wide Fellowship.
For a great part of the time, he has had to carryon without assistants of any kind and no Group Committee, not sure if they could meet in the Hall on Scout night or where to go, if not.
Through all these ups and downs, Okkie has kept the flag flying for the 1st P.E. Jewish Boy Scout Troop.
Sea Scouting
Ack: Outtray June 2001
Records show that Sea Scouting, a branch of Boy Scouting that had existed in Port Elizabeth since 1908, was up and running in Swartkops in 1927. The Humewood Sea Scout Group was registered on 21 March 1927 and the Algoa Sea Scout Group in 1929. These three Groups had fluctuating fortunes, using the Swartkops River and camped on the various craft used while building the harbour took place and then had a base on the "Palus", a bucket dredger, while the breakwater was being constructed.
In the later 1930s Mr CW "Guns" Baxter answered a call and restructured Sea Scouting in the town. "Guns" was a navy diver and worked on the construction of the breakwater and later into the 1950s was a harbour diver in his big old-fashioned rubber suit and copper helmet.
At about that time the Royal Navy donated a Montague Whaler which was put to very good use, and "Guns" obtained an old Lighter that had seen many years of use before Port Elizabeth had a protected harbour to transport cargo from ships lying at anchor in the roadstead. The Lighter was moored about where the SA Navy launches tie up on the East side of the No. 2 quay today. This was fitted out with a cabin over the hold and a galley and heads built towards the stern. Officers used the cabin and the Sea Scouts slept in hammocks in the hold. The various craft used by the scouts were raised on davits on either side. This arrangement was a boys idea of heaven.
When the Lighter became too old and expensive to keep on the water, in the early 1950s, it was towed out and scuttled but would not sink and eventually ran aground at Smelly Creek where it is most probably covered by the road and "dolosse". A new home was sought and thanks to "Guns" and Rev WH Marshall funds were raised and a piece of the harbour wall alongside the Donkin Naval Base obtained and a hall built in 1953. The "CW Baxter Sea Scout Base" came into existence. The Scouts and Scouters put their hands to the spade and slowly the slipway and jetty was completed. In the early 1960s Dr van Digterens firm, Val-Orange erected a gantry on the jetty and covered it with corrugated asbestos sheets. This made boat handling and storage much easier.
The floods of 1st September 1968 struck and the whole basin at the mouth of the Baakens River was filled with rocks, caravans, cars and anything else that was in the way of the water that came down that day. The powers that be at that time decided that for security reasons and because of the state of the basin, the hall was expropriated. Fifty years after the hall was built, Sea Scouting is endeavouring to again get the use of this property for Scouting purposes. Unfortunately, Portnet are insisting of a commercial hire cost for this use which the Sea Scout Groups cannot meet.
Humewood Sea Scout Troop met from its inception in a wood and iron hall in Brookes Vale, later it was demolished to make way for the new Museum complex. Next home was an army hut next to where the City Lodge now is. In 1963 the Group moved into its newly built hall in 2nd Avenue Summerstrand.
When the Algoa Sea Scout Group split from Humewood in 1929 and met in the "Seamans Institute" now designated as the South End Museum. With a short occupation of the Baxter Base, in 1965, Algoa Group obtained the use of the army hut in St Georges Park where they still meet today. Various other Sea Scout Groups were formed, St Augustine's, St Mary's, Mater Dei, St Pauls and others but had short lifespans. St Peters Sea Scout Group, formed in June 1954 met in South End until the destruction of the suburb. St Croix Sea Scout Group in Tippers Creek, Amsterdam Hoek was registered in the early 1960s by a Mr Reynolds and is still in existence. In about 1975 a Sea Scout Group was registered at St Martin de Porres Church in Gelvandale and hopefully will be in action again in 2001.
Many former Port Elizabeth Sea Scouts have gone on to be meaningful members of the community. First of all sailors, soldiers and airmen during the 2nd World War. Doctors, Lawyers, Directors of large companies - Officers in the SA Navy, Ships Masters with Safmarine. Officers in the Harbour Services and Tug Masters, Commanders of NSRI, Officers in our Fire Services and not least of all, lifelong members of St Johns Ambulance and Surf Lifesaving. Elroy Swart, as Manager of the South African Paraplegic athletic team, was at Sydney 2000.
Good news for Sea Scouting has just recently been received. Mr Owen Baxter (grandson of "Guns" Baxter) has taken on the Job of Chairman of the P.E. District Sea Scout (Water Activity) sub-committee which was inaugurated on the 27th March 2001. With this comes the news that Scouting has been registered as members of the Algoa Bay Yacht Club and we will be able to use the facilities on the harbour for our boating activities.
