KZN Scout Groups – Highway District
Please see Scout Groups in South Africa for a list of all the current Groups in KwaZulu Natal
Very soon after 'Scouting for Boys' was published troops were being formed in Natal. Some were linked to churches and used their halls, others over time had their own halls. The Inanda and Pietermaritzburg troops were amongst the earliest being formed in 1909. The first troop in Durban was St. Paul's and it came into being in 1911 and others followed in Durban and beyond.
In the early days the Scout administrative district of Durban and District extended to Harding, Stanger and Botha's Hill, but this huge, unwieldy district was sub-divided in 1945 with Durban County being one of the subdivisions. The Durban County Local Association was formed and this came to include groups from Umhlatuzana, Bellair, Hillary, Malvern, Escombe, Northdene, Pinetown, Kloof, Hill Crest, Westville and Sherwood.
However, it was soon found that even the Durban County was also too big an area to manage, and in 1961, 1st Westville Group, 1st and 2nd Pinetown Groups, Kloof, Hill Crest and Sherwood Groups combined to form the Highway Local Association, with Mr. I. Wirtz as District Commissioner. This meant that the various County trophies had to be divided. The Molly Patrick Cup for Cubs; the Galloway Shield for annual sports, which includes a relay race in full uniform; and trophies for Ambulance and Efficiency competitions were allocated to the Highway District.
In 2025 records reveal that Highway consisted of the following groups: 1st Cowies Hill Scout Group, 1st Hillcrest Scout Group, 1st Kloof Scout Group, 1st New Germany Scout Group, 1st Pinetown Scout Group, 1st Wandsbeck Rovers Crew, 1st Wandsbeck Scout Group, 1st Waterfall Scout Group and Highway Rovers Crew.
1st Hillcrest
50 Years of 1st Hillcrest Scouting, 1958 – 2008
Extracts from the comprehensive 124-page book 'The Red Scarf' by Brian Thomas and Steve Camp
Hillcrest was most fortunate to have two very exceptionally experienced Scouters willing to start the Cub Pack, and a year later the Scout Troop. The Cub Pack was started by Mrs Emily Avery in 1958. Meetings were held in the Highway Shellhole M.O.T.H. Hall. The Scout Troop was started by Vic Clapham in 1959 as Group Scoutmaster, and his wife Mrs Vivienne Clapham became Assistant Pack Scouter to Mrs Avery. Vic had previously served as Assistant Rover Scout Leader and Vivienne as Pack Scouter, both with the 5th Durban Group. A Rover Crew was formed in 1959 with three members, but unfortunately it ceased to function after a few years.
Vic also held the position as National Public Relations Commissioner to South African Headquarters (SAHQ), and could not cope with running a Scout Troop, so he handed over to Colin Durant later in 1959.
Establishing a Group Headquarters
In 1960, a lease for 50 years was entered into with the Hillcrest Health Committee to establish a Group Headquarters, and a two-hectare piece of land was secured at 16 Shortlands Avenue. An ex-army hut was purchased for £194, but the hut had no electricity, so Troop meetings were held by lamplight on Friday evenings. It became known as the Hillcrest Scout Hut, and was in use for the next 15 years.
The Early Days saw Douglas Spooner and his wife Adele serving as Troop Scouter and Pack Scouter during the period 1960-64. After they left, Miss Anne Herbert took over as Pack Scouter, but no one could be persuaded to run the Troop. For the years 1965-66 the Troop was run by a handful of experienced Scouts forming the Court of Honour and Vic Clapham was able to give them guidance for the first year.
One of the earliest recorded hikes of interest at 1st Hillcrest was that organised and led by Vic Clapham. Known as the 1965 Baynesfieldt to Hibberdene 100-Mile Hike. This involved seven Scouts, including two 2nd Pinetown Sea Scouts. This seven-day, 100-mile hike saw the Scouts hiking through the remote, rugged inland country from Jolivet, southeast of Ixopo, to the coast at Hibberdene.
It would take eight years until the Troop was to have a Springbok Scout, also being one of the first in the Highway Area to achieve this prestigious award. Thus, it was in 1966 that Kenwyn Cradock became the first Scout at 1st Hillcrest to receive his Springbok Scout badge.
New Scout Hall
In 1970 the Group Committee commenced fundraising to build a permanent Scout Hall to replace the Hut. Plans were drawn up and submitted to the Hillcrest Town Board and building was commenced in 1975. A local Hillcrest resident who owned Natal Earth Works, kindly sent one of his graders to level the site and clear some of the gum trees. Scout parents and members of the community got together over weekends to dig the foundations.
There was a period where the building came to a halt owing to lack of funds, but a local builder, who had seen the hall half complete offered his help. There was ongoing fundraising to buy more bricks and he was eventually able to finish off the Hall. The magnificent large hall was officially opened on 27th November 1976 by Emeritus Commissioner Vic Clapham.
Growing membership
The seventies witnessed a substantial increase in boys wanting to join the Cubs resulting in two additional packs being formed. In 1971 the Seeonee Pack formed with Emeric Mellamphy (Buddy) as Pack Scouter and a third pack, Lena Falls in 1976 with Dorothy Friedemann as Pack Scouter. The combined three packs averaging about 80 cubs. The first Hillcrest Scouts to attend a World Jamboree were Douglas Friedmann and Quintin Alcock in 1975 when they participated in the 14th World Jamboree in Lillehammer, Norway.
