Western Cape Scout Groups - Northern Suburbs
Please see Scout Groups in South Africa for a list of all the current Groups in the Western Cape
The growth of Scouting in the Northern Suburbs was initially slow and this could probably be attributed to the sluggish pace of the residential development. Culturally, much of the area was predominantly Afrikaans speaking and these boys may have joined the Voortrekker movement which was founded in 1931.
By the 1950's the area had only 4 Troops, these were 1st Bellville (1909), 1st Goodwood and Vasco (1918), 1st Epping Garden Forest Troop (1941), and 1st Parow.
In the 1960's urban growth saw Scouting increasing and what became known as the Tygerberg District began to grow with the formation of 1st Durbanville, 1st Kuilsriver, 2nd Bellville, 2nd Parow and 1st Monte Vista (1969), meanwhile 1st Epping had closed.
Towards the end of 1970 it was found that the district had become too large and wide-spread to manage effectively and in October of that year it was decided to separate into two better suited geographical areas with the creation of the Kanonkop District.
Kanonkop, the newly formed District, with Mr J. Houston as District Commissioner, started off with 4 Groups: - 1st Bellville (1909), 1st Durbanville (1955), 2nd Bellville (1964) and 1st Kuils River (1967). Soon the district grew by 5 more Groups, these were; 1st Kenridge (1971), 2nd Durbanville (1973), 1st Kraaifontein (1973), 2nd Kenridge (1976) and 1st Brackenfell (1977). Thus by 1979 the Kanonkop District stood at 9 strong Groups.
Tygerberg, with Mr. Brian Higgins as District Commissioner, now consisted of 4 Groups: - 1st and 2nd Parow, 1st Goodwood and 1st Monte Vista (1969). Here too the district grew with the addition of: - 1st Vrijzee (1971) and 1st Edgemead (1975). 1st Thornton joined the district in the 1980's. John Mc Ewan became District Commissioner in 1977, Rex Koning in 1980, Denzil Roberts in 1989 and Johan Webber 1996.
It was a very strong and active district in the 70’s and 80’s, winning many competitions, but sadly by the 2000's it had dwindled down to only 4 functioning Groups. In 2005 the decision was then taken to disband the district and it merged with the Table Bay District.
CW 33/34 Northern Suburbs In 1986 District CW (Cape Western) 33 which included groups in the Bellville area and CW 34 groups in the Elsies River area, merged to form CW 33/34 Northern Suburbs. Scouting flourished and their 1991 census records that there were the following 12 group: - 1st Belhar, 1st Bellville South, 2nd Bellville South, 1st Blackheath, 2nd Bishop Lavis, 1st Elsies River, 2nd Elsies River, 1st Kraaifontein East, 1st Matroosfontein, 1st Northpine, 1st Sarepta and St Joseph's.
In 1993 the district boundaries were realigned and 1st & 2nd Bellville South, 1st Kraaifontein East and 1st Northpine were incorporated into Kanonkop and the others into Impeesa district.
Alphabetical list
The following alphabetical list of the Groups and a short history of the Group and is based on very limited documentation from the Scout Archives and contributions from Scouters.
1st Bellville (1909 - c2010) - The Group’s earliest recorded history started in June 1909 with the first Scoutmaster Mr. J.M Stone (care of the Bellville Post Office), being warranted when the Troop officially opened on 11th October 1909. During the First World War, the Scouts who acted as messengers were left to keep going on their own as a Patrol for almost 2 years. The Pack officially opened on 14th October 1916. 1st Bellville grew and thrived during the 1960’s, so much so that by 1964 the Troop stood at 64 Scouts and 48 Cubs.
2nd Bellville (1964 - 1997) - The overcrowding at 1st Bellville led to the splitting of meetings to accommodate all the boys and consequently on the 13th August 1964 the 2nd Bellville was established and opened in the old Girl Guide Hall next to the Scout Hall in Elizabeth Park.
1st Bellville South (1960 - 1994) (c2010 - still active) - The original group was founded on the 13th March 1960 when both the Troop and Pack started having their meetings. They were part of the Northern Suburbs District (CW34). From the records it seems they made use of the Goeie Hoop Primary School as a meeting place, although they did have their own plot with a small hut on it. The Group had an active committee to support the Scouters and the Troop were often outdoors hiking and camping. Their first Akela, who held this position for 18 years, ensured continuity and advancement in the Pack and the resultant Star awards that they received. Read More ...
2nd Bellville South (Holy Family) (1975 - 1997) - The Scout Troop was started in 1975 and the Cub Pack in 1979. They met in the Catholic Church Hall, in Eendrag Street, Bellville South. The Group was very active in the 1980's, entering most events and often winning at competitions. The Pack receives a number of Star awards and the Troop had a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Read More ...
1st Brackenfell (1977 - 1998) - The Group began with the first meeting of the Scout Troop in 1977 and the Cub Pack on the 17th March 1978 with 21 Cubs. The number of Cubs joining increased very quickly and soon there were two Packs, Jacaranda and Protea. The group had its up's and down's and struggled with a lack of adult support and of scouters and was closed down in 1998. Read more ...
