Western Cape Scout Groups - Southern Suburbs

Please see Scout Groups in South Africa for a list of all the current Groups in the Western Cape

Very soon after 'Scouting for Boys' was published troops were being formed all over the peninsula and the Southern Suburbs can claim to be some of the very first.

The troops to gain the distinction of being first founded were; 1st and 2nd Claremont and 1st Observatory who were formed about March 1908 and registered on 31st July 1909, together with 1st Simonstown. Registrations followed one after another. In August 1909 1st Rondebosch and in September, 1st Woodstock and 1st Muizenberg. Some were linked to churches and although the demographics of the area did change, sadly it seems that in many cases the groups folded due to the lack of Adult Scouters.

Alphabetical list

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.

1st Bergvliet - The 1st Bergvliet Sea Scout Group was founded in 1950. 1st Bergvliet was initially not a Sea Scout Group in the late mid to late sixties. The Cub Pack was known as the Waingunga 1st Bergvliet and in 1965 Dorothy Orr was one of two pack scouters. In 1968/9 the Scout troop had over 40 members and had 5 patrols. The Scoutmaster at the time was Peter Bareke a teacher at Bergvliet Primary School. Ed “Beaver” Rose was also played an integral roll in the troop. Both the troop and the Pack met in the Hall next to the Guide Hall in Alpine Way.

2nd Bergvliet - The 2nd Bergvliet Scout Troop was started by Ed "Beaver" Rose and Father Duffy of the Bergvliet Monastery and met in St Anthony’s Hall on the Main Road/Blenheim Road, Heathfield. The very first Troop meeting was held on 8 February 1963. The Cub Pack was started shortly after the Troop. Read more ...

1st Claremont (1908 – Active) - The 1st Claremont Scouts began in March 1908 after two boys at the Claremont Public School read about Scouting, which had started in England in 1907, and approached their headmaster to start a group. The first two Scouts were Fred and Charles Stern, and the headmaster George French became the first Scoutmaster in South Africa. 1st Claremont moved from Claremont Public School to vacant land in Bowwood Road in the 1920s. Their current hall was built in 1940 next to the Claremont Bowling Club. Read more ...

2nd Claremont Scout Group (1909 – 1990s) – Although the troop started in 1909 it may have been inactive for a time as later records reflect that the 'Cub Pack was started on the 22 March 1930 and the Scout Troop on the 9 September 1930'. Their hall on the corner of Belvedere and Queen Victoria Road was opened on 6th June 1948 and is now the home for both the National and Western Cape Regional Offices.

3rd Claremont Scout Troop (1913 – 1922) - The original 3rd Claremont Scout Troop was started in 1913 by Mr. Andrew Roxburgh as Scoutmaster and Mr. Norman Henshilwood as Assistant Scoutmaster. Meetings were held in the Congregational Church Hall and in its grounds in Claremont. They amalgamated with 1st Claremont in 1922. Read more ...

3rd Claremont (St Ignatius) (1947 - 1952) - They invested their first Scouts in the November of 1947 and met in the St Ignatius church in Wade Road Claremont. Scouters were difficult to find and the group did not last long.

3rd Claremont (SACS) (1957 – Active) - This Pack is unique in its exclusive connection to the SA College School (SACS) having been started by the Junior School Headmaster Mr Stanley Hunter during the transfer of SACS from the Hiddingh campus in the Gardens to the Newlands campus. Read more ...

4th Claremont (1947 – Active) - The name 4th Claremont has a somewhat complicated history. It started off in 1947 as a closed group with its hut in the grounds of the Western Province Preparatory School and was only open to members of the school. This resulted in a very large and strong Cub Pack, but the Scouts left the group when they went to High School. Then in 1957 the Scout Troop became an open group and the Pack changed its name to 6th Claremont. In the mid 1960's when they built their hall in Almond Street, Fernwood, there were 70 boys in the group. The group closed in the early 2000s, and reopened in 2021 with Cubs and Meerkats, and with Scouts in 2022.

5th Claremont (St Saviours) (1948 – 1956) - The Cub Pack was founded in May 1948 by a Mrs Rogers and the Group met at St Saviour's Church in Claremont. In the early 1950's it consisted of an active Cub Pack, Scout Troop and Rover Crew. However, by 1956 they were without a Pack or Crew and only a handful of Scouts. Read more ...

6th Claremont (St Stephens) (1949 – 1955) - They met at St Stephens church in Belvedere Road not far from the 2nd Claremont Group.

Claremont - Grove Primary School - In the 1960's there was a Cub Pack at the school, but this closed down in 1967 and the Cubs joined 1st Claremont.

Constantia (1955 – 1990s) - The 1st Constantia Group was founded on the 25th January 1955 and their hall was in Cecil Road Plumstead. Camps were held at Grabouw, Silvermine, Gilcape and Hawequas and in 1985 they won the district's Crosswell trophy. The group closed in the 1990's.

Crawford - This group active in the 1960's struggled with adult support but persevered, meeting at times in a shop, Akela's home and a church hall.

Fish Hoek - 1st Fish Hoek was founded on June 24, 1930 and is one of the oldest active Sea Scout Groups in South Africa. It was one of the two founding groups of the Sea Scout Base on Sandvlei, a vibrant centre for Scout sailing in the Western Cape and home to annual Kontiki competition.

2nd Fish Hoek nearby is a Land Scout group.

1st Kenilworth (1909 to 1997) - Founded in 1909 their Scoutmaster from 1910 to 1948 was the Rev E.W. Lasbrey of the St John's Church in Wynberg and for 38 years he provided continuity and stability in the Troop. Their meeting place for 60 years was a hall in the grounds of Stellenberg Estate in Kenilworth. An even longer duration was the Annual Hermanus Camp which even after the Group closed down, continued to be run by returning participants. Read more ...

2nd Kenilworth (1953 to 1979) - The 2nd Kenilworth Scout Group was established when the Cub Pack held their first meeting on the 28th February 1953 in the Wynberg Presbyterian Church in Kenilworth. The Pack started with just two boys as did the Troop also with just two boys a year later in July 1954.

Occasionally the church hall was not available on a Friday night and consequently the Scouts made use of various outdoor venues and in particular Wynberg Park was a favourite for wide games and many other activities.

The Group struggled to keep going and in late 1979 it closed down and their hall was taken over by 1st Kenilworth who had desperately looking for a permanent meeting place. Five of the Cubs elected to joined the very active 1st Kenilworth Pack. Read more ...

Kirstenhof - The original Kirstenhof Group seems to have been active from the mid 1980's through to the late 1990's. The Cub Pack was opened by Shoena Smith and run successfully from the hall at Kirstenhof Primary before it closed down in c1995 due to lack of adult support. The Troop was active in 1997 but in September 1999 it was reported that the Scoutmaster Niall Jack had returned to England and they were looking for a replacement. In the same year this young Troop of only 8 boys came 6th in the local Beaver Rose Competition but sadly by the end of the year it too had closed down.

1st Kirstenhof Sea Scout Group - In 2021 the 1st Kirstenhof Sea Scout Group was registered and by October the Cub Pack was successfully running 'full to the brim' with many happy Cubs enjoying the Cub programme. The Scout Troop opened on 27 July 2022 with 14 new Recruits.

Lansdowne (1926 – 1936) - The 1st Lansdowne Group had its up's and down's with Scouters and Boys coming and going. The Troop averaged about 20 Scouts and they did partake in District events like the Gordon Shield, held hikes and a number of camps. In January 1936 they sent three Scouts to the East London Jamboree, but sadly the Group closed a few weeks later.

Meadowridge (1950c – Active) - 1st Meadowridge Scout Group was founded by Mr Stuart McPhearson and his wife at the beginning of the Meadowridge Garden Cities Project in the 1950's. They initially started running the Scouts and Cubs from their garage until the Hall was completed in 1962, which is still their current home.

2nd Meadowridge - There was also a 2nd Meadowridge but in 1999 it amalgamated with 1st Bergvliet.

Mowbray - Scouting started up in this suburb with the formation of the 1st Mowbray (Presbyterian) Cub Pack in November 1929 and was due mainly to the efforts of the Rev. R Barr, Mr J Chalmers and Cubmaster R Nicoll of Pinelands. Other groups were formed in the area, but by the 1980's they had all closed down. Read more ...

Muizenberg - 1st Muizenberg was started in September 1909 and is still active, in 1940 they changed from Land scouts to Sea Scouts. Read more ...

2nd Muizenberg (Jewish) - Was founded on 27th August 1927 by Marcus Haft, but the group will be remembered by the leadership of Bertie Stern, better known as Sandpiper. Very active in the 1930's and 1940's winning many competitions, five patrols and many outdoor activities. Read more ...

Observatory - Scouting took off fast after the 1st Observatory was formed in 1908 and soon there was a 2nd Observatory. By 1918 and with a Brass Band attracting youth to the Movement a third Troop had to be formed. On 30th August 1918, the 3rd Observatory Troop was presented with their Flag at a ceremony in the school grounds, Lower Main Road, Observatory. A 4th (Methodist) and 5th were to follow, there was even a 7th (Congregational Troop) at some time. Currently no active groups.

Plumstead - There are currently three groups active in the area 1st Plumsted, 1st Naruna and Constantia and 2nd Plumstead established in 1932 which is a Sea Scout Group.

1st Retreat (1910 - c1950) - One of the very first Troops to be formed in the Southern Suburbs having been founded in February 1910 by the boys themselves. The undeveloped land around Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei were popular for hiking, camps and test passing. In summer the vleis were great for swimming and campfires on the water's edge. Read more ...

Rondebosch - Initially the only troop in the Rondebosch area was 1st Rondebosch, which was a school troop connected to Diocesan College (Bishops) and was as such only available to boys at Bishops. This was followed by a Rondebosch Boys' High pupil named Russell Moore who decided to start a patrol with his friends and the 2nd Rondebosch was formed in August of 1909 when 26 boys were invested into the troop. There was once a 3rd, 4th and 5th Group, with 6th Rondebosch still active.