In 1978 the decision was taken to split the then single Troop into two independent sections. Membership at that stage exceeded 50 Scouts and the Inkankane Troop was formed with Pat Draper as their Troop Scouter. By the end of 1982 membership of the Siyizinyoni and Inkankane troops exceeded 80, more importantly 21 of these Scouts were over the age of 14½ years.
The first Hillcrest Scout to attend what is now colloquially known as the 'Cederberg Adventure' was Troop Leader Andrew Friedemann of the Inkankane Troop. The 1979/80 Senior Scout Adventure was one of three held in the Great Witzenberg Mountain area near Ceres in the Western Cape. Andrew experienced the excitement of this ten-day hike adventure as a member of a Patrol from Durban. The Cederberg became the permanent venue as from the 7th Senior Scout Adventure in 1986.
Other than World and Local Jamborees, SA Scouts were invited to various counties' National Jamborees and in July 1981 Greg Camp and Robert Goudie were the Hillcrest representatives at the County Jamboree – Tawd Vale, Liverpool, U.K. Here are Greg Camp’s recollections of this trip.
The 5th S.A. National Senior Scout Adventure was again held in the Great Witzenberg at year end 1981. Troop Scouter Andrew Friedemann led a composite Patrol which included four from Hillcrest: Wolfgang Beier, Stuart Hay, Andrew Green and Wayne Whiteford, plus two Scouts from 1st Westville and two from 1st Glen Ashley. Upon arrival at Camping Head Quarters, one of the 14 Canadian Scouts attending the Adventure was added to Andrew’s Patrol.
Closer to home was the 1982 father and son four-day Giant's Cup Hike route in the Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Drakensberg Gardens. The starting point was at the foot of the famous Sani Pass, the highest mountain pass in South Africa. Beautiful weather was enjoyed throughout.
Venturer Commando
At the beginning of 1983, Brian Thomas and the 1st Hillcrest Group took a bold step in officially forming a Venturer Commando, giving consideration to the needs of Scouts of 14½ years and older.
An initial trial run by a number of fathers covered the period August 1979 to May 1980. The activities included a Kamberg hike, Weaver Raft Rally, a bike hike, deep sea fishing, a visit to the Umgeni Valley Ranch, a hike along the Wild Coast, a game capture experience, a river raft trip, a hike through some historic battlefields, and a visit to the Snake Park and the Dolphinarium.
The Venturer section ran for ten interesting and exciting years, until its closing in 1993.
The year 1983 however witnessed a host of National and overseas activities, these included:
- In June there was the Norfolk International Jamboree in England, Rodney Rae was the Hillcrest representative in a KZN Contingent of 18 Scouts and four Scouters that participated. Led by Contingent Leader Doug Drysdale, they toured France, Italy, Switzerland - Kandersteg, Holland and hiked in Luxembourg and spent some time in London before attending the Norfolk Jamboree.
- In July, Martin Camp, Bryn Thomas, Creag McLaren and Kim Hunter, were the Hillcrest representatives at the 15th World Jamboree - Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada. The SA Contingent leader Colin Inglis organized a truly amazing pre and post Jamboree tour of Canada and America.
- At the year end and into 1984 a Patrol led by Brian Thomas participated in the 6th S.A. National Senior Scout Adventure, Great Witzenberg in the Western Cape. By now the Adventure had grown in popularity and this Adventure was the biggest to date with 599 boys and one Australian girl.
In 1983, when celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Hillcrest Group had 174 boys and 14 uniformed officers, with three Packs, two Troops and a Venturer Commando. It was then reputedly the largest Group in KZN. Commemorative coffee mugs bearing the badge were offered for sale. A family camp held at Midmar Lake in September was well attended by about 150 Cubs, Scouts and parents. Activities included a Wide Game, Camp Fire, Scouts Own and a hike through the Umgeni Valley Ranch.
The 3rd South African National Jamboree took place in 1985 at Albert Falls. A combined Troop made up of Inkankane (9), Siyizinyoni (9), and Venturers (15) enjoyed the experience of camping together with 2 000 other Scouts and Scouters and being involved in the many activities on offer over the eight-day period. The Troop was led by Brian Thomas. The 16th World Jamboree was held at Cataract Scout Park, Sydney, Australia in 1987. For many of the South African Scouts it was a 'first' spending Christmas in a foreign country, and the Scouts were taken in for 'Home Hospitality' over this period. Mark Victor, Brett Victor, Murray Thomas and Mark Gagiano were the 1st Hillcrest representatives.
The very active Cub Pack also got out and about and in 1989 the Seeonee Pack held a Seaside Camp at Winklespruit, South Coast, KZN : Activities included hiking, beachcombing, cricket, football, sand castles, bubble catching, swimming. Sand modelling competition against the officers was Cub-sized fun. How exciting it was to have a camp fire on the beach in the dark. We started each day on the beach at 5.30 a.m. giving the first five minutes to God. What peace we all received for the rest of the day. Worthy of special mention were the five star meals at our camps, prepared by husbands and Scouts. These were out of this world.