1st Chantecler (1983 - 1999) - The group consisted of only a Cub Pack and parent committee. The Pack was very active participating in most of the district events, outings and camps were popular. In 1999 all the Scouters resigned resulting in the Pack and remnants of the Committee merging with nearby 2nd Kenridge and so it closed down after 16 years.
1st Durbanville (1954 - still active) - 1st Durbanville Scout Group was started during 1954 when the Snelling family settled in Durbanville and discovered that there was nothing for young people on offer in the village. Mrs Doreen Snelling and Mrs Foster agreed to run the Pack. The Troop started shortly thereafter with Mr Charles John Miles ‘Badger’ as their Scoutmaster. In 1963, Hugh "Buzz" Macey stepped in as Troop Scouter and for the next 25 years ran the Troop. In 1965 the municipality offered them the building that they are presently using. Read More ...
2nd Durbanville (1973 -1994) - Founded in 1973 it merged with 1st Kraaifontein in 1994 to become Durbanville/Kraaifontein.
Durbanville/Kraaifontein aka D/K (1994 - still active) - The group came about with the merging of 1st Kraaifontein and 2nd Durbanville.
1st Edgemead (1975 - still active) - The Edgemead Cub Pack had its first meeting on the 17th October 1975. This was held in the garage belonging to one of the new Cub parents, and there were ten boys eager to become Cubs. Six years later they held a birthday party in their own Scout Hall, with thirty-eight Cubs, and three of the original 1975 Cubs present as Cub Instructors.
1st Goodwood and Vasco (1918 - 1999) - The 1st Goodwood and Vasco Troop was inaugurated on the 1st November 1918 and the Scoutmaster was Edwin F Upton. There were 12 boys in the troop and their first camp was held in the Oranjezicht Estate in Cape Town. Their first hall near Goodwood station was opened on 10th August 1929. Later, when their ground was expropriated for a parking lot, they moved to Milton Road where in the late 1980's and early 1990's they produced 15 Springbok Scouts. Today the Scout Training and Heritage Centre is situated in this hall. Read more ....
1st Kenridge (1971 -1986) - Founded in 1971, this was a very strong group with both the Pack and Troop participating in district and area events. Once again, this became another group with plenty of Cubs and Scouts and no adult leaders and resulted in their boys joining 2nd Kenridge in 1986.
2nd Kenridge (1976 - still active) - Founded in the mid 1970's they were fortunate to have the continuity of a more stable Scouter complement and when 1st Kenridge closed in 1986 and 1st Chantecler in 1999 due to the lack of Scouters, they were able to accommodate these boys who with a change of scarf, could carry on with their Scouting.
1st Monte Vista (1969 - still active) - In September 1969 the Cub Pack was started under the leadership of Mrs. Maureen Finlay. Cubs from Monte Vista who had previously been travelling to the Goodwood Pack formed the nucleus of the Group. On the 11th June the following year the Scout Troop started with Mr. Ray Saunders (Hawk) as the Scoutmaster. Read more ...
1st Vrijzee (1971 - c1998) - The Troop was started in October 1971 with Mr. George Van Zyl (ex 1st Monte Vista Group) as Scoutmaster and Mr. Andre Erwee as Group Scoutmaster. Meetings were held in a derelict old Church in Wellington Street, Vasco, but the troop closed down in 1973 when the Scoutmaster moved to the Transvaal and there was nobody to take over. In February 1974 the Cub Pack started under the leadership of District Cubmaster, Donald Alexander. Meetings were held in a school garage in De Villiers Street, Vasco. The Troop re-opened in February 1975 with Scouters coming and going and not unlike many other groups, it closed in the late 1990's due to a lack of Scouters.
Read more ...
History
1st Bellville South
The group was started on the 13th March 1960 and they were part of the Northern Suburbs District (CW34).
The Scout Troop's outdoor activities were very popular and well supported. Day and overnight hikes were held on Table Mountain, Silvermine and longer routes like a hike from the Strand to Hawston were not uncommon. Good use was made of the Scout's Gilray campsite in Grassy Park and the Girl Guide's site in Strandfontein. Both these sites were used for Patrol Leader training and camping for the whole troop. Scouting skills improved at a steady pace and by 1977 they were winning various District competitions or being placed in the top ten.
The Boland Trail was used by the Scouters to train the Patrol Leaders and then later the troop would participate in the hike. The annual camp in the summer was the highlight for the year and seaside campsites like Soetwater, Strandfontein, Die Dam, not far from Cape Agulhas provided a relaxed atmosphere and bult up the Group's camaraderie. By the late 1970's the troop had become so large that it was decided to split the troop and Brownsea, with Aubrey Engel as Scoutmaster and Mafeking with Rodney Oliver as Scoutmaster came into existence. They held their meetings on different nights. Sadly, due to political unrest and schools boycotts the numbers later fell and they become one troop again. The Troop not only participated in their local District events but also the larger Area activities. These were the Upton Shield, Orienteering competition and Gordon Shield. In 1983 Scout Ighsaan Adams attended the 15th World Jamboree in Alberta Canada.