S O E (Sons of England) Scout Group
The Group was founded on the 10 May 1921 as the 4th Port Elizabeth S O E Group by the Sons of England Benevolent Society. This was a fraternal society for English Protestants and its purpose was to unite Englishmen (i.e. excluding Scottish and Welsh) for their mutual support, social and moral uplift, and to preserve and celebrate the Anglo-Protestant cultural heritage of its members. To assist in furthering these aims the Scout Hall was built and opened on the 28 August 1924 by Sir Wilton Macintosh.
It was initially a controlled or closed group, whereby boys wanting to join were required on their application form to detail their English heritage. This was then assessed for approval by members of the Lodge and Scouters who formed the governing committee.
Earliest documents in the Scout Archives are from the 1929/30 AGM where it is recorded that Mr D Lancaster, who was the Scoutmaster had been appointed Group Scoutmaster following the departure of Mr Roy French to Rhodesia. The Cubmaster was a Miss Marlin who took over from Miss Patterson.
In August 1929 two Scouts were part of the 405 South Africans that attended the 3rd World Jamboree, Arrowe Park, England and then stayed to partake in a formal training course at Gilwell. Upon their return they attended the 1930 Midlands Jamboree.
The following year was busy with a new Cubmaster, Miss H Warren keeping the Cubs active, and the Scouts camped at Bog Farm and entered the Colour Competition. The Rovers too were active, one of their hikes being to Hell's Gate. 1932 started off with Mr Pidsley as Scoutmaster and the annual Easter Camp at Humewood was a great success with Cubs, Scout and Rovers camping. They were joined by the Uitenhage SOE boys and had many visitors popping in. In May Mr Pidsley returned to England and Mr Gradwell / Bedingfield took over as Scoutmaster. Six Scouts attended the Midlands Jamboree, but unfortunately the by the end of the year attendance was bad and numbers were falling. With low numbers 1933 saw both the Cubmaster Miss Warren and the Scoutmaster Mr Gradwell resigning. Rover W G Lancaster then ran the Pack.
The Group was however still active with all three sections out hiking, camping and attending the Midlands Jamboree in the 'Show Yard'. As many of groups had only a handful of Rovers, a Central Crew was formed and the SOE Rovers together with other Rovers joined this Crew.
Eight Scouts attended the first South African National Jamboree in March 1936 in East London and over Easter the Scouts cycled to Zuurberg for a week end camp. Leaving PE at 5am, breakfast was at Addo Drift and the berg was reached in the late afternoon. Soon after this the group started to pick up - Rover Yates became Scoutmaster and Miss Ivy Cawood the Cubmaster. The year also saw a new campsite being opened in Walmer and the Sea Cubs and Scouts were using the SOE hall.
In May 1937 the Scouts camped at Alicedale together with boys from the Cradock and Grahamstown troops and in September Hugh Holmes became a King Scout, the first in five years.
During the Second World War a number of Scouts gained the National Service Badge for work relating to the war effort. Although many Scouters were on 'Active Service' troops continued to function and training continued, together with hikes camps and competitions. Stability and continuity were ensured by their Group Scoutmaster D Lancaster who guided them from 1930 to 1948. There was also a lot of interaction with other Groups, the Cubs joining the Methodists for a 1939 Easter Camp and activities with St Cuthbert's. The Troop produced its next King Scouts, H Knight and G Robinson, and had campfires with the Humewood Troop.
By 1942 the town and hall were 'Blacked Out' and consequently many of the boys could not attend the evening meetings. It was also the Group's 21 birthday and was celebrated with a small party. Lady Baden-Powell visited Port Elizabeth and SOE were represented at the welcome function.
Through the war years they were in the top five of the many competitions, winning the prestigious Colour Competition 3 years in succession 1943/4/5 and the Camping Trophy in 1944. This period came to an end with the group attending the V E (Victory in Europe) Parade.
After the war the Group went through a down spell, the Cubs dwindled down to one and he transferred to another Group, but the Scouts soldiered on. In 1948 Wally Lancaster stepped down as Scoutmaster after 9 years and Harry Knight replaced him. Mrs Mandy-Foster in 1949 re-started the Pack.
Not much is on record for the 1950's other than Bicknell replaced Knight as Scoutmaster, who was transferred by his work. They did however win the Ambulance Trophy in 1954. The nineteen sixties started off well, good attendance, badge passing, camps in King Edward Park and hikes. However, by the end of the decade the troop was almost non-existent.