The 4th South African National Jamboree was held at Midmar Dam in 1989. The Ndumu Sub-Camp was staffed almost entirely by 1st Hillcrest folk under the leadership of Brian Thomas as Sub-Camp Chief. 1st Hillcrest claimed the record for having the largest contingent of any Group at this Sanjamb – 39 in all: 19 Scouts in Umgeni Troop, 10 Scouters, former Scouters and old Scouts serving at Ndumu HQ; nine Venturers serving with Andrew Friedemann at the pioneering base, and Troop Scouter Robin Marshall as Assistant (offsite) Activities Director.
Restructuring of the District
When it was founded in 1958, Hillcrest was originally part of the Country District. In 1962 Highway District was formed and Hillcrest formed part of this District. Highway was split in 1970 and Engweni District was formed to embrace Pinetown, New Germany, Kloof, Hillcrest and Waterfall. In 1990 the Engweni District ceased to exist, and Hillcrest reverted to being part of Highway District once again, together with Kloof, Pinetown, New Germany, Cowies Hill and Wandsbeck.
The Nineties Decade started with two Cub Packs, two Scout Troops and until 1993 a Venturer Commando. Participation of National and International events included the 17th World Jamboree at Mount Sorak National Park, Korea in 1991 and Ewan Olds, Craig Victor and Sean Kiely were the Hillcrest representatives. Locally the 1993 5th SANJAMB was again held at Midmar Dam. 1st Hillcrest Group was once again prominent in manning one of the four Sub-Camps. This time it was Mkuzi Sub-Camp with 270 Scouts and Scouters, and was under the leadership of Sub-Camp Chief Robin Marshall with a team strength of eighteen. Brian Thomas was Deputy Sub-Camp Chief.
A lot of work goes into organizing a successful camp, creating a balance that will be loads of fun yet allowing for the development of personal skills and growth, and the opportunity to sign off badges and green card work. None more so than the 1st Hillcrest Summer Camps which were held from 1995 to 1998.
These were open to all Scouts and Guides of 1st Hillcrest and held on three farms in the Bulwer/Underberg area. The base camp was the farmhouse of Avondale – the Beier’s family farm – and that of Paulholme, one of the other adjoining farms. Nestled in beautiful rolling hills, some high country, thickets of dense Natal indigenous bush and two rivers, made for the perfect setting. The concept was six core activity bases around which there were a variety of personal growth activities. The six main activity bases were tie dying and silk screening, arts and crafts, shooting, hiking with compass and mapping work and cooking and construction.
The second hall was built in1997. Chairman Dixon Lowe, recalls the building of the extensions to the hall and the construction of the second Hall which took place in various stages during the year. Tony Smith had the dream of a second Scout Hall but the plan sat on the Hall wall for about a year before I was Chairman. Tony and I agreed that effective Committees are ones that leave a legacy: we chose to build a second hall.
Annemie, Lena Falls Akela in the early 2000's recalls that they enjoyed the beautiful grounds with the Springside Nature Reserve next-door and tried to do activities outdoors as much as she could. Her main aim was for the Cubs to have fun, respecting the Cub Law and Promise as Baden Powell wanted it. The Cubs enjoyed making fires and cooking the most and were always keen to go camping. They loved stalking and play games in the bush at the bottom of the Scouts property, but any game, the wilder the better, they enjoyed. Sadly, the Seeonee Pack closed in 2003. In 2008 the Group celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
Springbok Scout Awards
| Year | Surname | Name | Year | Surname | Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Craddock | Kenwyn | 1997 | Stanley | Paul |
| 1966 | Clapham | Gregory | 1997 | Woodley | Gareth |
| 1974 | Friedman | Douglas | 1997 | Glasspoole | Wade |
| 1974 | Alcock | Quentin | 1998 | Forshaw | Timothy |
| 1977 | Draper | Russell | 1998 | Pettigrew | Miles |
| 1977 | Dyer | Warryn | 1999 | Chivell | Garth |
| 1979 | Camp | Gregory | 2000 | Graves | Bradley |
| 1979 | Friedmann | Andrew | 2000 | Berry | Stuart |
| 1979 | Beier | Wolfgang | 2000 | Blair | Shaun |
| 1980 | Whiteford | Wayne | 2002 | Smith | Dale |
| 1980 | Scotney | Stephen | 2003 | Read | D |
| 1981 | Hay | Stuart | 2003 | Levey | Kevin |
| 1982 | Victor | Mark | 2003 | Hare | Ryan |
| 1984 | Hunter | Kim | 2003 | Blair | Craig |
| 1984 | Latimer | Lawrence | 2003 | Mul Holland | Simon |
| 1984 | Mc Laren | C Angus | 2004 | Keir | Duncan |
| 1984 | Thomas | Bryn | 2004 | Robertson | Ryan |
| 1985 | Beier | Rolf | 2004 | Tivers | Marco |
| 1985 | Latimer | Trevor | 2005 | Levey | Colin |
| 1985 | Rae | Rodney | 2005 | Bayman | Benjamin |
| 1985 | Wade | Gary | 2005 | Gigante | Paolo |