In 1985 the group celebrated its 25th Anniversary and also in that year their Scouts took part in the Flame Run from Cape Town to Mafeking when the boys carried the flame from De Doorns to the Hex River Tunnel. Around this time, the Scout campsite Gilcape in Eerste River, which they had often been using closed, and the Hawequas Scout Adventure Centre outside Wellington became the exciting new campsite for the troop. Sadly, by the late 1980's the group was struggling to find adult Scouters and numbers began to fall. Although the Principle of the Goeie Hoop Primary School, their meeting place, did try and recruit boys, the troop closed down in July 1994.
The Cub Pack was started when the group was formed in 1960 with Sylvia Domingo as Akela and she held this position for 18 years until October1977 when she became Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs. Day outings to places like Kirstenbosch, the museum and company gardens, and the Castle were aplenty. They also participated in the annual camps, like the one at Die Dam when it rained so hard that they had to sleep in the bus to keep dry, a memorable event. Camps were also held at both Gilray and Gilcape. The Pack entered most of the District and Area competitions and fun events, these being: - District Campfires, Scout's Own, Cub Fun day etc. Advancement within the Pack in the mid 1980's was of a high standard and a number of Star Awards were received, including the prestigious Gold Star Award in 1985.
By the late 1980's the Pack too was struggling with the lack of adult support resulting in dwindling numbers of Cubs and it closed down. The Pack was however restarted in 1991 with Razia Adams as Akela, but this too was unsuccessful when the group closed in 1994.
Group Scouters
Brian Figaji (1971/75), Lorenzo Chothia (1978/9), Ismail Adams (1982), Patrick Le Roux (1983/7), Ismail Adams (1990/1), John Rittman (1992)
Troop Scouters
Brian Figaji (1960), H Baartjies (1975), Aubrey Engel (1977/82), Mark Kruger (1982/87)
Pack Scouters
Sylvia Domingo (1960/77), Phillida Jacobs (1977), Freda Chothia (1979
2nd Bellville South (Holy Family)
The Group came into being when the Scout Troop was started in 1975 and they met in the Catholic Church Hall, in Eendrag Street, Bellville South.
The Scout Troop - Records show that in 1975, the year they were founded, they were able to achieve 5th place in the annual District Scout Competition. At the start of the 1980's Jacob Jaftha who had been the assistant Troop Scouter became Troop Scouter and he was now running a very dynamic Troop. The brotherhood and sprit of Scouting flourished with the Scouts participating in nearly all the District and Area activities, camping at the old Gilcape campsite in Eerste River and hiking in the mountains. They took part in the tough 1981/2 and 1983/4 Great Witzenberg Adventure where Jacob led a team of 8 boys from the Troop.
By the mid 1980's, the Hawequas Scout Adventure Centre had now became the Area's new camping ground and the Troop were often seen there either camping on their own or part of various competitions. In June 1988 their District's Premier and Chikudo competitions were held at Hawequas with the Scouts catching the train to Wellington station and then walking to farm! They were regular participants in the Gordon Shield and Upton Shield competitions.
The Troop were members of the Scout Mountain Club and attended the Mountain Leadership Couse and with these skills they were often out hiking. Popular routes were Table Mountain, the caves above Kalk Bay, Devil's Peak, Franschhoek and Silvermine. The annual year end camp was always popular, and the 1990's started with camps held at Soetwater in Kommetjie, on a farm in Wolseley and the Join-in-Jamboree held at the Mountain Breeze Park in Stellenbosch.
The Cub Pack - The register reveals that the Cub section was started on the 7 September 1979. They were very keen and quick to learn the various cubbing skills and within a year they were placed 3rd in the district's annual Cub competition. The 1980's saw the pack wining the Cub Quiz on a number of occasions and participated enthusiastically in the Athletics meetings.
Outdoor activities, according to the Pack Logbook, were many and varied. Popular was catching the train into the city, bus up to Kloof Nek, and then hiking along the Pipe Track to a lunch spot. On occasions they would join up with the 1st Bellville pack to hike this route. Activities like the Area's Cub Fun Day introduced them to the wider Scouting brotherhood meeting with Packs from all over the Cape Peninsula and enjoying the many activities. The decade closed with trips to Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, Paarl, cableway up Table Mountain and not forgetting their duty to God by attending the annual Scouts Own service.
Recognition of their overall high standard, through the Star Awards scheme, was acknowledged by being awarded the Pack Silver Star in 1986 and 1987, Bronze in 1988 and the prestigious Gold Star in 1989. The new decade started off with great aspirations and although there were both fun and educational activities, sadly, due to the lack of leaders by January 1993 the Pack had closed down. Nicole Jaftha as Akela did revive the Pack and the last entry in the Cub logbook records a September 1993 hike in the Tygerberg Nature Reserve.