Salt River - From the list of King and Springbok Scouts it would appear that there was a group in the 1950's and again in the 1990's. Currently no active groups.

Simonstown - 1st Simonstown was one of the very first Troops to be formed in the peninsula. They started in July 1908 and were registered on 31st July 1909, their Cub Pack was started in 1918. 2nd Simonstown saw the opening of their Scout Hall in Forrest Hill Drive on the 17th November 1962, by rear Admiral H H Bierman. Currently no active groups.

1st Woodstock - Carl Rayner started 1st Woodstock in 1915 and was Scoutmaster from 1915 to 1926 when he became District Commissioner for Woodstock / Salt River.

2nd Woodstock - The Group was formed 19 December 1923 and celebrated their 6th anniversary in 1929.

3rd Woodstock - They met in the loft of the All Saint's Anglican Church in Roodebloem Road.

4th Woodstock (St Agnes) - Most likely they met in the hall of St Agnes Catholic Church in Dublin Street.

5th Woodstock – 1st Table Bay Sea scouts - Their meeting place was behind the Woodstock Town Hall. This was where the Fire Station and stables for the horses was situated - their Den was to the rear of this. Their long serving Akela was Mrs. Warton, who was born in Cape Town in 1889 and lived her whole life within view of Table Mountain. Another Scouter who had a long association with the movement in the Western Cape was Ed Rose or "Beaver" to all who knew him. He was one of the very last of our Scouters who could say that he had shaken hands with "B-P".

7th Woodstock - Like 5th Woodstock, this group also met behind the Woodstock Town Hall, but their Den was under the stables.

A Scouter of note, associated with this group was George Fisher who grew up in Woodstock where he attended Woodstock High School. He joined the 7th Woodstock Cub Pack in 1944 when he was invested into the Pack. From there he continued up into the Scouts and Rovers. Thereafter he continued in the movement by becoming an Assistant Cubmaster to the 7th Woodstock. He then went on to become Cubmaster of 5th Observatory then Assistant Scout Master and then Scoutmaster. In 1962 he was presented with the Medal of Merit for good service and in 1967 he received the Long Service Medal. In October 1976 he was appointed District Commissioner for CW 4.

1st Wynberg and Plumstead (Wynstead) (1915 – 1995) - The Troop started in September 1914 and registered in early 1915. Where they initially met is unclear, but in November 1920, they took possession of their new headquarters in Tenby Road, Wynberg. Read more ...

2nd Wynberg (Methodist) – (c1930's) - There was a Scout Group that met at the Methodist Church in Wynberg that was started in 1929 and seems to have been active in the 1930's and maybe beyond. Many years later scouting paraphernalia was discovered under the hall stage.

3rd Wynberg (St John) (1931 – 1977) – Both the Pack and Troop were started in 1931 and the group's headquarters was listed as Parish Hall, Piers Road, Wynberg. It seems that there was also a Den within the ground as records mention using both for meetings. Read more ...

4th Wynberg (1933 – 1983) - The troop was started in 1933 and the Pack soon after. They met at a number of places before moving into their new hall which was built at 14 Holderness Road in Kenwyn. On the 1st of January 1984 the group merged with 1st Kenwyn to form 4th Wynberg and Kenwyn. Read more ...

4th Wynberg and Kenwyn (1984 – c1990's) - On the 1st of January 1984 the group was formed when 1st Kenwyn amalgamated with 4th Wynberg. Kenwyn had lost their premises and the Boys and Scouters from both groups had agreed to merge and use the hall in Holderness Road. Read more ...

Coloured Scout Groups in the Southern Suburbs

Sadly, very few records exist in the Scout archives of the history of Coloured Scouting in the Western Cape.

However, from the limited documentation that is available it can be established that in the late 1930's various Coloured Scout Groups were established in the Southern Suburbs.

In 1934 Charles Thebus a man inextricably woven into the tapestry of Western Cape Scouting who after visiting the 1st Cape Town Pathfinder meeting in Cape Town then started the 1st Wynberg Group at Mountain View. Groups like 1st Diep River, 1st Claremont 1st Kenilworth and 1st Retreat were established soon afterwards. Adam Petersen, a Rover at the 1st Wynberg left the group to start the existing 1st Plumstead Group in 1944.

With the establishment of these Groups the need arose to form a District in the Southern Suburbs as a support and to provide the Scouting asked for by the boys. This resulted in the Wynberg Scout District being formed with Charles as the first District Commissioner.

The following Scouters succeeded him as DC's of the Wynberg District and of note are the various established Groups they came from:- Teddy Knowlen (GS 2nd Claremont Salvation Army Group), Richard Anthony (Rover Leader 1st Steenberg Group), William van Graan (GS 2nd Claremont Salvation Army Group), John Thomas (GS 1st Claremont Group), Ronald Abrahams (GS 1st Plumstead), Phillip Mauritz (GS 1st Plumstead), John Williams (GS Don Bosco). Both Athlone and Salt River had a number of Groups and there were Sea Scouts in Kalk Bay and Simon's Town.

In 1967 25 Troops took part in the (then Coloured) Upton Shield but the Group Areas Act created havoc with the Coloured Scouting movement and Commissioner Mr. Alex Philander reported that the act had forced five or six troops to disband. Considerable difficulty was experienced in re-establishing them in new areas, and many Scouts were lost to the movement.

Additional information from the Scout archives provides an insight into Scouting in the area.

History

2nd Bergvliet

The 2nd Bergvliet Scout Troop was started by Ed "Beaver" Rose and Father Duffy of the Bergvliet Monastery and met in St Anthony’s Hall on the Main Road/Blenheim Road, Heathfield. The very first Troop meeting was held on 8 February 1963. The Cub Pack was started shortly after the Troop.

The Group was originally a Catholic sponsored Group and hence the colour of their scarf containing blue, being the colour the Blessed Virgin Mary is often depicted in.

Ernie Clark was the first Troop Scouter and Eunice Clark was the first Pack Scouter.

The following article was kindly provided by Nigel Forshaw, ex 2nd Bergvliet Cub, Scout and Scouter

1960's

1964 – The Troop changed to a Sea Scout Troop and the khaki uniform was replaced with navy blue jerseys and shorts. They soon switched to white shirts, then back to navy blue jerseys and finally the blue shirt in 1969. The Cubs wore white shirts and navy blue shorts.

1966 – Frikkie, a well-known favourite sailing boat of the Troop was launched at Sandvlei at the Imperial Yacht club basin and was used until the commissioning of the first Saldanha dinghies in 1972. Frikkie spent its last days on a davit – since removed – alongside the Superstructure at the Sea Scout Base.

1967 – The 2nd Bergvliet Air Scout Troop was opened but unfortunately closed down in 1970. Robert Newman became the first Scout to earn his Springbok Scouts badge in the Group’s history.

1969 – A District event to publicise Scouting was held where the Meadowridge Library is today. Sea Scouts did a signalling display and the Air Scouts brought in a helicopter.

1970's

1970 – Sea Scout Base, Sandvlei opened and the Group had its own single/small garage boat shed in the current day “compound”.

1971 – The Troop’s first Scout World Jamboree representative, Mark Norton, travelled to Japan. 2nd Bergvliet Scouts and Scouters have since been to Norway (1975), Canada (1983), Australia (1987), Korea (1991), Netherlands (1995), United Kingdom (2007) and Sweden (2011). Reports, Photos and Contingent Lists of all the World Jamborees can be found on the Scoutwiki site at World Jamborees

1972 – Nigel Forshaw and Richard King attended a Sea Scout training camp at SAS Saldanha.

1973 – No 6, our first Saldanha is completed and launched.

1974 – Five Hartley dinghies were completed and were kept at Sandvlei.

1975 – Gerard Atkinson represents 2nd Bergvliet and South Africa at the World Jamboree in Norway.

1976 – The Group gets the use of the boat shed at the Sea Scout base which is still used today, the one closest to the mountain. Previously a shed half the size was used in the compound.

1977 – Five Hartley sailing dinghies are built and are sailed at Sandvlei in 2nd Bergvliet colours.

1980's

1980 – Ed "Beaver" Rose the then District Commissioner, finds the current Scout Hall for 2nd Bergvliet’s use after St Anthony’s Hall in Heathfield can no longer be used. A second Cub Pack is formed but this unfortunately closes in 1996 and the Toomai and Lukannon Packs are amalgamated.

1983 – John Salway takes over as Troop Scouter and is in this position for 10 years. Russel Hocking leads his Patrol to victory at the Beaver Rose competition and starts a long run of wins for the Troop.

1984 – The Troop begins to discover the Cederberg mountains. A trip in July was totally washed out after roads became impassable but returns later in the year and successfully gets to Crystal Pool. Albatross Patrol wins the Beaver Rose competition. The Seamanship competition takes place at Simonstown where the Troop takes part. No 18 Saldanha is launched. The Group celebrates its 21st anniversary at a braai in Constantia. The Troop camps at Stanford on the Kleinrivier for the very first time.

1985 – No 18 Saldanha is taken to Hout Bay for sailing in the sea. The Seamanship competition is held at the same venue. Eighteen Scouts and Scouters attend SANJAMB held outside Pietermaritzburg.

1986 – Rotary Scout is handed over to the Sea Scouts at the Sea Scout Base. The Group organises a Church Parade. In those days the Cubs wore khaki uniforms. Nigel Forshaw and John Salway are presented with the Wood badge. A combined 1st and 2nd Bergvliet Patrol attend the Senior Scout Adventure.

1987 – The Troop hikes the Fish River Canyon in Namibia for the first time. The Troop went back in 1994. John Cosnett, Norman Cantrell and Larry Thomas attend the World Jamboree in Australia.