| 1986 | Tiaden | Ralph | 2006 | Tonkin | Byron |
| 1987 | Thomas | Murray | 2008 | Jordaan | Michael |
| 1987 | Victor | Mark | 2008 | Tonkin | Nigel |
| 1988 | Van Loggerenberg | Charl | 2010 | Rawlins | Brad |
| 1988 | Dobson | John | 2010 | Staude | Waldo |
| 1988 | Marshall | Graham | 2012 | Brown | Murry |
| 1988 | Reid | Struan | 2012 | Matthias | Richard |
| 1988 | Victor | Brett | 2012 | Phyfer | Gravin |
| 1990 | Munro | Charles | 2012 | Ivankovic | Kelvin |
| 1990 | Gogiano | Mark | 2013 | Demmer | Stuart |
| 1990 | Sparks | Craig | 2013 | Salomon | Guy |
| 1992 | Cave | Garth | 2014 | Oosthuizen | Devon |
| 1992 | Rees | David | 2014 | Houghton | Benjamin |
| 1992 | Jackson | Brian | 2015 | Van Der Veen | Benjamin |
| 1992 | Jackson | Neil | 2015 | Smith | Devon |
| 1992 | Victor | Craig | 2016 | Barnard | Erin |
| 1992 | Hay | Gregory | 2016 | Penberthy | James |
| 1993 | Peacock | G | 2016 | Swan | Christopher |
| 1993 | Graves | Dylan | 2017 | Hobden | Liam |
| 1993 | Sparks | Bradley | 2017 | Streak | Trysten |
| 1993 | Rees | Bryon | 2018 | Swan | Christopher |
| 1994 | Hay | Roger | 2018 | Spencer | Toby |
| 1994 | Olds | Erin | 2019 | Freemantle | Warren |
| 1995 | Marshall | Andrew | 2020 | Dolloway | Tyron |
| 1996 | Dixon | Shaun | 2021 | Done | Andrew |
| 1996 | Stirk | Malcolm | 2021 | Freemantle | Garth |
| 1996 | Olds | David | 2021 | Geldenhuys | Michael-Jean |
| 1996 | Mercer | David | 2022 | Munro | Aaron |
| 2023 | Hawkins | Connor |
Scouters
Scout Group Leader
Vic Clapham (1959-60 & 1964-65), Gordon Grant (1970-75), Reg Leveridge )1976-77), Edgar Blomeyer (1977-78), Pat Draper (1978-81), Colin Parker (1986-88), Pieter Botha (1988-92), Robin Marshall (1993-93), Tony Smith (1993-97).
Siyizinyoni Troop Scouters
Colin Durant (1959-60), Douglas Spooner (1960-64), Edgar Blomeyer (1974-75), Pat Draper (1976-78), Brian Thomas (1978-82), Peter McLaren (1983-85), Murray Munro (1985-94), Alyn Woodley (1994-99), Theo Baas (1999-01), Mike Brown (2001-04), Denzil Barnard (2004-).
Inkankane Troop Scouters
Pat Draper (1978-78), George Victor (1979-92), Robin Marshall (1992-92), David Gay (1993-96), Andy Telfer (1996-99), Mark Stevenson (1999), Mrs Lianne Graves (1999-00), Tony Smith (2000-02), Rolf Beier (2003-08).
Waingunga Pack Scouters
Emily Avery (1958-59), Adele Spooner (1960-63), Anne Herbert (1964-66), Joan Leveridge (1967-68), Gwendoline Thompson (1969-70), Joan Leveridge (1971-72), Francis Smith (1972-73), Meg Tavares (1974-76), Barbara Dodkins (1976-81), Mary Botha (1981-83), Sue Ramsay (1983-84).
Seeonee Pack Scouters
Emeric Mellamphy (1971-72), Andre Mellamphy (1972-76), Enid Hines (1977-82), Joyce Brown (1983-92), Linda Sander (1990-91), Elspeth Pollock (1991-92), Adrienne Jourdan (1992-94), Sharan Jolly (1995-97), Greg Bax (1997-99).
Lena Falls Pack Scouters
Dorothy Friedemann (1976-88), Tony Smith (1988-92), Lianne Graves (1993-98), Alan Hansen (1998-01), Bronwyn Swan (2001-01), Annemie Bissett (2001-06), Helen Lewis (2006-).
Pinetown
Extracts from the booklet 'Fifty Years of Scouting in Pinetown 1913 – 1963'
The 1st Pinetown Troop of Boy Scouts was formed in 1913 and thanks to the 1963 Committee, it was decided that a record of Scouting in Pinetown from 1913 to 1963 should be written to commemorate its golden jubilee. Thanks to Mr. R. Scruse, a member of this first Troop, recalling much its early formation and to very many old Pinetown Scouts and residents and above all, to Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Venter. This led to the publication of 'Fifty Years of Scouting in Pinetown 1913 – 1963' a detailed account of the early days of scouting in the town. A copy of the booklet is in the Western Cape Scout Heritage Centre in Cape Town.
Baden-Powell's association with the town
In 1884 his regiment, the 13th Hussars, en route to England, was ordered to disembark at Port Natal. At this time Pinetown was a garrison village and in company with other young officers Captain Baden-Powell stayed for a short time in the wooden house on the Old Main Road known as the "Baden Powell House" The late Miss Ella Horton, remembered watching Baden-Powell and other young officers, playing leap-frog on the verandah of the house. The Vicar of Pinetown at this time, the Reverend T. E. Robinson, kept open house for the young officers but the favourite was Captain Baden Powell, the youngest captain in the British army.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Taylor lived for several years in the Baden-Powell house and their daughter, Mrs. A. M. Law, vividly remembers the day when Lord Baden-Powell revisited the house in 1926. He wished to see the place where he had stayed in his young soldiering days and showed Mrs. Taylor the room in which he stayed. South Africa was a country very much loved by Baden-Powell, and during his military career and as Chief Scout of the World he visited twelve times.