At the start of the nineteen seventies many of the groups were struggling with numbers and it seems that St Cuthbert's merged into SOE and maybe even St Paul's. Soon the Cubs were 32 in number and very active, and attended a large and very successful Divisional Cub Camp in the Hogsback. There was also Kontiki, Swimming Gala and hikes etc. When St Andrew's closed 6 Cubs from the group joined SOE and very soon they had a waiting list!
The 1980's started with 56 members in the Group and the Cubs forming 'A' and 'B' packs. They did however combine on occasions to compete in various competitions and thus winning the Cub Efficiency Trophy and Aloe Shield. The AGM's were having good turn outs and the Committee was functioning well.
10th May 1981 was the Group's 60th anniversary and the committee organized a fun day for the boys and a cheese and wine for the adults. Over 100 people attended the event including the Deputy Mayor of Port Elizabeth and his wife. The Cubs for the second-year running won the Efficiency Trophy.
The records in the Scout archives end with the 1983 census showing very low numbers, but no account as to when the Group closed down.
Group Scoutmasters
Roy French (1920's), D M Lancaster (1930 /1948), Blumer (1962), Cragg (1970), Longmore (1975), Robert Channon (1982).
Scoutmasters
Pidsley (1932), Gradwell (1933), WG Lancaster (1933/48), Harry Knight (1949/51), J Bicknell (1951/3), Pratt (1953), P Watchurst (1955), R Hawkins (1959), Raymond Packwood (1962), Arbuckle (1975), Longmore (1976), Robert Cannon (1977), Mr Rodney Wells (1982), M Mason (1983).
Pack Scouters
Miss Patterson (1930), Miss Maslin (1930), Miss H Warren (1931), Miss Ivy Cawood (1938/47), Mrs Mandy-Foster - (1949), Mrs Irene Coldrey (1962), Mrs 'Tiny' Packwood (1969), Mrs M Yeats (1974), Mrs McLaughton (1975), Mrs Arbuckle (1976), Mrs Marie Davies (1976/80), Mrs Gwyn Channon (A Pack - 1980), Mrs J Galpin (B Pack - 1980).
Rover Leader
P Hirst (1932).
St George's Scout Group
The troop was formed on 19th April 1928 at the E. P. Children's Home under Scoutmaster Walter Bradford (Daddy). Their first outing was on 24th May when the Troop paraded at the Queen Victoria statue for a service. They then went to Humewood for the day and had tea at Daddy's residence. The first church parade was on 3rd June at the Wesleyan Church in Russel Road.
The Scouts June 1928
"On the 4th June the troop was officially handed over to the local Association by the Committee and S.M. Daddy Bradford. The lads looked bright and smart in the new uniforms with red and white scarves (the colours of St. George). They mustered 18 strong with their P/L's and were drawn up in the School Hall for the ceremony in three patrols - Lions, Bulldogs and Tigers.
In the absence of Captain Strickland, I officiated and took the opportunity of talking to the troop on what Scouting was and the seriousness of the promises they had made.
Mr. Stent, Vice-President of the E.P. Children's Home, spoke on behalf of the Home's Committee, and, Mrs. Gibaud, Commissioner for Cubs, talked to the boys and said she hoped it would not be long before the smaller boys formed up a Cub Pack.
During the evening two Scouts from the Wesleyan Troop, Scouts Bradford, wishing to do a good turn to the new troop, made them a present of their Tenderfoot Badges, also Patrol Leaders' Badges.
Scoutmaster Bradford thanked the officials for their attendance, together with the Committee for all they had done for the troop and the encouragement given to him, and specially referred to the Super-Intendent, Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Thompson and the Matron for the great assistance they had been to him in organising the troop.
Refreshments were served, and the visitors were conducted round by Mr. Thompson - the craft and art work of the children being much admired. A very pleasant evening was spent. With the kind support of the Committee and the Superintendent the troop should progress and be all the better boys for their Scout training".
The Cubs June 1928
"This new pack is formed from the younger boys of the E.P. Children's Homes. Their enrolment took place last week at the Cub Commissioner's house on Saturday, June 16th 1928. The youngsters were drawn up' on the lawn to be introduced to their Cub Master, Miss Anderson. Miss Jamie- son of East London (an experienced Cubber) was present, also the Matron of the "Home," Miss Reid, who has taken the keenest interest in the pack.
Eight boys were then put through their tests in leap frog, somersaults, hopping and catching (very jolly tests too) and were enrolled by Miss Jamieson. The Cub Commissioner then addressed the boys and explained to them the love and beauty of Cubbing - the story of Moguli illustrated by pictures of Shere Khan the tiger, Bagheera the panther, and its meaning to which the children listened with delight.