1989 – The Scout Hall is extended and doubled in size. The Committee partially finances the extension and raises much money by running discos at the Muizenberg Pavilion and boerewors roll stands outside Checkers in Plumstead. The Troop wins the Seamanship competition for the first time and won it a further 10 times. The outside courtyard did not exist at this time and Equipment was stored in a container outside the front door of the Scout Hall. The Troop wins the Provincial orienteering competition with PL Alan Turnley-Jones. The silver anniversary of the Beaver Rose Trophy is won by 2nd Bergvliet Swift Patrol PL Mark Sturrock.

1990's

1990 – The Troop wins the Kon-Tiki Adventure raft building competition for the first time. This was repeated in 1992. The Group walks up to Christchurch in Constantia Main Road for a Church Parade.

1991 – We gain access to a second boat shed immediately next to the first at the Sea Scout Base. This doubles the number of beds for sleeping accommodation for Scouts and houses and protects both Saldanha dinghies.

1992 –The Group has a membership of 120 Cubs, Scouts and Scouters. There are two Packs, one called Lukannon and other called Toomai. Lukannon met on Thursday afternoon and Toomai on Friday. The success of the Group and Troop is driven by two strong Packs.

1993 – The Group celebrates 30 years and has a fun fair outside the Scout Hall. The Group runs a very successful bingo evening in the Bergvliet Primary School Hall. The Scout Hall courtyard is completed and the Group fits two garage doors to the quartermaster's store.

1994 – Nigel Forshaw takes over as Troop Scouter after John Salway stepped down after being in the position for 10 years. The new South African flag is flown for the first time at Troop meetings. The Troop wins the Gordon Shield competition for the first time and wins it a further 3 times. A 2nd Bergvliet Patrol of 10 attends the Senior Scout Adventure.

1995 – The Troop gets its own website which is later moved to here. Dave Crombie takes over as Group Scouter from Tony Shapiro.

1996 – The Troop wins the Upton Shield for the first time, a feat that is repeated in 2003.

1997 – Senior Scouts hike down Suicide Gorge and into the Riviersonderend Canyon in the Hottentots Holland Mountains.

1998 – The Group wins the Tonkin Trophy for the “best” Group in the Western Cape Province.

1999 – The Tonkin Trophy is retained by the Group in 1999.

2000's

2000 – David Shelly becomes Troop Scouter. David becomes the first 2nd Bergvliet Scouter to be a Patrol Leader Training Unit (PLTU) course director. The Troop wins the Gordon Shield with Tim Crombie as Patrol Leader.

2000 – The Group wins the Tonkin Trophy for 1999 which is presented in 2000. This is awarded to the best Group in the Western Cape Province.

2001 – The Troop returns to Klein River, Stanford for the December Troop camp. All subsequent Troop camps for the rest of the decade are held at Theewaterskloof Dam.

2002 – Ian Nixon becomes Troop Scouter. The Troop wins the Upton Shield which is a one-day competition where junior Scouts hike from base to base where they carry out activities which are then judged/marked. The Speleological Society presents a special talk on caving to the Troop meeting and then takes Scouts through Oriel Halls and Boomslang Cave in the Kalk Bay mountains.

2003 – The Troop wins the Rayner Trophy for the first time under Patrol Leader Kenneth Crombie. This is a senior Scout overnight hiking competition and was held in the Riviersonderend Mountains above Villiersdorp.

2004 – Nigel Forshaw becomes Troop Scouter.

2005 – Patrol Leader’s and Seconds camp is held at Betty’s Bay.

2006 – The inter Patrol Seagull Trophy is held at the Sea Scout Base. Swift and Cormorant Patrol win the sailing and the share trophy.

2007 – Marcel Mulders, James Peart, and Chris Sellier attend the centenary World Jamboree in England and on their return present a talk to the Scouts on their experiences.

2008 – The inter Patrol Seagull Trophy is held at the Sea Scout Base. Kestrel Patrol wins the sailing and the trophy.

2009 – Andrew Klazinga becomes Troop Scouter;

2010's

2010 – Charles Prince becomes acting Troop Scouter;

2011 – Peter Otzen becomes Troop Scouter. Cormorant Patrol wins the Beaver Rose Trophy at Roberts Camp, Glencairn. Kathryn Peart, Carmel Carne, Fabio Saporetti, Kyle Corbett, Chris Lea and Thomas Coull attend the World Jamboree in Sweden.

2012 – Cubs and Scouts assist with cooking at a Group fund raising event.

2013 – 8 February 2013 is celebrated in the Troop for being exactly 50 years (to the day) since the first Troop meeting held on 8 February 1963.

A celebratory evening is held at the Scout Hall where one of the Scouts who attended the first meeting in 1963 being Robert Sproul, delivered a motivational talk.

The Group wins the Tonkin Trophy for 2012 which is presented in 2013. This is awarded to the best Group in the Western Cape Province. The Group wins the HV Marsh Award for the first time for the Group’s Delta magazine.

The Troop visits Langebaanweg Airforce base where a display by the Silver Falcon’s is watched. The leader of the Silver Falcons was Roy Sproul.

The Troop has a combined 2nd Somerset West, 1st Monte Vista expedition which takes them to Robben Island where a clean up is done amongst other activities. This makes the press and the national SCOUTS SA webpage.

Cormorant Patrol wins the Beaver Rose Trophy at Roberts Camp, Glencairn.

1963 Seagull Patrol
1985 No 6 the first Saldanha
1993 Regatta
1994 Troop snow Hike
2000 Gordon Shield winners

Ack: Nigel Forshaw (ex 2nd Bergvliet Cub, Scout and Scouter)

1st Claremont

BP first published Scouting for Boys in January 1908 in serialised form in England. By the end of February 1908, the first publication had reached the shores of the Cape Colony where two school boys, Charles and Fred Stern, read the article with avid interest and decided to ask their headmaster to launch a scout group. Charles and Fred were both pupils at Claremont Public School or, as it was commonly known, Frenchie's school, after the headmaster, George French. Upon being approached George French agreed to launch the scout group, which met for the first time on 3 March 1908.

The first camp was at Bolton's Farm in Lansdowne Road. As the troop grew stronger and scouting became more established there were many camps and hikes, including what must have been a memorable 300-mile hike through the Cape mountains with mules and cart over a period of 3 weeks.

George remained involved with 1st Claremont until 1920 when he retired. During this time he served on the Executive Committee for the Cape, edited the South African Scout and devised many scout games. In 1913 he was awarded the Silver Wolf by BP.

Cyril French, George's son, became the scoutmaster at 1st Claremont in about 1913. He was born in 1886 in George Town, Southern Cape (now George). He was the second son of George and Bessie French.

When 1st Claremont was founded Cyril took on the role of Assistant Scoutmaster. He was warranted as Scoutmaster in 1913, taking over from his father and running the troop for several years. Later he went on to found the 3rd Cape Town Troop, and the two Troops held many joint activities in those early days.

He followed in his father's footsteps in other ways, becoming a schoolmaster, and taught for a time at Wynberg Boys' High School in Cape Town. He also inherited his father's interest in nature, and spent much time searching the Fish Hoek mountains and sand dunes for snakes.

In 1927 he went to Australia to take over the Adelaide Snake Park. After only a few months he was bitten by a deadly tiger snake. He died the next day on 12 April 1927.

Of the scouts from the early days we know little. One of the first scouts we know about is Robert McKenzie who on 12 April 1909 he was awarded the Silver Cross for Gallantry, for saving a swimmer from drowning. This was recorded in the March 1910 Headquarters Gazette in London as below:

Scoutmaster W. Baker, the Hon. Secretary of the Central Council for Cape Colony, writes: -

"I have the honour to thank you on behalf of Corporal H.Wickins, Scout McKenzie, Birkenberg and Seaton, for having awarded Life-Saving Medals to them, which were ceremoniously presented to them by His Excellency the Governor and Acting High Commissioner, on Sunday August 27th, at Government House. The four boys and myself, as their Scoutmaster, were presented to His Excellency by Captain Hanna, R.A. the President of the Council…."

For over a century 1st Claremont has continued its existence and have faced many challenges. Sometimes the very existence of the troop has hung by a thread. Other times their numbers have exceeded 40 scouts. Hundreds and boys and more recently girls have passed through 1st Claremont, both changing and being changed by their contact with the ethos and adventure of scouting at 1st Claremont. Some have remained associated with the troop for much of their lives and other families have sent their sons to 1st Claremont across 3 generations.

Through it all, 1st Claremont has remained true to the traditions of scouting as laid down by Baden-Powell but old as we are, we are a forward-looking troop, willing to embrace change. It is this that keeps us vibrant and fresh while we remain rooted in the timeless values that underpin the adventure of scouting.

3rd Claremont Scout Troop

The original 3rd Claremont Scout Troop was started in 1913 by Mr. Andrew Roxburgh as Scoutmaster and Mr. Norman Henshilwood as Assistant Scoutmaster. Meetings were held in the Congregational Church Hall and in its grounds in Claremont. The Rev William Angus gave the troop his active support.

Mr. Roxburgh resigned in August 1916 when he went off the First World War and saw service in France where he receives the Meritorious Service Medal. He was succeeded by Capt. J J Walsh who had seen service in the then German South West Africa. They also had to do without Mr. Henshilwood who had also resigned to go on Active Service.

The troop was able, with the co-operation of the Local Association, under the chairmanship of Mr. Steel, to lease the old wood and iron isolation hospital and the surrounding land in Bowwood road. The 1st Claremont Scout Hall stands on what is left of the grounds.

The 3rd Claremont Scouts were skilled in signalling under the able tuition of Capt. Walsh and a Mr. Dunkel. The troop possessed signalling lamps, buzzers and field telephones and good use was made of these in outings to Constantia and Hout Bay.

Many of the 3rd Claremont scouts gained their Fireman's badge; the course of instruction been given by the local fire sub-station chief. The astronomer's badge was also gained by a number of the scouts from lectures given by the Astronomer Royal. Many of the scouts also gained their First Aid, Ambulance, Swimming and shooting badges.

Camping was eagerly anticipated. First the Boulders at Simonstown was the venue thereafter the Wool Washeries at Paarl became the favourite campsite. Divisional Scout Rallies were supported and they came second in the first ever Gordon Shield.