1st Pinetown Boy Scouts
1913 to 1939
The first troop of Boy Scouts in Pinetown was formed in 1913 under Mr. H. Mathieson as Scoutmaster and Mr. A. H. Milne as Assistant. From this time to 1938 much active scouting was done in the village, with little support from the general public; but leaders, who realised the value of the Scout Movement, came forward to train the boys and Scouters and Scouts all knew they could succeed only through their own efforts. In these early days of Scouting, Pinetown was a small, pleasant village, the centre of beautiful, rural surroundings, an ideal setting for scouting activities. All the families in the district were known to each other and boys from Westville, Kloof, Sarnia and Northdene joined the Troop.
In February, 1915, Mr. A. H. Milne became Scoutmaster, a very popular choice, and Mr. H. G. Nichols was his assistant. The boys were very keen and they made good progress, several of them becoming King's Scouts. During the war years, 1914-1918, the Scouts assisted at several war efforts undertaken in the village. The Minute Book of the Guild of Loyal Women records that they helped on many occasions and the President, Mrs. E. L. Trotter, remarked, "I should like to mention the good work of the Scouts ; we should have fared badly without their assistance. They always seemed to be on the spot when wanted and were untiring in their efforts". In December, 1915, the Scoutmaster, Mr. A. H. Milne, saw that a box containing cakes, sweets, fruit, etc., collected by the Guild, was taken on board ship and given to the soldiers who came from Pinetown and who were on their way to German East Africa.
In 1920 the first World Jamboree was held and Troop Leader James Cope became the lucky Pinetown Scout travelling to England with the South African contingent. The first World Jamboree was unlike any of the others that have followed as it was carried on indoors at Olympia, London, where exhibitions and displays were the main features. Over 5,000 visiting Scouts from 34 Countries including 186 South Africans, lived under canvas in Richmond Park, but before and after the Jamboree itself, the South African contingent stayed at a camp in Sidcup. In addition to the Jamboree, the boys enjoyed a full programme of sightseeing and other activities. The highlight of a four days' stay in Bournemouth was a five-minute flip in an Avro aeroplane.
In 1920 Mr. H. G. Nichols resigned as Scoutmaster and in 1921 Mr. A. P. Campfield was in charge with Mr. H. Tipler as Assistant Scoutmaster. While on a trip overseas Mr. Tipler visited Scout Headquarters in London. There he was persuaded to take a Woodbadge Course at Gilwell Park, the Scoutmasters' Training Centre which had been opened in 1919. Here Mr. Tipler met Scouts from all over the world and on his return to Pinetown received congratulations from Mr. HV Marsh, Natal Divisional Commissioner, on being the first South African to be awarded the Woodbadge at Gilwell Park.
In 1933 a contingent of 59 South Africans attended the 4th World Jamboree at Gödöllö, 11 miles from Budapest, in Hungary. Mr. Tipler was the second-in-command of this contingent, having 18 Natal Scouts under his care. The South Africans earned praise by being the smartest on parade and, when chatting to them, Lord Baden-Powell recalled many happy memories of this country. After the Jamboree South Africans enjoyed a marvellous tour of England. Mr. Tipler was welcomed back to Pinetown at a social arranged by Mr. Campfield in the Town Hall, when he gave an interesting account of his trip to about two hundred residents.
From 1923 to 1926 Mr. E. W. Kirk was Scoutmaster and from 1930 to 1933 Mr. J. N. Wheeler, 1933 - 1934 Mr. Crowther and in 1936 Mr. A. J. Stone transferred from Cubs and became Scoutmaster. There was then another period, 1937 - 1939, when Mr. Bill Kirk was Scoutmaster for a second time. All these Scouters did much for Pinetown boys, training them in routine scouting. There are many happy photographs showing the Scouts on parade, in training, and at camps. Pinetown Scouts have always worn a green scarf, but in 1955 a white border was added to make it more distinctive.
From 1939 - 1946 no records of Boy Scouts in Pinetown can be traced, but this is understandable as 1939 - 1945 were the years of the Second World War.
1946 to 1963
After the Second World War serious efforts were made to revitalise Scouting in South Africa, and in 1946 as far as is known, there were no Scouts in Pinetown, but a pack of Cubs was operating with Miss Neden as Lady Cubmaster. In September, 1946, parents of Cubs were invited to attend a meeting with the idea of forming a Group Committee for the Pack. At this first meeting, held at the Pinetown Government School on 16th September, 1946, and from this meeting grew the 1st Pinetown Group Committee, which supported both Scouts and Cubs. Immediately after the formation of the Group Committee, steps were taken to raise funds and acquire a meeting place for the boys.
Mr. and Mrs. Venter had been untiring in their efforts in forwarding the work of the Scout Movement. No words could express what Mr. S. P. Venter had done for the 1st Pinetown Group. During periods when Scouters have not been available, he has always filled the gaps and held together the Troop and Pack and in 1952 he received his warrant as the first Group Scoutmaster of Pinetown. Mr. Venter has used his truck, travelling hundreds of miles conveying Scouts and Cubs and equipment to competitions, camps and rallies. Mr. Venter was the builder of the Scout Hall. On 13th October 1963 he was awarded his Long Service Medal, having completed 15 years' service to the Scout Movement, 10 of them as a warrant holder. Mr. Stephen Venter, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Venter, received all his Cub and Scout training with the 1st Pinetown Group and has had associations with it for 17 years. Adding up the length of service to Scouts rendered by the Venter family it amounts to 50 years.