They then practiced the Cub "grand howl," followed by refreshments, which they also absorbed with delight, and enjoyed quite a red-letter day, going off back home thoroughly happy and with a new interest in their little lives. They had another meeting at the "Homes" last Saturday with their new C.M., Miss Anderson in charge". The Group was presented their Totem Pole and Flag on 27th January 1929 at their headquarters (E.P. Children's Home. Cape Road).
Scout Competition March 1929
I am glad to hear that these boys from St George's Troop did well in the competitions at the Agricultural Show. This was their first attempt, which is all the more to their credit. I am not at all surprised, as I know they receive the best of training in many forms of craftsmanship from the Superintendent.
These are the results: 1st and 2nd prize for best sketch of patrol, bird or animal, Scouts Lynn and Donald: 2nd prize for tent stitch, P/L C. May: 1st prize for carved Scout staff, P /L C. Miller. The carved "Scout Badge" to which I referred .in my last notes was the work of this troop.
I am glad to see that Scoutmaster Bradford has encouraged his boys to take an interest ill these very pleasant competitions.
Pathfinder Trophy July 1929
The St. George Troop have won the trophy this year. They have worked very hard for a long while under the instruction of Scoutmaster Bradford, who was examiner in this badge some years ago. The whole troop sat for the test, under Mr. Thomson Superintendent of the Homes, and S.M. Bradford wishes to express his thanks to Mr. Thomson.
The S.O.E. Troop again ran second and they were very unlucky owing to two of their Scouts being absent. The St. Mary's Troop, who were the holders, had had bad luck owing to only twelve Scouts sitting for the test - three were away sick and the other absent.
On behalf of the Badge Committee, I am asked to thank Mr. Fox, the examiner, for setting the test and marking the papers.
Unfortunately, the last entry in this logbook was dated February 1931.
The Headmaster of St George's Preparatory School advised that their Scout Troop which he was running closed down in 1958.
St Mary's Scout Group
From the groups logbook it is recorded; "A meeting of boys connected with St Mary's was held in the schoolroom on Thursday May 6th 1920, at which the Rev E A Barrett, assistant priest of St Mary's explained the aims and objectives of "Scouting for Boys" and advocated the formation of a Troop in the parish". It was also known as 2nd Port Elizabeth and their scarf was all navy.
The first Rally (meeting) of St Mary's Troop was held in the schoolroom on Monday 10th May, 1920. Eleven boys attended and Rev Barrett took on the role of Scoutmaster. Scouting skills (Drill, Signalling Ambulance, Scout's pace, semaphore and compass work) were learnt from the Scoutmaster and interaction with other troops was popular. In July they had a combined Field day with the North End and Adderley troops. By year end they had 4 patrols and were winning competitions.
Monday 3rd January 1921 saw sixteen boys off on their first annual camp to the sanatorium at the New Brighton location. A traditional Scout camp was held, "with a useful bit of Scout work accomplished". But there was also time for games on the beach and a day for parents to visit. On the 15th they packed up and returned home.
A combined scout field day was held on 23 July with all the troops in town. SOE, North End and St Mary's were the defenders and the Band, Adderley, Sydenham and St Columba's the attackers of a Flag raiding game. Ginger beer was supplied after the game.
The yearend annual camp was held at the Aloe (Swartkops Aloe Reserve) from 26/12/1921 to 5/1/1922. The third and fourth annual camp were held at Yellowwoods.
In June 1924 there was a grand official farewell to the Jamboree contingent at the City Hall with many dignitaries present and St Mary's put on a few items.
The following is a report from the local newspaper covering the 1924/1925 annual camp.
The day began with reveille at 6.45 a.m., flag parade and prayers at 7.15, followed by breakfast and clean-up of camp. At 9.15 the Scouts were again paraded, and together with all their equipment, thoroughly inspected, and marked, for or against accordingly. Then various scouting exercises and tests were performed, and dinner served at 1.15. Afterwards all ranks rested for one hour, and then walked to the beach for a swim. Tea awaited them on their return, and then there were sports, games, etc., cocoa, prayers, and bed at 9.30 p.m. The troop was divided into its three patrols, and work divided in proportion, hence a good deal of competition ensued, which was considerably fanned by the award of marks and prizes.
The camp broke up on the 7th, and everyone felt they had had a very useful ten days' experience, a healthy holiday and a fine chance to appreciate the corporate spirit, and the lesson of mutual service.
Three celebrations of the Holy Eucharist were provided, so that it can be said that all sides of man were attended to, viz, religion, morals, and sport, The cordial thanks of the Scoutmaster and all the Scouts offered to Mr. F. Badcock (of Union Portland Cement Co.) for his kindness in permitting the use of his house.
Rev P M Adler.