The amalgamation of the 1st and original 3rd Claremont took place in 1922, becoming 1st Claremont Troop. Thirty-five years later the SACS Junior School revived the name 3rd Claremont with the scarf closely resembling the original one.

Acknowledgement: Have-a-SACS, June 1966

3rd Claremont (SACS)

3rd Claremont is a unique pack in its exclusive connection to the SA College School (SACS) – the oldest school in the country formed in 1829 and later separated into the University (UCT) and the SA College Schools (SACS). 2017 was the 60th year of 3rd Claremont SACS Cubs, having been started by Junior School Headmaster Mr Stanley Hunter during the transfer of SACS from the Hiddingh campus in the Gardens to the Newlands campus.

When SACS was located in Cape Town, they had in 1946 formed the 19th Cape Town (SACS) group.

The 3rd Claremont (SACS) Group was formed (or re-started) on 16th November 1957, the year of the Golden Jubilee by the then headmaster of SACS Junior, Mr. Stanley Hunter. However, no Scoutmaster was available and it was to fill this position that Mr. N. Slabber (Doc) resigned as ASM of 3rd Wynberg and became Scoutmaster of 3rd Claremont, with Mr Herbert D. Owen (Simba) as GSM, a post he held for 21 years. Their hall was opened on the 18th April 1971 and was called the Simba Own Scout Hall.

At the same time Hiss Val Schnugh (Akela) and Mrs. Edna Rawlings (Bagheera) took charge of the cub pack. These pioneers put in hours of hard work during the first days of the pack's existence.

In the late sixties and seventies, the group consisted of 3 Cub Packs – Sunset Hunters, Glenn Hunters and Dawn Hunters and the met in the old Montebello stables. There were also 2 Scout Troops – Montebello and Albion. Regrettably only Dawn Hunters still survives, but they are a strong Pack, having won the prestigious Edwards Shield 8 times with a fairly constant 32-36 lively invested Cubs. Their scarf is blue, and white for the SACS colours and gold for the jubilee.

5th Claremont (St Saviour's)

The Cub Pack was founded in May 1948 by a Mrs Rogers and the Group met at St Saviour's Church in Claremont. In the early 1950's it consisted of an active Cub Pack, Scout Troop and Rover Crew.

Around 1954 the Troop was very small with about 8-10 Scouts; the Scoutmaster was H "Foxy" Lamb. One of the ASMs was Brian Gavin and another whose Scout name was Penguin. The Cub Pack was led by Gerald Bonthuys.

There were just two Scout patrols, the Springbok's with Roy Klibbe as Patrol Leader and Tiger's with Peter Lamb, son of Foxy, as their Patrol Leader. The troop met in a prefab hut where the St Saviour's rectory now stands.

However, by 1956 they were without a Pack or Crew and only a handful of Scouts. Some Scouts moved to 1st Claremont in 1955 when the 5th Claremont numbers were dwindling and its likely it closed shortly after that.

The records show two Queen Scout Awards in 1953: A Crous and A Crailsheimer

St Saviours also had a Coloured Scout Troop, which may have met in the same venue

1st Kenilworth

From the recollections of Brian Mansergh up to 1976.

The neighbourhood boys

Several young boys whose parents lived in the vicinity of Wynberg-Kenilworth were in the habit of meeting in the open fields adjoining Mains Avenue and Baker Road. Climbing of trees, a skeleton football team, cricket and making of huts was the usual programme after school. This was a fairly regular thing and one of the boys, always the leader, was Geoffrey Noakes, the second youngest son of a large family who lived in a house named "The Croft". It was Geoffrey who made the first move to start the Kenilworth Troop. Dear Mrs. Noakes used to provide tea and buttered buns in quantity for us all and Mr. Noakes was a School Inspector, the family of three girls and four boys were the essence of correct childhood behaviour. Many of us went to different schools, Rondebosch, SACS, Bishops and Kenilworth Preparatory and were about the same age, 8 - 10 years old. I remember most of them by name.

On Saturdays we turned out in force, for more serious exercise including a scratch rugger or soccer game of about six aside. We shared a field with a cow so our state after the game necessitated a hasty run home for a "scraping down" process. Of the Noakes, Geoffrey, his brother Stuart, the youngest Bernard, were in the team, a big handsome dark-haired fellow by the name of Morsby White was a match for any comer, myself and my brother Bob, Ian Juta, Eric McKenzie and others. Ken and Ronald Beard were the early starters and Ian Bisset and Cecil Vipan were drawn into the group at a later stage as was Wyatt Sampson, the expert in Veldcraft, and his brother Jack.

Scouting for Boys

One afternoon, Geoffrey Noakes told us to meet on a corner plot of Baker and Morganrood Roads as he had something important to tell us. We knew this corner site well, because the more daring of us used to swarm up the thin diameter gum trees surrounding it, swing outwards and hope to be landed as from a crane, on to the adjoining road. There were occasions when our weight did not allow this and we had to be rescued. Geoffrey told us to sit down in a circle, which seemed a bit unusual and I remember his saying 'You don't know why I asked you to come here, but you see this book' - a paperback type which he pulled out from under his jersey, the Noakes always wore dark blue jerseys.

On the cover there was a drawing of a Scout with his up-lifted arm holding on to a standard - a Union Jack - and Geoff told us that this book, probably one of the very few in South Africa, was called "Scouting for Boys". He passed it round.

He went on to say that a General by the name of Sir Robert Baden-Powell had found that during the siege of Mafeking, despatch or messenger runners were of great value to himself and the defending staff, because there was no other means of communication in certain sectors, and I remember Geoff saying that it must have been "rather fun" to be one of these boys and having the Boers potting at you, we agreed but thought it a bit risky.

There was interest to see the book and its drawings, by B.P. himself, when it was passed round and Geoff emphasised that the movement was a very disciplined one and that it was to be considered really as "part of the Army" and that Scouts had uniform hats with three dents in the crown and stiff brims, shorts, shirts and what appealed to us, big knives called Scout knives and axes for pioneers. We were told that these uniforms would shortly be able to be bought, he thought, at Claremont. A place called Henshilwoods he mentioned and we hoped to get at least some of the kit. Then we each went home to tell the family what was afoot.

From this time onwards the meetings became more of a nature of a "parade", we lined up for the sake of discipline and some drill, wore such uniforms as our parents could provide, went for marches rather than walks and had to put up with the coloured boys who shouted "broomstick warriors" which resulted in some rather undignified street fights. I remember taking part in one or two in the Mains Avenue area.

Our Scouting region was the Hen and Chickens, Wynberg Hill, in those days covered with Silver trees and heather - no houses - but in the bush below, along Herschel Walk, we cut our "broomstick" staves sometimes taller than ourselves.

The first Scoutmaster

The question soon arose as to further organisation, and the appointment of a Scout Master and here my mother, Eenie, towards the end of 1909, came to the rescue with a suggestion that a Mr. Feltham might be approached. He lived at Stellenberg with his American wife, Bina, and they were great walkers and interested in Wild Life. He might be prepared to take on the job, if invited to do so, she thought. Mr. Feltham suggested that we should have our first meeting in the Stable Block at the back court of Stellenberg, his Father's estate, on a Saturday morning and this became our Clubroom and he our Scout Master. Mr. Feltham conducted country tours which included the Cape Flats area - the great attraction being his pack horse, Tally, who always came with us, saddle bags end all. The members of the Troop were increasing in number, the Saturday morning parades included instruction In various Scouting subjects and others were arranged. It was Feltham who gave us a limerick to memorise the Scout Law. This sprung from the behaviour of one of our most troublesome members - Kenneth Kantack - the initials were H.L.U.C.C.K.O.C.T. - (Hard Luck You Can't Catch Kantack Of Cape Town) this from the fact that Kantack was the swiftest and most elusive member of the Troop and took full advantage of this by performing endless misdemeanours and then disappearing with the speed of lightning, it was impossible to catch him for he also specialised in tree gymnastics.

Time came when Mr. Feltham could not continue with his work in the Troop and a new Scout Master had to be found, here again my Mother, who was as keen as ever on Scouting for boys, suggested that the new Curate - the Reverend E.W. Lasbrey - should be approached and in 1910 I had the duty of writing the letter. I found it extremely difficult and had to ask my sister Marj how to end a letter of this sort as she knew more about "these things". The closing paragraph she told me to write and I thought it very impressive, was, 'We shall be greatly obliged if you will comply with our request' and Lasbrey to the end of his days never ceased to laugh at this letter, which, I believe, he framed. From now on a new era of the Kenilworth Troop commenced.

Lasbrey set out to devote a lot of time to the Troop (he was Scoutmaster from 1910 to 1949) and to our great pleasure was a keen camper on formal lines. As to the Stellenberg parades, he organised lectures and physical culture classes. Hal Lawrence was the Doctor chosen to give us our weekly first Aid and Anatomy talk and a Physical Exercise Instructor from the East Lancashire Regiment at Wynberg Camp came some Saturdays. The forecourt of Stellenberg was an admirable place for these meetings, with additional accommodation lent to us in the surrounding buildings when we needed it for demonstration.

The Troop was contained in four patrols - leaders being Ronald Beard, Eric McKenzie, Cecil Vipan and Wyatt Sampson. The names of the first the patrols were the Peewit and the Bokmakierie. At this time the Regional Organisation for Scouting was taking shape, the Commissioner being an Imperial Army Officer, Major Hannah, assisted by an Adjutant-Gunner in the U.D.F. named Baker. They had formal Headquarters and were recognised as the Scouting authority. Running down to Wynberg one morning with my brother Bobs, we were stopped by a man in khaki who said 'where do you belong', I said 'to the Kenilworth Troop', he said 'there isn't such a thing' and I said 'Yes there is and what is more we are a very good Pack' - 'Well, you know what a Monkey Patrol is, don't you' and I said 'No, we are certainly not one', he said 'With the coming Jamboree at Rosebank you will have to be properly re-organised at Headquarters' so we ran on.