The 1980's was a high point for the group with an average of 13 Cubs, 25 Scouts, 5 Scouters and Star Awards for the Group and Pack with Elizabeth Graayenstein as Akela. In 1996 the Group celebrated their 21st anniversary, but sadly by July 1997 both the Pack and Troop had closed down.
Group Scouters
John Oliver (1983), Dominic Jaftha (1986)
Troop Scouter
Jacob Jaftha (1980/95)
Pack Scouters
Elizabeth Graayenstein (1980/93), Aisla Hendrickse (1993), Nicole Jaftha (1993/5)
1st Brackenfell
The 1st Brackenfell Group began with the first meeting of the Scout Troop in 1977 and the Cub Pack on the 17th March 1978 with 21 Cubs. The number of Cubs joining increased very quickly and soon there were two Packs, Jacaranda and Protea. They were very active participating in most, if not all the larger Area events like the annual Edward Shield competition, Swimming Gala, Athletics and Scouts Own.
Apart from traditional Cub activities like hikes and visiting places of interest, there were some unique Brackenfell events that included visits to the then Aroma Zoo, the Mayor's annual tree planting ceremony, and camps at 'Glengarry' the district's own campsite, all within their suburb. Joyce Stott was the Akela of the Protea Pack and Lyndy van der Tang of the Jacaranda Pack. In 1986 the two packs combined and there were now 32 Cubs with Shirley Grosse as Akela. The merged Pack was very successful and in 1988, with Louise Lindeman as Akela they won the district's prestigious R-Don competition and in the same year were awarded the National Gold Star for all round excellence. Sadly, in 1995, after 10 years service, ill health forced Louise to step down as Akela and although they struggled on for a while, the Pack closed down.
The Troop was fortunate in initially having Cubs coming up to the Scouts from two Packs, so numbers remained high. Although records are few their camaraderie and skills must have been good as in 1995, they won both the District R-Don and Mini Rayner competitions. Under the caption "1st Brackenfell wins the R-Don Trophy for the first time in 15 years" it was reported that: -
"Over the weekend of 1-3 September 1995, 1st Brackenfell Scouts took part in the annual district R-Don Competition, which was held on Rondekuil Farm on the outskirts of Durbanville
This year 9 teams from Troops in the district, participated. 1st Brackenfell was represented by the Lion and Springbok patrols. The theme of the competition was "INVASION" whereby the Scouts had to prepare themselves against the "enemy": Practical tests consisted of survival techniques, scoutcraft skills, first aid and pioneering knowledge as well as leadership, teamwork and organisational skills. With the inconsistent weather and the heavy schedule, it was not easy going, but in the end, there could be only one team as the winner!! With great surprise it was announced that the Lions Patrol of 1st Brackenfell were the winners for 1995".
Group Scoutmasters
Bartel Horn (1975), Willem van der Tang (1982), Dietmar Grosse (1983), Peter MacKrill (1988), Ashley De Villiers (1995)
Scoutmasters
Peter MacKrill (1980/86), Stephen Bald (1988), Ashley De Villiers (1994), Fanie Mollentze (1995), Gus Fourie (1997)
Cubmasters
Joyce Stott (1978/86), Lyndy van der Tang (1978/86), Shirley Grosse (1986), Harriet Tennant (1987), Louise Lindeman (1988/95), Glenda Raven (1995)
1st Durbanville
The 1st Durbanville Scout Group started in 1954 when the Snelling family settled in Durbanville and discovered that there was nothing on offer for the young people in the area. Discussions followed with Mr Barnaby Brinkworth, Mr Reg Hepworth, Mrs Edna Foster and Mrs Doreen Snelling who together with advice from Mr Abby Rutter, decided to try and establish a Boy Scout Movement in the town.
Mrs Doreen Snelling and Mrs Foster agreed to run the Cub Pack, and the first meetings were held at Mrs Foster’s home. However, as she lived somewhat out of town, (Skilpadsvlei, a plot that Lawrence Green once owned) it was decided that meetings should move to the Brinkworth’s garage in Plein Street, and then after a time moved to the Snelling’s home in Church Street.
The Scout Troop started shortly after the Pack in the same year 1954 under Scoutmaster Mr Charles John ‘Badger’ Miles (an ex-1st Bellville Scout and Scouter) and Assistant Scoutmaster Mr Tony Runkel (an ex-Scout). They also met in the Brinkworth’s garage that was used by the Cubs. With tremendous growth and support the Group moved ahead. Mr Miles was fortunate in managing to persuade Mr A. J. (Alf) McCarthy to donate a prefab building as the Groups very own Scout Hall. This was by McCarthy Contractors and it was erected in 1956 in Queen Street on a piece of land kindly given to the Group by the Durbanville Municipality. The father of one of the Scouts Mr John Marais, who was a building contractor, assisted with the erection and in particular the foundations and brickwork.