The Troop
Mr. Henry "Ox" Hall was appointed Scoutmaster early in 1947 when Scouting was revived in Pinetown, and shortly afterwards Mr. F. G. Thomas became Assistant Scoutmaster. The boys were most fortunate as both of these leaders were experienced Scouters. "Ox" Hall had been a Scoutmaster in Rhodesia. "Stag" Thomas came from Australia and during his stay in Pinetown had a great influence on the boys, helping to give them thorough instruction and inspiring them to become proficient Scouts. He also found time to help the Pathfinders - African Scouts, who had a troop at the old Lutheran Mission School and the Indian Scouts at the Indian Government School, later returning to Australia.
Records show that Mr. Len Dando was next helping Mr. Hall and he became Scoutmaster in 1951, when Mr. Hall resigned owing to pressure of work. For a time Mr. Venter was next acting as Scoutmaster until Mr. W. Brookbanks was appointed at the end of 1952, but after a short time he left the district. Mr. W. Gwillim followed, and he was Scoutmaster for the next three years, leaving Pinetown on transfer in 1955. Mr. S. P. Venter filled the breach once more, Mr. Hall helping when he could. The next Scoutmaster was Mr. R. H. Howell, Mr. Reg Dean giving a helping hand. At this time the high number of 69 boys attending Scouts was recorded. Next came a period with Group Scoutmaster Venter in charge again until in 1958 Mr. B. Cairns became Scoutmaster, Mr. G. Grant helping when possible. When Mr. Cairns went overseas in 1960 Mr. Stephen Venter became Scoutmaster, assisted by Mr. K. Young.
Pinetown Scouts have always taken part in local, district, divisional and national activities. They attend certain civic occasions, including the annual Remembrance Service at the Wayside Cross. Bob-a-job comes round annually and both Scouts and Cubs have participated. Every year Scouts' Own and Baden-Powell Memorial Services were attended. Sports, swimming galas and efficiency and ambulance competitions were held at District and Divisional levels and for countless occasions Mr. Venter's truck was in demand.
Upon the death of BP in 1941, scouts from all South African Divisions created a stave which was taken to Nyeri, in Kenya, where Lord Baden-Powell is buried, with as many Scouts as possible carrying their particular stave through their own division. The Natal stave started in Durban, different troops taking it over in the villages following the railway line. Pinetown Scouts took over from Westville and ran with it in relay to Kloof. Here it was handed over to Kloof Scouts for the next stage of the journey. Different troops took over until the Transvaal border was reached. It was transported to Johannesburg by train and flown from there to Kenya.
In the early days of Scouting, King Scout records were maintained in London, but in Pinetown it was known that the following were awarded the King's Scout Badge: T. Beggs, J. Cope, A. Davidson, C. Kirk, E. W. Kirk, L. Mathieson, A. Milne, C. Milne, H. Milne, H. Nichols, W. F. Scruse, R. R. Scruse, H. Tipler and probably others. E. W. Kirk and H. Tipler, also earned the "All Round Gold Cords", the most coveted award in those days. This award was only open to King's Scouts who held 18 of the special proficiency badges. E. W. Kirk was the first Pinetown Scout and the second in Natal to hold the Gold Cords.
The first Queen's Scout in Pinetown and in Durban County was W. Dan Macartan and at the annual general meeting of the 1st Pinetown Scout Group, held in the Pinetown Town Hall on 23rd October, 1953, he was presented with his certificate by Mr. E Percy Fowle, the Chief Scout of South Africa, at a most impressive and inspiring ceremony. At this meeting the D. J. McIntosh, presented the Troop with a fine new flag , which was a gift from the Committee. In 1961 Graham Beggs and Andrew Sutherland were the last two boys in the County to become Queen's Scouts.
The Wolf cub Pack 1932 to 1963
The first record of a Wolf Cub Pack in Pinetown is that a warrant was issued to Mr. A. J. Stone as Cubmaster in 1932. Mr. Stone became Scoutmaster in 1936 and Mr. Bob Smith became Cubmaster. The Cubs met in the grounds of the old Toc H centre in King's Road and formed a very keen pack, especially enjoying camping activities. Mrs. F. E. Jacobs became Lady Cubmaster in 1938, instructing the pack at the Government School, with Miss M. Meyer as Assistant in the same year. Miss E. J. Cooper became assistant Lady Cubmaster in 1944. In 1946 Miss M. P. Neden received her warrant, Mrs. S. Laidler taking over in 1948, occasionally assisted by Mrs. Edy and Mrs. Scholtz. While Mrs. Laidler was overseas, Mr. and Mrs. Len Paverley and Mrs. D. Russell were in charge.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Laidler were much missed as Scouters when they left Natal. Mr. Henry Hall was the next Cubmaster until Mrs. Dorothy Green came to Pinetown. Mrs. Green, an ardent Akela, had been in the country barely three weeks when she was in spanned as Lady Cubmaster. Meetings were held on Saturday afternoons, for a time in the Methodist Hall, but mostly in the Memorial Park. All the Cubs were very keen and Mrs. Green presented a new totem pole to the Pack. One of the large stones in the park was used as a centre of activities and was known as the Council Rock.