Lasbrey had appointed a Scout Committee and although, I believe, we did not always conform exactly to all rules, we made a very good showing including the Rosebank Jamboree. Geoffrey Noakes was at this time leading light in the Rondebosch Troop - he went to Bishops, and our yearly competition showing at Rosebank became one of our major concerns in competition with the Rondebosch Troop. Uniforms were immaculate, our green scarves all made by the family. We used to pull off the bridge building competition each year and I well remember Lasbrey insisting that the whole troop should cross over the bridge in one exercise with the inevitable result that it collapsed in front of the grandstand.

As to Scouting, our Troop was well disciplined - a hard working and very keen group. They had quite a number of King Scouts, the highest award for Scouts. Our Camping activities started in 1910 with a ten-day adventure to Hout Bay. Transport was provided by General Bulfin, the then Officer Commanding the Cape Area, his son Eddie was a Scout. A military wagon with eight mules took the party to a point near the old Dutch Fort where we pitched camp. Expeditions up the mountain and walks beyond to Chapman's Peak were by bridle path only. The early photos show fellows in camp, which include the Reverend Hull and Phil Gregerowski who came as senior visitors to assist Lasbrey.

The next camp was held in January 1911 at Simondium, in the Franschoek valley, on Mr. Baker's farm, under oaks fringing the Berg River, there was good diving and swimming. The farm belonged to Sir Herbert Baker's brother - the architect. The journey by train with all our kit, via Paarl, was a new experience into the country.

The Annual Hermanus Camp

The first of the long running Annual Hermanus Camps was held in 1912 where the fishing was reputed to be excellent. A feature for years to come was the adventure by ox-wagon from Bot River with a night's outspan on the way. Their campsite was at Mossel River in the 'Hollow' below the Riviera Hotel (near 'Piet se bos'), some three miles beyond the Hermanus Village. Finding this site too small, they moved in 1916 to 'The Buff' - the Hermanus/De Mond Caravan Park of today - which although clean and had a beautiful view - was exposed to the elements and the winds. In 1919, the final move was made to a grassy site called 'The Dimple' near the mouth of the Lagoon. Fences and notices were put up, and by tradition the site has become theirs.

After Wakeling resigned from the position of Scoutmaster in 1969, the Camp, as opposed to the Troop, was run by a sub-committee of the Troop committee. This sub-committee increasingly came to operate autonomously from the Troop committee; which led finally led in 1973 to the Scouting authorities demanding that the Camp adopt more formal and 'orthodox' Scouting practices and organisational hierarchies. The 1973/74 Camp attempted to meet a compromise between these requirements and the established traditions of Camp; as well as between the polarised advocates of each faction. It was unsuccessful in achieving this and in August 1974, the Kenilworth Scout Camp Association and the 1st Kenilworth Scout Troop negotiated a dissociation.

Without official support from the Scout Movement, fewer Scouts enrolled each year to the Camp. Instead, the Camp has been widely recruiting its members from the St John's and other parishes, and principally from Cape Peninsula schools.

1918
1918
1919
1927
1927

A decade of searching for a permanent home

For more than 60 years the Troop was granted permission to use the premises at Stellenberg, but this came to an end after a disastrous fire in an adjacent building.

They then had the temporary use of a building in Morgenrood Road and asked the City Council for a suitable site in the area. This was not forthcoming and in 1974 they started to share with 2nd Kenilworth their hall under the Wetton bridge.

A year later they were afforded the use of a brand-new hall in the Kenilworth Centre and the Troop held their first meeting in January 1976. Unfortunately, this lasted only 2 ½ years before they were with one months' notice asked to vacate the hall in July 1978.

Then in September they moved to the small old 3rd Wynberg Scout Hut in Pier's Road, Wynberg and were afforded the use of the larger next-door St John's Badminton hall. This was not a great set up and the Troop once again moved in June 1980 to use the Claremont Congregational Church Hall. At this time they had no Scoutmaster, but George Kunz of Wynstead lent a helping hand as best he could.

Finally, a permanent home was found when the 2nd Kenilworth Group closed down and their hall under the Wetton bridge was offered by the District to the 1st Kenilworth Group. Although the Group moved in at the beginning of 1981 with Brian Banks as their Scoutmaster, the official opening was only on the 15 August.

The Group during the 1970's and 1980's

Sadly, the only history the Scout Achieves has on the Group's activities during this period are committee records, which do not go into any details.

The Troop struggled to keep their uniformed adult Scouters and without periods of long-term continuity their fortunes 'waxed and waned'. This however did not rule out there being many camps and Patrol Camps with Rooi Els, Elgin and Hermanus being some of their favourite sites. They also participated in the many competitions like the District's Withinshaw and Crosswell and the Area's Gordon and Rayner. Records show plenty of advancement badges and hikes were common. A more ambitious trip was one in 1973 to Namibia, the party consisted of two leaders and 8 Scouts. The group visited the area of the Sperrgebiet north of Luderitz. Further trips with larger groups were undertaken in 1975 and 1976, when scouts and leaders from other CW9 groups were included.

The Cub Pack

In December 1972 a notice in the parish magazines of St John's and Christ Church was placed saying that a Cub Pack was to be started the following year. It was a very small start with only 5 Cubs, but by June it had grown to 33 boys. Chris Grouwstra was the Akela, Di Lutton, Rene Kane and Mrs Krumbock his assistants. Thanks to Rev David Prior and Christ Church they were able to use Callow House for their meetings.

During this time several camps were held at Gilcape at the start of the Christmas holidays with Cubs and Leaders from mainly 12th Green and Seapoint and 3rd Pinelands joining in to have a camp with around 100 Cubs.

In September 1975 a second pack was started at Kenilworth Centre with Tanya van Schalkwyk as Akela, assisted by Andrew Meyer and Jenny Houston, but this location only lasted until July 1978 when they were asked to vacate the hall. Jenny Houston had become the Akela in March of that year and the Cubs then moved back to Callow House. At the start of 1980 there was no Akela and Elizabeth Roseveare became the next Akela. Jenny Knaggs became Akela in June 1981. Rene Huyssteen took over the Pack in 1984

The Scouters

District Commissioners
Mervyn Schmidt (1972/3), Jerry Wilding (1981), Tony Arnold (1982)

Group Scoutmasters
Jack Lidgett (1972/3), John Hunneyball (1978), H van Huyssteen (1980/4), Atom Airth (1984), G Sanda (1985).

Scoutmasters
Mr. Feltham (1909), Reverend E.W. Lasbrey (1910/49), Stanley George Wakeling (1949/69), Richard Sharland (1972/3), John? Houston (Jenny’s brother)(1977/8), Mervyn Harker (1980), Brian Banks (1981/3), Bruce van der Merwe (1983), Neil Philipson (1992), Charles Howell (1992).

Pack Scouters
Chris Groustra (1973/77), Tanya van Schalkwyk (1975/78), Jenny Houston (1978/79), Elizabeth Roseveare (1980/1), Jenny Knaggs (1981/3), Rene Huyssteen (1984), Hazel du Toit (1989), Colin Cupido (1991), Liz van Alphen (1992).

Ack: Brian Mansergh - March, 1976.

2nd Kenilworth

The 2nd Kenilworth Scout Group was established when the Cub Pack was started at 10 am on Saturday 28th February 1953.

Their first meeting was held in the Wynberg Presbyterian Church in Kenilworth where Akela Barbara Dehning and GSM Rev McDonald welcomed the first two new chums, Geoffrey and Tudor Caradoc-Davies. A Cub Instructor Peter Dehning was also present.

At the second meeting Baloo (Sheila Maunder) from 1st Bergvliet came to lend a hand until June. They also had a visit from the District Commissioner R G Nuns. On the 18th of April Geoffrey was their first Cub to be invested.

Cubbing in the early years of the Pack

From the Pack's logbook the following is an insight to Cubing in the 1950's.

May the 9th saw the pack off on their first outing, meeting at the hall at 9 am in Main Road Kenilworth they then walked up to Rhodes Memorial. After a rest they carried on up to the First Waterfall ravine where they made tea and used the fire to cook chops and sausage. Then it was back to the memorial for doughnuts and orange squash retuning to the hall at 5.30 in the afternoon.

In October they got their own Barloo when Mrs Anice Holwill joined the pack.

Cubs having their meetings on a Saturday was common and this allowed for much interaction between the packs and 2nd Kenilworth visited 1st Wittebome and 2nd Rondebosch packs.

During 1953 they had several outings including picnics, hikes and the Scout Show. One of their favourite places for adventurous activities was Klaasenbosch near Kirstenbosch. Here they would make tea on an open fire, build bridges across the river and pass tests in a beautiful natural environment. Two 4th Rondebosch Scouts, Peter Dehning and David Greenwood assisted at the meetings.

February 1954 saw the Cubs at the Boulders Beach where amongst many Cub activities there was also a great watermelon fight of note. Bagheera (Maureen Holwill) joined the Pack as they entered the Edwards Shield for the first time and came a remarkable 7th place out of 38 Packs with 78%. There was a visit to 1st Fish Hoek Cubs, and a visit from 4th Wynberg Pak. In December they were joined by Kaa (M Fullaway).

1955 was again a busy year, Akela Dehning left the Pack, and the year ended with a meeting in Wynberg Park with a scavenger hunt, Oros & biscuits and time to explore the surroundings.

Rikki (Daisy MacDonald) joined the Pack in February '56 and the Wynberg Presbyterian Church Sunday School invited the Cubs to their picnic at Greystones in Somerset West. Summer meant many outdoor activities including District evens, watermelon feats on the beach, the annual Scouts Own service and the premier Cub competition the Edwards Shield where they came 7th of out of 34 teams.

In April '56 they teamed up with 20th Cape Town for a most enjoyable day of fun, games and outdoor activities in the Glen in Camps Bay, but even the journey was exciting – meeting at Kenilworth station, catching the train to Cape Town, walking through town to catch the Kloof Nek bus in St Georges Street, and then from the Nek walking down through the wooded Glen to the camp sites.