While ‘Badger’ was there, 1st Durbanville had a strong Pack and Troop. It consisted at the start of three Patrols namely Buffaloes, Eagles and Lions. It boasted at that time two Queen Scouts namely Michael Crooke and Pat Miles who later became joint Troop Leaders. There were many joint ventures with other Troops in campfires, camps, hikes and other Scouting activities and were good at fostering the Scouting brotherhood. The Scouts did very well, winning many trophies and shields and went on many camps to Gilcape, then the Western Cape Scouting’s premier campsite in Eerste River. The Cubs also went camping with the Scouts as neither Mrs Foster or Mrs Snelling were qualified to take Cubs' camping. Mrs Edna Foster was Akela, and the first Cubmaster and Mrs Doreen Snelling was Baloo, the first Assistant Cubmaster.
With the assistance of Mr Reg Hepworth, a keen old Scouter, a committee was formed and they held their first meeting on 24th March 1955. The members were: - Mr Hepworth, Mr Merryweather, Mr Barnaby Brinkworth, Mr Duminy Marais, Mr Jan van der Merwe and Ted Clayton. The Group was then officially registered as a Scout Group on 22nd April 1955. The group of volunteers made their own scarves, after quite a business of getting the colours they wanted, as every conceivable combination seemed to have been allocated to other Packs and Troops. However, in the end they managed to get the colours the group still wear today.
Many fundraising events were held, small cake sales on the sidewalks of the streets, the favourite place being outside Victor Goldberg’s Pharmacy on the corner of Oxford and Wellington Road. The biggest fund raiser fete was organised by the Crooke family, Winifred, Charles and sons Michael and Graham, which enabled the Group to erect a hall to replace the small prefab in Queen Street in 1959. The hall was later used by the Durbanville Lions Club.
The Group had quite a large Pack in the late 1950’s consisting of English and Afrikaans boys. In the late 1950’s Mrs Edna Foster could not do as much as before in the running of the Pack and Mrs Doreen Snelling took over alone for a while. However, after four years, Mrs Snelling too had to give up her position as she started full time work and no longer had time for meetings. She lost touch with the Group after that, but has always kept a keen interest in the Group. Mrs Snelling recalls some of the volunteers who stepped in to assist or join the Pack.
Mrs Anne Grieve came in to help her sons Graham and Athol upon their joining the Group. Mrs Pansy Henderson-Jones was a tireless worker and together with Mrs Patty Wagner helped in the making of scarves. Henry Henderson-Jones was also a Cub at about this time. Mrs Pam Street was another willing helper (later taking over from Doreen) and Mrs Jill Keeping also assisted to keep the Cubs going. Mr Ted Clayton was a committee member as were Mr/s Visser whose two sons also joined Scouts. Mr Michael Crooke became a Queen’s Scout and also worked hard to support the Group. Mr Bobby Marais served as Group Scouter for some time and there were other Queen’s Scouts. The Clayton boys Keith, Roger and Clive did their bit too, and Mrs Nancy Clarke’s boys were also active, Jimmy in the Scouts and Anthony as a Cub.
In the start of the 1960’s, ‘Badger’ was transferred to Riebeeck West and ran the Troop remotely from there. He sent a program through every Friday for the Troop Leader to run, who would write back about the outcome. A German fellow named Werner Luley took over the Troop and “Peanuts” Goldblat a lawyer became Group Scout Master. The two of them ran the Group from the end of 1961 to the end of 1962 when they both left.
In 1963, Hugh "Buzz" Macey, who had joined the movement as an 11 old Scout with 2nd Pinelands back in 1954, and spent nearly ten years with them, moved to the area and joined the 1st Durbanville Scout Troop, where he was Scoutmaster for 25 years from January 1964 to December 1989. He was a stalwart in Western Cape and National Scouting for over 60 years.
In 1965 the Municipality offered the Scout Group new premises, namely the Durbanville Abattoir. The condition attached to the offer was that the Scout Group give up their hall in Queen Street to the Lions, reason’s being that the Scouts required larger grounds and the Durbanville Lions Club needed a hall. The abattoir buildings in De Villiers Drive, were to be vacated due to the encroachment of the residential area, making it no longer permissible to operate due to sanitary and health reasons.
Converting the abattoir into suitable facilities for the Group, was a major task, undertaken by the Group without any assistance from the Municipality. There were boilers to remove, walls to demolish and built, cattle pens to be dismantled, sloping floors to be levelled and all debris removed from the site. All steel ripped out was stock piled with the hope of selling, to recoup some of the expenses incurred. However, before the sale could take place, the Municipality turned up and laid claim to all salvaged steel as being their property.
50th Anniversary - On a rather wet Sunday 14 August 2005 saw present and past members and non-members gather at Presbyterian Church Hall for a special lunch and slide show. This was followed by a Scouts' Own Service in the church, attended by many as well as dignitaries. It was a pleasure meeting some of the 'old folks' again. One of the guests of honour was Michael Cooke, the very first Queens Scout of 1st Durbanville 1958 as well as Doreen Snelling, founding Cubmaster of 1955. The service went off extremely well, led by Rev Eddie Germiquet, with participation by Cubs, Scouts and Scouters alike. Tea and cake then followed, with mingling and stories in the church hall. A memorable day!