In 1954 Mrs. Green went overseas and Mrs. M. Nicol, Mrs. Leslie and Mrs. Shipham helped during Mrs. Green's absence and on her return, she took over once more. In 1961, under doctor's orders, Mrs. D. Green had to resign after 22 years as Akela, eight years in Pinetown and 14 years overseas. Mrs. D. Murray Green succeeded Mrs. D. Green as Pack Scouter. The Cubs have received excellent training; they have worked for stars and badges, competed for the Molly Patrick Efficiency Cup, taken part in sports and swimming galas; they have done splendidly at Bobs-for-Jobs. They have had camping experience and generally prepared themselves to become good Scouts. In the 1970 Joyce Horsell became the ADC Cubs for the Highway District.
Meeting Places
When the 1st Pinetown Troop of Boy Scouts was formed in 1913 and for several subsequent years, the Scout headquarters were the spacious grounds and outbuildings on the property of Mr. A. H. Milne, an enthusiastic Scoutmaster in those early days. The house was at the corner of Crompton Street and Underwood Road and was demolished in 1950 to make way for the National Road. Scouts also met on the Market Square and on the old Toc H property at the corner of Meller and King's Roads, where the Church of England in South Africa stands. At one time Mr. S. Nasmith was in charge of the "Homestead" down Bamboo Lane and when he became Assistant Scoutmaster, with Mr. A. J. Stone as Scoutmaster, parades were held at the Homestead. Later, Mr. T. Hirst allowed the Scouts to meet on the ground floor of the stables in his garden at the corner of School Road and Bamboo Lane. All buildings on this property were demolished in 1963.
On the revival of the Scouts in 1946 great difficulties were experienced in finding a suitable meeting place for the boys and the newly formed Group Committee immediately embarked on fund-raising activities. A used army hut was bought and steps were taken to buy a suitable plot of land. Meanwhile, for a short time the Scouts met at the Methodist Hall and, when this was no longer available, they were allowed to use the hut behind the auction rooms belonging to Mr. N. Dales. When this was needed for other purposes, the Scouts were reduced to meeting on the pavement under a verandah at the corner of Crompton and Hill Streets. Eventually, Mr. T. Hirst once more came to the rescue and offered the use of the loft over his stables. Mr. N. Dales provided a staircase and, after much cleaning and painting, the four patrols took great pride in keeping their respective corners in good shape.
Delays in building a Scout Hall still continued until 1956, when Councillor Mrs. N. Dales joined the Group Committee and through her efforts the Anderson Sports Ground Association was approached. Permission was sought to lease or use a portion of the Anderson Sports Ground to erect a hall for the use of the 1st Pinetown Scout Group. Various considerations were involved but eventually, in April, 1957, it was agreed that the north-west corner of Anderson Sports Ground should be leased at a nominal rental to the 1st Pinetown Group Boy Scouts for the erection of a brick hall approximately 60 feet by 30 feet.
It was officially opened on 20th September, 1958, Administrator of Natal, the Honourable D. G. Shepstone, in the presence of three to four hundred persons, including many scouting and local notabilities; Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies formed a smart guard of honour. The building was blessed by the Mayor's Chaplain and an enjoyable garden party followed.
In 2025 they were meeting at 14 Hoogvorst Rd, Hatton Estate in the hall previously used by the 2nd Pinetown Scout Hall.
Top Scout Awards
| Surname | Name | Year | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macartan | Dan William | 1953 | Queen |
| Beggs | Graham G | 1961 | Springbok |
| Sutherland | Robert J A | 1961 | Springbok |
| Brooker | Paul Charles | 1966 | Springbok |
| Brooker | Walter | 1967 | Springbok |
| Chesterton | John | 1968 | Springbok |
| Clatcherty | Alastair | 1973 | Springbok |
| Jacobs | Brian Christopher | 1978 | Springbok |
| Young | Gorden | 1978 | Springbok |
| Kemp | Kevin | 1978 | Springbok |
| Van Doorn | Crnelius | 1978 | Springbok |
| Jacobs | Deon Anthony | 1980 | Springbok |
| Gilpin | Mark John | 1981 | Springbok |
| Gilpin | Colin Alfred | 1981 | Springbok |
| Harmsen | Lucas Johannes | 1981 | Springbok |
| Hemme | Alexander | 1984 | Springbok |
| Forester | Stuart Alan | 1993 | Springbok |
| Rodda | Bruce Lambeth | 1993 | Springbok |
| Salakoff | Tomer | 1998 | Springbok |
| Timmer | Kayleigh Renate | 2018 | Springbok |
| Koen | Alexa | 2019 | Springbok |
| Penberthy | Emma Ruth | 2019 | Springbok |
| Steele | Sarah | 2021 | Springbok |
| White | Bianca | 2021 | Springbok |
Scout Group Leader
Mr. S. P. Venter (1952/1963)
Troop Scouters
Mr. H. Mathieson (1913), Mr. A. H. Milne (1915), Mr. H. G. Nichols (?/1920), Mr. A. P. Campfield (1921), Mr. E. W. Kirk (1923/26), Mr. J. N. Wheeler (1930/33), Mr. Crowther (1933/34), Mr. A. J. Stone (1936), Mr. R. Chater, Mr. E. W. Kirk (1937/39) Mr. Henry Hall (1947), Mr. Len Dando (1951), Mr. W. Brookbanks (1952), Mr. W. Gwillim (1952/55), Mr. S. P. Venter, Mr. R. H. Howell, Mr. B. Cairns (1958/60), Mr. Stephen Venter (1960/63), Melanie Jacobsen (Girl Troop)(2016), Robin Ezra (Boy Troop)(2016)
Pack Scouters
Mr. A. J. Stone (1932), Mr. Bob Smith (1936), Mrs. F. E. Jacobs (1938), Miss Neden (1946), Mrs. S. Laidler (1948), Mr. Henry Hall, Mrs. Dorothy Green, (1953/61), Mrs. D. Murray Green (1961), Brenda Timmer (2016)
2nd Pinetown "Var Redo" Sea Scout Group
In 1960 the 2nd Pinetown "Var Redo" Sea Scout Group was formed by Mr. Henry Hall. "Var Redo" means "Be Prepared" in Swedish and was the name of the Scout Group at Montclair which Mr. Hall joined as a boy and where he earned his King's Scout Badge. Mr. Hall is an experienced Scouter having formed a Troop and been Scoutmaster at Luanshya, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Scoutmaster of the 1st Pinetown Troop, Cubmaster of the 1st Pinetown Pack and Assistant Scoutmaster of the Y.M.C.A. Sea Scout Group, where he learned his Sea Scouting. Mrs. M. Nicol was the Pack Scouter.