Klaasenbosch remained a popular site for outdoor adventure, some of them being combined Cub and Scout activities. Mixing the boys up and placing them into two 'new' teams, fun, games, learning new skills and test passing was all part of the day, even the rain did not dampen their sprits.

Beyond the 1950's

Unfortunately, the archives do not have much additional documentation on the Pack's later years until its closure presumably around the early 1980's.

In 1966 Akela Norma Rimmer left for Rhodesia and R Fairbrother took over running the Cubs for a while and was followed by Joyce Thackeray and Mrs Ross. The Pack had its ups and downs and at one stage there was no Akela and seven of the boys were meeting with the Wynberg Pack. 1971 saw the Pack re-started with 5 boys and were very soon up to 15, Susan Hele was now the Akela and then Mrs Krumbock took over from May 1974.

Norman Jones ran the Pack from 1976 with plenty of happenings like the Edwards Shield, camping at Appleton on Signal Hill, hikes and combined Cub and Brownie outings with the Brownies who were holding their meeting in the Scout Hall. The 1978 Annual General Meeting reflects that Norman is still the Akela, but no further information on the Pack could be found in the Scout Archives.

1953 Rhodes Memorial
1953 Klaasenbosch
1955 Rhodes Memorial
1955 Rhodes Memorial
1956 The Glen, Camps Bay
1956 The Glen, Camps Bay

The Scout Troop

The 2nd Kenilworth Scout Troop started on Wednesday 14th July 1954 in the Wynberg Presbyterian Church Hall. The first meeting consisted of two Scouters and two recruits who had come up from Cubs. The Scoutmaster was Ronald E Granier (Reg), the assistant Scoutmaster Frank E Goy (Itch) and the two Cubs were Clive Schmidt and Kneal Roberts.

Their numbers grew steadily and by October seven Scouts went on the Troop's first hike which was up the False Bay mountains. During the same month Charlie Morgan became 2nd Kenilworth's Group Scoutmaster and held that position until the end of 1957 when he became Assistant District Commissioner.

By year end a parents committee had been formed and they were presented with their official Troop Scout flag. The annual Troop Camp was held in December at Gilcape.

The first quarter of 1955 saw their numbers up to sixteen, but as they were all under twelve, they did not fare well at their first competition, coming last at the Withinshaw Trophy. It was a busy year that included a Patrol Leaders camp at Klaasenbosch and a Sister's evening of fun and games. The annual Camp was again held at Gilcape.

The Troop's first big Cape Western Divisional camp was the March 1957 Jubilee Jamborally that was held in Mossel Bay.

The beautiful Vergelegen Estate in Somerset West was the site for the 4th annual troop camp in January 1958. The site was situated in the shade, next to the river and had a large playing field alongside for the 21 Scouts to enjoy themselves.

The first Queen Scout in the Troop was Angus Murry who was presented with his badge on the 23 May 1958. Over the years, ten more top awards were presented.

The Troop's first International Jamboree was the 1959 Central African Jamboree at Ruwa Park in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) from the 4th to 11th May. Amongst the 94 South Africans were 3 members of 2nd Kenilworth. The year also saw the Group celebrating its 5th birthday and the troop's 226th meeting. Another busy year with hikes, camps, competitions, church parade and plenty of test passing.

The 1960's and the foundation members step down

The 1960 annual camp at Vergelegen included Scouts from 4th Wynberg and was held 2nd to 9th January and two days later the Simonstown Jamborally had two Scouts from the Troop attending. In March John Thurman, Camp Chief, Gilwell Park, UK who is in charge of Scout training for the whole world and the South African Deputy Camp Chief Gillies Wilson visited the Troop. In May the country celebrated 50 years of Union and Bloemfontein was the centre point. Many youth groups, including the Scouts participated and five from 2nd Kenilworth attended the Union Festival Jamboree.

On the Groups 6th Birthday celebration on 22 July 1960 the log book records that a Rover Crew has been formed with J Moir, A Murray and K Roberts as the founding members. Roberts was one of the two recruits that started the troop and Murray the first Queen Scout.

Stellenrust, near Stellenbosch was the venue for the 60/61 annual camp. However, 1961 will be remembered as the year 2nd Kenilworth won the Gordon's Shield Trophy at Gilcape. The team was Osburn, Blomkamp, Bromfield, Godwin, Ravenscroft, Page, Hill and Wolf.

As the troop used the church hall it was not uncommon that the hall on a Friday night was not available to the Scouts. Consequently, they made use of various outdoor venues and in particular Wynberg Park was a favourite for wide games and many other activities. There was also a leased property in Belper Road, under the Wetton bridge Wynberg. Building plans were passed in October 1969 and August 1970 building started on the Hall and through to 1971.

In January 1962 Reg took a 6 month break and Itch ran the troop. In July 1962 after 8 years of faithful service, Assistant Scoutmaster Frank Goy known to the Scouts as 'Itch' left the troop on transfer. He was one of the foundation Scouters that formed the troop. His remarkable service to the troop is shown by the fact that he attended every camp from 1954 to 1961. He was a Woodbadge holder and attended the Central African Jamboree in Salisbury in 1959 and the Festival Jamboree in Bloemfontein in 1960.

In May 1963 pressure of work forced Scoutmaster R E Granier, known as 'Reg' to resign. He was the foundation Scoutmaster of the troop which he remained and loyally served for nine years. During this period, he invested ninety-three Scouts, building a great troop from a start of just two boys. He dedicated nearly every evening to instructing and training eager Scouts. He later became their Group Scoutmaster until 1968 - a good year for the Group as they now had 29 Cubs and 33 Scouts.

With the other Scouters now studying and unable to attend on a regular basis, two Scouter from 2nd Claremont came to help for six months. Numbers were now down to 14 scouts. The 1960's saw a number of Scoutmasters come and go, these were Reg Smith, R Fairbrother, Solly Sauerman and Cliff Beautement who held this position for 4 years.

The 9th Birthday in July 1963 now had no members from the original troop of nine years ago, even the Scouters were different. December of that year was their 10th Annual Camp and at the camp they invested their 100th Scout, Richard Watermayer.

The logbook from which much of this rich history has been collected came to an end at March 1965.

At last their own Scout Hall and into the 1970's

Initially the troop met in the Wynberg Presbyterian Church Hall in Kenilworth on Fridays and the Cubs on the Saturday for which the Group was most appreciative of the hospitality the church afforded them. Fund raising for their own hall was a long process and at last in late 1971 the Hall under the Wetton bridge became available to the Group.

The Troop said farewell in 1970 to Scoutmaster Cliff Beautement (Leo) after 4 years of dedicated service and welcomed Hyram Hele as the next Scoutmaster.

A note around 1974 records that 2nd Kenilworth are now holding their meetings with 1st Kenilworth due to the fact that; 2nd have a hall and no Scouter and 1st have a Scouter and no hall. The logbook stopped again in February 1974.

2nd Kenilworth was a part of the CW 9 District and it consisted of the following nine group: - 1st Constantia, 1st Kenilworth, 2nd Kenilworth, 1st Naruna, 1st Ottery, 2nd Plumstead, 1st Wynberg, 3rd Wynberg and 4th Wynberg.

In May 1975 a Court of Honour logbook appears and Morgan Behr (ex 1st Kenilworth SM) is mentioned as helping out as acting Scoutmaster, but the situation is not encouraging as they have less than twelve boys and only two patrols.

Paul Marsh, a Scouter with a wealth of experience was their next Scoutmaster. He joined the Troop towards the end of 1976 when there were just 10 Scouts and at this time the Group Scoutmaster was Alwyn Holmes. With the help of Assistant Scoutmaster Paul Giquel, the troop's skills were improving and they entered the Gordons Shield, Kontiki and orienteering competitions, but with only 13 Scouts it was tough going.

The Troop struggled to keep going and in late 1979 it closed down and their hall was taken over by 1st Kenilworth who had desperately looking for a permanent meeting place. Five of their Cubs elected to joined the very active 1st Kenilworth Pack.

Scoutmasters

Group Scoutmasters
Rev McDonald (1953), Charles Morgan (1954/57), John Moir (1958), Ronald E Granier (1958/68), Alwyn Holmes (1976).

Scoutmasters
Ronald E Granier (1954/63), Reg Smith, Richard Fairbrother (1963), Solly Sauerman and Cliff (Leo) Beautement (1966/70), Hyram Hele (1971), Paul Marsh (1976).

Pack Scouters
Barbara Dehning (1953/55), Petronelia Moir (1958), Norma Rimmer (1966), R Fairbrother, Joyce Thackeray, Mrs Ross, Susan Harrison (Nee Hele) (1971), Mrs Krumbock (1974), Norman Jones (1976).

1st Mowbray (Presbyterian)

The 1st Mowbray (Presbyterian) Boy Scout Group was registered at the Scout Headquarters, Cape Town, on the 12th November, 1929. Its inauguration was due mainly to the efforts of three gentlemen, namely, the Rev. R Barr of the Mowbray Presbyterian Church, Mr J Chalmers and Cubmaster R Nicoll (of Pinelands). The Cub Pack was formed almost immediately under Cubmaster Miss H. Dell and Assistant Cubmaster Frank. O. Quinn and they held their first meeting on the 30th November 1929. They started with only eight boys but there numbers soon increased. Enthusiasm was sustained and good progress was made, so that by May, 1930, they had several First Star Cubs. In October, the Pack entered for the Edwards Shield Competition (an efficiency competition for all Peninsula Cubs), and was placed 11th out of 17, which for such a young Pack was satisfactory.

In June, 1930, the Scout Troop was formed, with a roll of nine, under Scoutmaster M Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, he was with them for a short time only, as in September he left on transfer. Mr Quinn then took charge of the Troop. In the six months that they had been going good progress had been made – the boys were as keen as mustard and it was a pleasure to work with them. They have had two Camps - the first in October at Lakeside and the second at Simondium from 27th December to 10th January, 1931. At the end of December, they had three Patrols of five boys each. Of these, three boys had still to pass their Tenderfoot Tests, while eight of the remainder had almost attained to their 2nd Class badges.