Over the years, the Group has continued to improve on their premises with fencing, tree planting and general maintenance. During the late 1980’s, some of the badly sloping ground was levelled off with soil and an equipment store added to the main hall by the Group. The start of the 1990’s saw a revamp of the old abattoir caretaker's cottage on site and the construction of the present costly obstacle course.
Today the Group can stand proud with all their achievements and at the mere fact that their grounds, not only have character, but are by far the best in the whole of the northern area. This achievement did not happen overnight and can only be attributed to dedicated adult and youth support to the Group over the years. 1st Durbanville is definitely part of the Durbanville Town History, continuously contributing to the youth and adults of the community.
Photo Gallery
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1965 Gordon Shield Team
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1965 Troop Camp Tweespruit Paarl
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1968 Troop Camp Modderkloof
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1969 Troop Camp Oak Valley Elgin
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1969 Troop Camp Oak Valley Elgin
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1969 Troop Camp Oak Valley Elgin
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1970 Cub Stark Trophy
Ack: Andre Foot - from interviews with Buzz Hugh Macey and the memories of Mrs. Doreen Snelling.
1st Goodwood
The 1st Goodwood and Vasco Troop was inaugurated on the 1st November 1918 and the Scoutmaster was Edwin F Upton. There were 12 boys in the troop and they met in the Goodwood Hall. Their first camp was held in the Oranjezicht Estate in Cape Town. The Troop went into recess in 1921, but restarted on 9th August 1924. It soon grew to 25 Scouts and their meeting place was now the Burial Society Hall in Goulburn Street with Edwin F Upton again as their Scoutmaster.
The Troop was very active and a typical activity was when on Dingaan's Day 16 December 1927 ten of the Scouts, under the charge of Mr. Upton, set out by train for Wynberg and then started to tramp to Hout Bay via Constantia. Here through the kindness of Miss Powell, a suitable camping site was found in the grounds of the Craighall Tea Rooms where they camped for the weekend.
The group moved into their own hall on the 10th August 1929 in Goodwood Street near the Main Road and not far from the railway station. In the 1930's the Group Scoutmaster was Henry Mc Cleary, the Scoutmaster Johan Phister, and the Cubmaster Madelaine Eastham. Mr Duckitt was the Assistant Scoutmaster and Esmé Luyt the Assistant Cubmaster.
Listed amongst the names of South African Contingent to the 1933 4th World Jamboree in Hungary, is a Major Ronald Downes of 1st Goodwood & Vasco, but his role in the group is unknown. On the 2nd October 1927 a 2nd Goodwood troop was formed and they were using the same Scout Hall to hold their meetings. On the 24 October 1936 the 1st Goodwood was presented with their flag by Divisional Commissioner Cedric G Withinshaw. The colours chosen for the scarf were royal blue and red and the group now had 22 Cubs and 31 Scouts.
The group continued to hold meetings during the years of the Second World War and in February 1945 Miss Brenda Lloyd became Akela with Luderick Heath as Group Scoutmaster. During the 1950's Desmon Lautenbach was the Scoutmaster and the Troop entered many of the District and Regional events and competitions. The following Group Scoutmaster was George Howell and his son Brian Howell became the troop's first Queen Scout in 1956. For much of the 1950's and until the end of the 1960's it was very much a father and son effort by the Howell's with Brian running the Cubs and George the Scouts. Carl Hamel became the Group Scoutmaster in 1969 and ran the troop until 1972 when he was transferred to Johannesburg.
The 1970's was a good decade for the group and they were rewarded for their efforts by receiving Star awards for the Group, Troop and Pack. There were 9 Springbok Scouts and the troop did well in all the major competitions. Many of the Cubs achieved their highest award, the Leaping Wolf and did well at competitions. Egbert Ross became Group Scoutmaster in 1972 and remained until 1977. Graham Karstens through this period held the rank of Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Group Scoutmaster and then District Trainer and the Akela was Lydia Marais.
Due to the 15th World Jamboree in Iran being cancelled it was decided to hold a 'World Jamboree Year' and to have several World Jamboree Year camps. The South Africans were offered the choice of going to either Switzerland, America or Australia. David Karstens from the 1st Goodwood Troop chose Switzerland and was part of the South African Contingent to their 'World Jamboree Year' camp.
The original Scout Hall was situated in Goodwood Street near the railway station and in the late 1970's the group was given notice by the municipality that the grounds were to be expropriated to make way for a parking area. The relocation was managed by the committee and by the mid 1980's the new Scout Hall in Milton Road was completed and being used by the Scouts, Cubs and Committee for their meetings.