At first the Troop and Pack met in the gardens of the respective Scouters, but in 1961 permission was granted for the erection of buildings on corporation land at the corner of Hoogvorst Street and Kingsbrook Road. With assistance from parents and local people, the boys erected a hall of cement blocks and two smaller buildings, the whole property being known as "Treasure Island".(Ed. Now 1st Pinetown)
The group owned a canvas-covered dinghy, four sailing surf boards made by the boys from donated wood, one Goodricke sailing-boat and one clinker rowing-boat. Much time and labour have been given by boys and parents reconditioning the last two mentioned craft and recently the rowing-boat, the good ship "Plattipus", was launched on Durban Bay, its name honouring Mr. E. Platt, under whose direction the repair work was done. Mr. Fred Nicholls, of Durban, supplies two berths for the boats and the Sea Scouts enjoy acquiring their seamanship on Durban Bay.
Double honours came to the Hall family in 1963. Mr. Hall, who has been a uniformed member of the Scout Movement for twenty-five years, was presented with his Long Service Medal by Divisional Commissioner Mr. I. Dalglish, when Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Henry Johnstone, Chief Scout of South Africa, was present, and on the same day Leon Hall, his son, received his Chief Scout's Award Certificate.
Top Scout Awards
| Surname | Name | Year | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hall | Leon Henri | 1963 | Springbok |
| Field | Brian | 1974 | Springbok |
| Oakes | Kenneth | 1974 | Springbok |
| Bisset | Roger | 1974 | Springbok |
| Wedderburn | Bruce | 1974 | Springbok |
| Wilkinson | Craig Aubrey | 1981 | Springbok |
| Graham | Peter Melville | 1990 | Springbok |
| Cowan | Gavin Mack | 1991 | Springbok |
| Graham | Brian | 1993 | Springbok |
| Wright | Martin Ronald | 1993 | Springbok |
| Briggs | Alexander James | 1994 | Springbok |
| Hilligan | Grant | 1994 | Springbok |
| Digel | Dirk Wolfgang | 1996 | Springbok |
3rd Pinetown
From the 1970's through to the 1990's there was a 3rd Pinetown and judging by the number of Springbok Scouts, they must have been of a high standard.
Top Scout Awards
| Surname | Name | Year | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith | Kevin | 1978 | Springbok |
| Caldwell | Craig Colin | 1980 | Springbok |
| Middleton | Sean Graeme | 1980 | Springbok |
| Walters | Mark Edward | 1988 | Springbok |
| Walters | Brett Stanley | 1989 | Springbok |
| Goldstone | Luke Franco | 1990 | Springbok |
| Walters | Keith Rodney | 1990 | Springbok |
| Plastow | Andrew W | 1991 | Springbok |
| Olds | Ewanandrew | 1994 | Springbok |
Black and Indian Scouts
Black Scouts and Cubs once (c1940/50's) functioned at the Lutheran Mission School. Mrs. Ntshingile, the headmistress of this school, was a keen Scouter, encouraging many of her pupils to become Pathfinders and Cubs. "Stag" Thomas, "Ox" Hall and Akela Mrs. D. Green often gave assistance and members of the Pinetown Troop helped Toc H when they organised Bantu sports. Pinetown Scouts also supported fund-raising efforts organised by the Bantu Scouts.
Indian Scouts were also once (c1940/50's) active in Pinetown. Mr. S. A. Pandaram was one of them when he was a pupil at the Pinetown Indian School, a visiting Scoutmaster being in charge. Later, Mr. Pandaram became a teacher here and for nine years was Scoutmaster, being also responsible for a Cub Pack and Rover Scouts. He received help from Mr. F. G. Thomas ("Stag") and an enthusiastic group committee functioned with Mrs. B. Venter in the chair.