In the Cub Pack progress has on the whole been good, but a little disorganisation resulted owing to the change of leaders. At the end of 1930 Miss M. Scotton had taken over the Cubmastership owing to the regrettable resignation of Miss Dell.

Total strength of the Group, 31st December, 1930: 2 Officers, 15 Scouts, 16 Cubs.

Ack: Frank Quinn, Scoutmaster

Their District was very active and the group joined in with many of the competitions, camps, sporting events and campfires. Hiking was almost a monthly event and by the end of the 1931 they had 6 Scouters, 4 Rovers, 26 Scouts and 16 Cubs.

Being associated with the Mowbray Presbyterian church, it was not uncommon to have Scout Church Parades. In 1940 the Troop won the prestigious Gordon Shield and regularly were in the top ten. Looking at the Top Scout awards of the 1950's and 60', it would appear that these were very good years for advancement and badge passing.

During the early Sixties the troop took a road trip to Durban and then on to Pretoria interacting with various Scout group en route. Camps were held at Vergelegen in Somerset West, Hermanus and at Gilcape. The Pack had been restarted and had 30 Cubs and there were 35 Scouts. Unfortunately, the building operations at the church in the late sixties meant they had no hall and the number dropped considerably.

Although the demographics of the area began changing, sadly it seems that many cases groups around them started to close due to the lack of adult Scouters. The decade however started well for the group and having bought an old Army truck they were very active and saw many outings and camps. The truck became well known in the area and was often loaned to other groups. There was a tour to Knysna, camps at Villiersdorp and a number of hikes in the Cedarberg, this over and above the normal Scouting activities. Both the Pack and Troop entered the many competitions and activities that were on offer. The Pack now had 25 boys which included 10 from the Marsh Memorial Home. Akela's during the period were A Louw, Mrs Wilson, Atom Airth and Mrs Leech. The Pack was awarded the prestigious Gold Star on a number of occasions.

2nd Mowbray closed at the end of 1976 and merged with 1st Mowbray but the number of Scouts continued to dwindle and by the end of the following year there were only 4 Scouts.

The 12th November 1979 was the 50th anniversary of the group and many of the old Scouts and Scouters attended the celebrations with Kudu Quinn giving the main address recounting the history of the group of which he was Scoutmaster in its early days. A week after the celebrations the 4th Observatory closed and merged with the group bringing a handful of Scouts and Cubs. Sadly, this did not help much and the Troop closed in 1980.

Scoutmasters

Group Scoutmasters
F Quinn (1931), G Bundy (1939), J Howard (1959/60), B Carr (1956), O Howell (1960), H Barkway (1962), D Menzies (1969), E Kent (1973)

Scoutmasters
M Fitzpatrick (1929), F Quinn (1929/31), G Bundy (1936/39), H Wright (1939/45), D Airth (1947/49), 'Eland' Kent (1964), J Rees (1957/59), D MacDonald (1960), N Rasmussen (1966), M Jones (1969), W Basson (1970), D Norton (1975/76),W Moir (1976), W Basson (1977), J Potter(1979/80), J Gouws (1981)

Pack Scouters
Miss H Dell (1929/30), M Scotton (1930/35), G Miommik (1936), H Wright (1936), V Lerm (1946/48), Miss M Mackenzie (1952), R Cloete (1959), Pretorius (1964), R Avron-Smith (1969), A Louw (1970), Wilson (1974), A Airth (1976), Leech (1976/79), J Louw (1981)

1932 Church Parade
1930 Lakeside
1931 Simondium
1932 Simondium
1932 Simondium

1st Muizenberg

In September 1909 a small group of boys lead by Colin Barnes formed themselves into the "Monkey Patrol" and 1st Muizenberg was born. During 1910 – 1923, scouting received a page a week in the Cape Argus and Muizenberg featured regularly, participating in Annual scout Rallies at Rosebank and for many years won the tent pitching competition at the scout athletics held at Greenpoint. They attended the Annual Scouts Own at Rhodes Memorial they received their own Troop Flag from Lord Buxton in about 1917.

Although the group only became Sea Scouts in the 1940's, they enjoyed a trip to Durban aboard the coal boat "Skramstad", organized by Rev. Liddell, in July 1910. 1912 saw the opening of our Hall. With changing rooms and a stage it was affectionately known as "The Thin Temple" and in addition to scout meetings, housed many campfire stunts and dancing.

Our troop was present at the celebrations of Union in 1910, assisted at the Great Pageant of South Africa, attended the rally for the visit of Chief Scout Robert Baden Powell, in 1912, the opening of the New Pier in Cape Town, 1913 and helped with postal deliveries during the flu epidemic of 1919. During the First World War, senior boys ran the Troop and four members saw active service. Troop numbers varied from 10 to at least 25.

Colin Barnes and his brothers formed the nucleus of 1st Muizenberg and eventually took over as Troop Scouter in 1924 with 7 scouts, 4 cubs, and ATS (Assistant Troop Scouter) Wally Hastings. Two years after he took over the Troop had a recorded 31 scouts, 15 cubs, and a Rover Crew of 5 boys. The C.D. Barnes award was first presented in 1969 to Peter Tyldesley.

The Troop continued actively during the 1930's with varying numbers of Scouts and Scouters. Soon 2nd Muizenberg had come into being, lead by Troop Scouter "Sandpiper" Stern. In 1935, Mr. Sonnenberg presented the Guides and Scouts of 1st Muizenberg with a Hall. This was an old Tea room (built by Bill Baker), situated on the side of the vlei and bought complete with furniture and fittings. There was a landing stage under which the Scouts stored boats. The vlei came right up to the entrance. The ground was leased from the City Council.

The outbreak of war in 1939 saw the Rover Crew disappear over night. ATS D. Twine (Stork) became Troop Scouter until 1946 and during these years the boys became more and more interested in boating, becoming Sea Scouts in 1944. During this year the boys received training in whalers from the Royal Navy in Simonstown, when it was necessary to have permits to get into the Dockyards.

In 1947, 14-year-old Alan Howie received the King's Scout Royal Certificate. Presented by Governor General the Right Honourable G. Brian van Zyl, Chief Scout in South Africa, this certificate, signed by King George VI was to have been presented by the King, but unfortunately he was ill that day.

In 1950, Troop Scouter H. Eve had 50 scouts with a waiting list, yet in 1955 the Troop reached its lowest ebb when 5 Scouts under Troop Leader Richard Prior were without meeting place or Scouter. They refused to close the Troop and met on the green were the present Putt-Putt course exists. Eventually James Morom (Buffalo) took over running the Troop. At the end of 1958, Bob Gratton became Troop Scouter and by February 1960 he was Group Scouter, running both Troop and Pack and the recruiting to the Troop and once again closed.

In 1962 Rotary took over the old Municipal stable and created the Fairest Cape Youth Centre and 1st Muizenberg again had a permanent home. In 1964 the City Council granted land on the banks of Sandvlei in bay of the Yacht basin, for a Troop boat pound. A fence was erected, grass planted and a Gateway planned. A monthly duty patrol was started. In 1968 the Sandvlei Divisional Sea Scout Base was founded. The gradual development of the Sea Scout Base, officially opened in 1970 and the building of a Saldanha Sailing Dinghy, for each Sea Scout Group brought about exciting Seamanship Competitions. Our Saldanha No. 3 was launched in 1972.

1980 and 1981 saw us continuing our winning streak with the South Peninsula Trophy. Work continued at the Sea Scout base with the bunks in our boat shed being installed in 1980. When the Troop felt a need for a second Saldanha, the Scouts held their first sponsored Sailing Marathon in 1986, to assist in raising funds and thanks to the hard work of a few, No. 22 was launched in August, 1986.

To sum up, People do not change. Throughout the past 100 years, boys have achieved great heights and got up to mischief. The Troop has been closed to enrolment because of high numbers and numbers have dwindled to 5. Scouters have come and gone through job movement, war commitments and changing interests. Committees have flourished and waned, people have been prominent or ineffectual, funds have been steady and non-existent. A flourishing Group in January can be floundering by December, but 1st Muizenberg has always bounced back! Someone, whether it be boy or adult has retained the unbroken thread and it has been both exiting and encouraging to see surnames re-occurring years later as either Scouters or Fathers of new Scouts.

2nd Muizenberg Jewish

From the 1920's and for many years, the 2nd Muizenberg Jewish Boy Scouts had a major influence on the Jewish youth of Muizenberg. One must remember that in those days, and for their age group, Muizenberg was pretty isolated from Cape Town and after school ended at about three every afternoon, they had to make their own lives.

The Group was started on 27th August 1927 by Marcus Haft but Bertie Stern (Sandpiper) was the backbone, rock and foundation of 2nd MJ as it was then known. Bertie was a lawyer and pillar of the community, and was both a power in the Boy Scout movement and a founder of South African Habonim (Jewish Youth Movement). Mrs Stern was the Cubmaster.

It was a strong troop, around forty and was divided into four or five very competitive patrols. They met in a rather rundown clubhouse with a tennis court on the banks of Sandvlei. They camped and hiked, learnt how to tie knots and played Kim's Game. In Rudyard Kipling poem "The Flower" he mentions of "the white sands of Muizenberg".

The Troop took the annual Gordon's Shield competition very seriously and once chose the patrol trained for the competition by practicing scout craft and rehearsing a short skit or play to be performed at the Campfire. From 1931 to 1954 they won it no less than 10 times.

The 1930's and 40's also saw interaction with other Jewish groups including the 3rd Cape Town (Jewish) Girl Guide Company. In 1938 Scouts from the Troop attended the investiture of the 10th Green and Sea Point (Jewish) Troop which was founded by Henry Cohen an ex Patrol Leader 2 M.J.

Every year, 2nd Muizenberg went on 10 day summer camps to distant locations like Wemmershoek and Franschhoek Paarl and Breerivier near Worcester. They also spent weekends in places nearer home, like Glencairn.