Scouters during the 1980's were E Werth, Group Scoutmaster; C Tellis, Scoutmaster; J Commins, Pack Scouter. The 'Ou Skip' campsite at Melkbos was a favourite for the Cubs' annual summer camp. A very good camaraderie existed in both the Pack and Troop and this led to the prestigious Gold Star Award regularly being bestowed upon them. Committee members who for a number of years had faithfully served the group received Long Service medals. The Cubs and Scouts entered most of the competitions and other Scouting activities and often teamed up with other groups in the area for combined activities. Towards the end of the decade Akala Ginny Commins Stepped down and the Zabbia's joined the uniform team with Franco becoming Scoutmaster and Mandy the Akela.
At the start of the nineteen nineties the Troop had a number of older Scouts and these boys were able to participate in the 1990 Senior Scout Adventure in the Cederberg Wilderness Area, a most memorable experience. For the younger Scouts use was made of Hawequas, the Scout Ranch near Wellington for their annual Summer Camp. The Cubs also made use of Hawequas where the unspoilt beauty and rugged wilderness atmosphere provided great exploring adventures for the younger boys. Combined Scout and Cub outings were organised and a boat trip to Robben Island provided plenty of fun. The Cub photo album in the archives ends in July 1994 with a camp that was held at the Gordon's campsite in Glencairn and it seems that the pack then went into recess. The next album in the archives starts off in July 1996 and refers to the first investments, with Johan Loedolff as Akela, but this album sadly ends in December 1997.
The group probably closed down towards the end of the decade and in 2001 the building became the Western Cape Area Headquarters and the home of the Scout Museum.
The Scouters
Group Scoutmasters
Henry Mc Cleary (c1930), Luderick Heath (1945), George Howell (1954/1969), Carl Hamel (1969/1972), Egbert Ross (1972/1977), Edmund Payne (1977/1982), Dewald Werth (1982/1992), Michelle van Zyl (1992/1998)
Scoutmasters
Edwin F Upton (1918/21) (c1924), Johan Phister (c1930), Wallace Jacobz (1947/1948), Desmond Lautenbach (1948/1972), Michael Lane (1972), Neil Mc Loughlin (1973), Graham Karstens (c1975), John Cleland (1982), Dewald Werth (c1982), C Tellis (c1985), Franco Zabbia (1985/1989)
Pack Scouters
Madelaine Eastham (c1930), Brenda Lloyd (1945/1950), Elenor Liprini (1950/1957), Brian Howell (1957/1971), Marie Muskett (1971), Lydia Marais (c1972),. Virginia Commin (1981/1989), Mandy Zabbia (1989/1994), Elene Elliot (1994/1998)
Top Scout Awards
| Surname | Name | Date | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howell | Brian Lawrence | 1955 | Queen |
| Lifrini | Albert Edward | 1957 | Queen |
| Mahony | Daniel Patrick | 1960 | Queen |
| Plant | David | 1964 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Marchbank | Charles | 1973 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Payne | George | 1977 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Van der Westhuizen | Daniel | 1977 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Volckmar | Connie | 1977 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Roberts | Gavin | 1977 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Warner | Claude | 1978 | Springbok |
| Karstens | David | 1979 | Springbok |
| Marais | Mynardt | 1979 | Springbok |
| Crosswell | Thomas | 1979 | Springbok |
| Craig | Donald | 1980 | Springbok |
| Reeve | Harry | 1980 | Springbok |
| BeyLeveld | Barry | 1980 | Springbok |
| Werth | Dewald | 1982 | Springbok |
| Werth | Michael Angus | 1984 | Springbok |
| Loedolff | Johan | 1991 | Springbok |
| Canning | Brevan | 1992 | Chief Scout's Award |
| Lewis - Walker | Kenneth Allen | 1992 | Chief Scout's Award |
Photo Gallery
1st Monte Vista
In 1969 the District Commissioner for the Tygerberg, Reg Scott and his wife Yvonne paid several visits to Monte Vista in an effort to find Scouters. The first Group Scoutmaster was Mr. Jack Stewart (Beaver). He chose the scarf colours which are orange and grey.
In September of that year the Cub Pack started under the leadership of Mrs. Maureen Finlay. Cubs from Monte Vista who had previously been travelling to the Goodwood Pack, formed the nucleus.
Meetings were held at the Finlay home in Mostert Street for the first year. The first three Cubs were Cedric Allan, Derek Finlay and Stephen Whitehorn. Cedric Allan was the first Cub to obtain his Leaping Wolf Badge.
In January 1970 the principal of the Monte Vista Primary School, Mr. Goosen, offered accommodation for the Cubs, Brownies and Guides of Monte Vista. The Scout Troop started on the 11th June with Mr. Ray Saunders (Hawk) as the Scoutmaster, with Mr. John Milburn (Eagle) and Mr. George van Zyl (Falcon) assisting him. Soon afterwards, in October, the shooting range in Camoens Avenue for safety reasons was moved and the ammunition store was offered to the Group by the Goodwood Municipality. Fathers and Scouts adapted it and it became known as the "Crow's Nest" - headquarters of the Monte Vista Cubs and Scouts and housed the group until 1977.