Scout Headstone
Of interest and related to the group is a headstone in the Forest Hill Old Cemetery which was in the old South End in those days, today known as the South End Cemetery.
The story goes that on the 27th April 1935, this 12-year-old young fellow Basil Hopkins, was to be part of a Scout Show in the St Mary's Cathedral Hall. He fell through a window to his death.
The logbook unfortunately ends in October 1925 and the writer was unable to establish when the group closed, but it did possibility have a revival in the early 1960's.
Many Groups in the central area of Port Elizabeth began to suffer from the exodus of young adult people to the expanding areas, mainly to the West. The District emptied and Groups like St. Mary's, St. Paul's, St. Cuthbert's, Congregational, Jewish, and later SOE(PE) all closed.
Walmer Aloe Scout Group
A letter dated 22 June 1966 from the Divisional Secretary stated that the registration of the Aloe Group had been approved. The history of the Walmer Aloe Scout Group goes back to various name changes and mergers with older groups that had closed. There was documentation to indicate that possibly St Saviour's and St Bernadette merged to form part the Aloe Scout Group. The Scout Hall was situated in Villiers Road, Walmer, between 9th and 10th Avenue and their scarf was half blue half yellow. In the early 1970's the Group Scoutmaster was Mr Ben Tonkin, and the Cubmaster was Mrs Jackie Orton. As the name caused a bit of confusion, the group in 1984 changed its name from Aloe Scout Group to Walmer Aloe Scout Group.
The only records in the archives were some 1990's AGM reports and from the 1991 AGM it was reported that: - "We have seen a year of continued growth at Walmer Aloe this year. The undoubted highlight of the uniform year was the achievement by John Stringer of the Top Award of Springbok Scout, and the committee officially records its congratulations. Aloe's Scouting staff has changed quite radically over the year with two exceptions. Red (Stan Long) our stalwart - Red continues with us and yet again we record our gratitude to Red for all the work he has done for us over the years, many thanks Red. Stan also continues but now as Group Scouter only thanks Stan.
During the year two young men joined us Martin and Stephane, their drive and enthusiasm have proved infectious in the troop and bears out the thoughts many of us have had with regard to making sure that our young men are kept in Scouting via Rovers and Troop and Pack Scouting. Thank you, guys, for your dedication and hard work. Martin is our new Troop Scouter with John at present as Assistant Troop Scouter, Stephane is presently on loan to the St Croix Group as the district tries to revive Scouting in that area.
The Pack had been fortunate in obtaining the services of Paul Rees as Akela, and we can see the good effect he is having. I am sure that with the keen assistance of Red and Cindy Dewhurst, Joan Poolman and Jadwiga Engelbrecht who are all our new team at the Pack we are going to see great things in the coming years. The uniform leaders were, Group Scouter - Stan Long, Troop Scouter - Martin Rudman and Pack Scouter - Paul Rees."
From the 1993 AGM it was reported that: - The Pack has once again been active visiting 2nd Kabega Pack, 1st Cotswold Pack and Humewood Pack, the Aurora Centre for Physically Disabled and Humewood Fire station. Hikes included the Guinea Fowl Trail. The Pack swelled to 36 at one point and is presently at 26 boys.
From the 1996 AGM it was reported that: - A year of change for Walmer Aloe. We were fortunate of have Shirley Tait and Alan Parris, who kept the groups going for which we are very grateful. The arrival of Colin and June Wright into our midst was fortuitous for us because their dedication and enthusiasm is starting to pay dividends.
Pack report - During the year the boys have earned 87 interest badges and we have had 2 boys linked to the Scout Troop. We have had various outings and camps and attended various district events ie: the Sacramento Trail, the NSRI, a Dads and lads camp, swimming gala and Field Day. The Pack received a Bronze Star in the Star Pack Awards. A big thanks to Mr. Hugh Ross, who has been helping with pack meetings, and Mr. Louie Ryan, who has been a willing helper when needed. Thanks to the Scouts, who have helped and supported the Pack in various ways.
Troop report - After taking over the Troop in January of this year, the Troop has started to work together and have passed 6 interest badges, 4 Scoutcraft badges and 1 Advancement badge. A couple of boys have nearly completed their advancement badges. We have taken part in two district events, namely, the night hike, in which the Troop's Patrol came a creditable 6th out of 26 patrols. We also took part in the Field Day and ended up with 6 placing in the different events. As a Troop we have hiked on the Sacramento Trail. We also had some fun at Sardinia Bay afterwards. We had a survival camp this year that went quite well with the boys gaining useful practical experience.
In 1998 the Troop Scouter was C Wright and The Pack Scouter was J Wright.