In 1972 John Milburn became Scoutmaster, but had to give up the job the following year because of his studies. In 1973 Denzil Roberts (Kiwi) took over as Group Scoutmaster and, together with Mr. Ken Coleman (Quail), helped to run the Troop until a Scoutmaster could be found.
In April 1974 a second Pack was formed under Mrs. M. Saxby with Miss Julia Shinton assisting her. Miss Shinton later became the Cubmaster of the second Pack, with Mrs. Sheila Shinton as her assistant. The Packs became known as the "Kipling" and the "Baden-Powell" Packs.
A Scoutmaster was found in Mr. Keith Porter (Jumbo) and the first meeting under his leadership was held on 11th April 1975. On the 20th August 1977 the Group moved into their modern and spacious new headquarters in Plattekloof Road. The headquarters is owned jointly by the Scout and Guide Groups of Monte Vista and was handed over by the Building Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Alan Shinton to the Guide/Scout Management Committee of which Mr. Tony Allan was the chairman. The hall was opened by the Chief Scout of South Africa, Mr. Colin Inglis, and Mrs. Haddow, Regional Commissioner of the Girl Guides.
The first chairman of the Group Committee was Mr. Joe Finlay, He was followed by Mr. D. Kropf, Mr. M. Wood, Mr. B. van Zyl and Mr. R Jones. The committee has been very successful in that they succeeded to raise funds for the building of the new hall and the purchasing of a 38-seater Bedford Bus, in addition to the funds required for the running of the Group, and the purchasing of equipment.
Scouting-wise the Group has been very successful. There have been many Springbok Scouts, the first being Cedric Allan in 1977 and have regularly gained Star Awards. The Scouts have attended many World Jamborees, the first in 1979 represented by Deane Roberts and Derek Finlay.
Mr. Keith Porter resigned as Scoutmaster in 1979 and he was succeeded by Mr. Bill Prentzler (Penguin). Penguin left in 1980, and after a few months without a Scoutmaster, Cedric Allan (Kudu) took on the job. In 1980 Miss Julia Shinton resigned as Cubmaster of the "Baden-Powell Pack" and Mrs. Moira Moreland took her place.
In April 1980 "Jumbo" Keith Porter started the Monte Vista Rover Crew.
1st Vrijzee
In October 1971 the 1st Vrijzee Troop was started under the leadership of Mr. George Van Zyl ex 1st Monte Vista and Mr. Andre Erwee as Group Scoutmaster.
Meetings were held in a derelict old Church in Wellington Street, Vasco. Unfortunately, the Troop closed down in 1973 as the Scoutmaster moved to the Transvaal, and there was nobody to take over.
In February 1974 the Cub Pack started under the leadership of District Cubmaster, Donald Alexander. Meetings were held in a school garage in De Villiers Street, Vasco. The first three Cubs were Gary Wells, Louis Wiese and Saun Pearson. The numbers soon began to grow so they moved to the Lutheran Church, Smart Street, Goodwood. Christine Pel then took over as Cubmaster, assisted by Mr. Peter Jewell and later by Miss Hilda Horn and Miss Rita Horn.
The Cub Pack was very active participating events like the Area's annual Edward Shield competition, Swimming Gala, Athletics and Scouts Own. Camps, often joining with other Packs, hikes, outings to the then Zoo and Rhodes Memorial, beach parties and district events were also well attended.
The Troop re-opened in February 1975 under the leadership of Mr. Vernon Marais and he was assisted by Mr. B. Visser. Mr. Les Wells was the Group Scoutmaster. In 1976 the Group moved over to the Jim Laing Memorial Hall, Cambridge Street, Vasco, when Mr. Frank Wood resigned and moved back to the Transvaal. Miss Hilda Horn took over as Cubmaster
In January 1978 Mr. John Hart, ex 1st Parow, took over the Troop as Scoutmaster. Near the end of 1979 Troop meetings were held at the Scoutmaster's home and Pack meetings were held at the home of the Den Mother, Mrs. Pat du Plessis. This continued until the Scout Hall was ready for occupation at the beginning of 1980. The Group was extremely grateful to the hardworking Committee and especially to Mr. Raymond Bey-Leveld for their tremendous effort in the erection of the hall.
In June 1980 Mr. John Hart resigned and in October 1980 Mr. John Waterhouse, ex 1st Parow, took over as Scoutmaster. In the interim the District helped to keep the Troop going. In 1981 Kevin Bey-Leveld (Springbok Scout and Chief Scout Award) returned to the Troop as Assistant Scoutmaster.
During its two and a half decades of its existence 1st Vrijzee has had 3 Springbok Scouts and 1 Chief Scout Award and many Leaping Wolves. The Cub Pack was very active, earning Star Awards and participated in most of the District and Area events and won the district Cub R-Don competition 1981.
The Group closed down in the late 1990's due to the lack of Scouters.
Ack: Cape Western Scouter and Hilda Horn.