The Group closed down in 1975.

Gordon Shield winners

1931
1932
1933
1939
1942

3rd Observatory

Scouting took on fast after 1908 and for Observatory there was soon a 2nd Observatory and by 1918 and with a Brass Band attracting youth to the Movement, a third Troop had to be formed. On 30th August 1918, the 3rd Observatory Troop was presented with their Flag at a ceremony in the school grounds, Lower Main Road, Observatory and so began the 3rd Observatory Troop.

In April 1925 the 3rd Observatory Troop was resuscitated by Mr. J.Hardie, a former Scoutmaster of the Retreat Troop, who had come to reside in Observatory and taken up Scouting there. The Congregational Troop (7th Observatory) had recently become defunct and the remaining 6 or 8 boys formed the nucleus of the 3rd Observatory Troop.

The Retreat Troop wore a brown scarf with a red border; the 7th Observatory a brown and green scarf; these colours were combined to form the scarf of the 3rd Observatory, a brown scarf bordered by red and green braid.

To run the Troop Mr. Hardie had the assistance of Cecil Hunter, Tommy Thompson, Andy Collins and Tom Hardie, later these fellows were appointed A.S.M's. Some 12 months later and with the Troop well established Mr. Hardie left and the work was carried on under the A.S.M.'s. The next S.M. appointed was Mr. T.B. Daley, by this time the A. S.M' s had left and in came G. Carter of the 2nd Observatory as A.S.M. George remained with the 3rd for many years.

In 1938 nineteen boys of the Group attended the East London Jamborally at which the Chief Scout Baden Powell was present.

The appointment of Mr. T.B. Daley - "Panther" was the beginning of great things for the 3rd. The Troop flourished, regular camps were held and the Troop was always in the fore with competitions and sports, but above all there was a fine scouting spirit displayed by the boys and a good tone to all the meetings. "Panther" was a real friend to his boys and this friendship has endured down the years. Always a favourite weekend spot for the 3rd was Silvermine Valley. In 1943 the Troop came 3rd in the Gordon's Shield competition.

To complete the Group, a Rover Crew was formed to complement the Pack and Troop. The first warranted G.S.M. being Mr. W. Beaumont-Thomas and the first R.S.L. Mr. T.B. Daley.

August 30th, 1958 was the 40th Anniversary of the 3rd Observatory Boy Scout Troop. On September 6th a happy Social gathering celebrated this event in the Liesbeek Scout Hall.

1st Retreat Scouts

On Wednesday 9 February 1910 Messrs H & E Garrett, R & E Larkin, B Johnson and H Hansen met together to form a patrol of Boy Scouts and this was the start of the Retreat Scouts. The uniform they settled upon was scout hat, shoulder knot (blue, green and white), blue jersey, blue serge shorts and staff.

Three days later on the Saturday morning the patrol set off hiking 3 ½ miles (5 Km) to Zeekoe Vlei where they spent the weekend boating and swimming. They slept in a hut located between Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei returning on the Sunday afternoon. The following Saturday the patrol walked up Tokai Road and all the way up to Tokai (Elephants Eye) Cave and then along the top of the mountain and bathed in the Muizenberg (Silvermine) Reservoir stream, returning home at 7.30pm. Meetings were now regularly being held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both these excursions became regular activities for the troop and was conveniently used for test passing.

On an advancement and progress level they practiced their knots, morse, semaphore, compass, flag etc and initially were examined by the Claremont scoutmaster George French for their Tenderfoot test, which they all passed. In May mention is first made of their own scoutmaster Mr Jamison who then did most of the test passing. As Tokai was a popular area for scouting activities, they also made use of the Tokai troop's scoutmaster, Mr Hall for test passing. There was quite a lot of interaction and cooperation with the Tokai troop. Somewhat unusual were the weekly Esperanto classes, which was an attempt to create a universal second language!

Organising and planning skills were put to the test when camping on a larger scale came with the Easter long weekend. With all their food and equipment, they caught the train to Simonstown and then hiked via Smits Winkel Bay to Mr Smith's farm at Cape Point. This was before the area was a nature reserve and the Smith's owned a large portion of the land.

The Troop had two 'compulsory' meeting, Saturday afternoons at 3pm and on occasions were asked to 'bring food and billy for evening meal, followed by night patrolling with lanterns after tea' and Tuesday evenings at 8pm at the Retreat School hall, which may have been the 'Scout Hall' they refer to although a rudimentary hut was built at some stage. There were also regular Sunday church parades at the local St Cyprian's Church, and Rev S Relmerdine was the Troop Chaplin.

Interaction with other Troops on the Saturday was popular and they caught trains, busses or walked very smartly in full uniform to these activities. Meeting at Retreat station they would catch the train to Muizenberg to play soccer against their scouts, train fare 2 pennies (about 1 cent). Visits and reciprocal visits were also commonplace with the Claremont troop.

In May 1912 the committee met to discuss the promotion of Troop Leader Hyde T Garrett to the position of Assistant Scoutmaster, the resignation of the existing scoutmaster Mr Jamison and the appointment of Rev Liddell as the new scoutmaster, all of which were approved. Two months later on Friday 5th July they attended the unveiling of the Rhodes Memorial. As was the custom, upcoming events were published in the local newspaper and the Saturday 25th August notice records meeting at the hall, naturally in full uniform, and walking to Lakeside for boating practice. However, the 'Business Scouts' may come in ordinary clothes and it therefore seems that some of the Boys were already working, but young enough to be Scouts.

In December they did the most amazing 7 day 'walking tour' under the guidance of a local hiking group. Sleeping in tents every night, they left Retreat and made their way to 'High Constanta' for the first night, then down to Hout Bay for the next night. Bearing in mind that this was before the construction of Chapmans Pead Drive, they hiked to Noord Hoek over the mountain through the nek between Chapman's and Noordhoek Peaks. Then it was on to Glencairn, Muizenberg and home to Retreat.

The year 1913 started off with a fourteen-day annual camp from 4th to 17th January at Smith's Farm near Cape Point. The Easter long weekend saw them traveling by train and camping under canvas at Muizenberg.

31st May, then known as Union Day, was when the Annual Scout Rally was held at the Rosebank Show grounds and this was attended by the Retreat troop. Later in the year they entrained to Claremont where they met up with 1st Troop and some weeks later combined with 1st Claremont to climb Wynberg hill to 'attack' another troop. Like many Troops at the time, they also had a Bugler. A seven-day camp was held in October, catching the train to Simonstown and walking via Smits Winkel Bay to Smiths Farm.

Towards the end of 1914 Assistant Scoutmaster H Garrett was promoted to Scoutmaster and now referred to himself as Hyde T Garrett and the new Assistant Scoutmaster was E T Garrett. Cubs were also active and the Cubmaster was C Davis and later a Mrs Cooper.

In 1915 following the outbreak of World War 1, the Scoutmaster was not always able to attend the meeting as he was often on 'Active Duties' with the Union Defence Force. The newly appointed ASM was however was not very long in this position as he volunteered to go overseas on 'Active Service'. This did not stop the Troop from carrying on and in September they were camping at 'Paradise of Birds', Zeekoe Vlei. In October Scoutmaster Hyde T Garrett was placed on indefinite leave to enlist in the Army's officer's course and the Rev H Green took over as Scoutmaster and L MacLintock as Assistant Scoutmaster. By now the troop had quite a comprehensive library and was well used by the boys to improve their scouting skills and general knowledge. Saturday afternoon parades were often combined Cub and Scout gatherings with numbers reaching up to 30 plus.

A typical 1915 week-end camp

As reported in the 'Scout Column' of the Cape Argus.

"The Scouts of the First Retreat Troop held a very enjoyable camp-out last week-end. As the sun was rising on Saturday morning, detachments of the troop from Tokai, Diep River, and Retreat gathered together, and in full war-paint, under the charge of Assistant Scoutmaster MacLintock, set forth, bound for the "Paradise of Birds," Zeekoe Vlei, Cape Flats. The rain had come down in sheets on Thursday, and Friday was very threatening, but this day there was not a cloud in the sky; the verdure was beautifully fresh, the air-exhilarating.

A steady march soon brought the happy band to well within sight of their temporary abode, a building standing on a sandhill, with a certain amount of roof and large openings where once were doors and windows. But it was a case of so near and yet so far; for, before the troop could climb the hill to the palatial mansion I have just referred to, a stretch of water joining Ronde and Zeekoe vleis had to be crossed. This was easier said than done. After some deliberation it was decided to obtain permission to use a canoe, which had just been discovered, to cross this not altogether unexpected obstacle. This permission, with a few words of caution, was given. The process of transporting took some two hours. The afternoon was used up in getting the hut ready for the night. Reeds and bushes were placed on the ground to form a large mattress for sleeping on. The scoutmaster and two scouts reinforced the ranks in time to partake of a well-prepared tea, in which several new recruits tried their hand at cooking.

After tea, the order of the evening was, first of all, a campfire, popular choruses' hymns, mouth organ selections, bugle calls, a yarn from "Scouting for Boys" being the programme in brief; and then a night scouting game followed, which was highly successful. The troop turned in at 11 p.m.; any Scoutmaster who attempts to have the "Last Post" sounded much earlier than this must surely be a tyro at the game, for on the first evening of camp it was an utter impossibility to get the boys to quieten down much before midnight; they are very excited and very happy. Half-hour patrol watches were kept up to 1.30 a.m., by which time, marvellous to say, some of the campers were in dreamland.

Sharp at 7 the next morning reveille was blown; ten minutes later, after saluting the flag the troop was at physical drill, which lasted some forty minutes. Then swimming parade; and wasn't it cold! Breakfast next, porridge all round. A short un-denominational service was held after breakfast as follows: The Lord's Prayer, a short prayer for the troop in camp, a hymn, a talk on the Scout Law, a hymn, Baden-Powell on religion from " Scouting I for Boys," a hymn, the Lord's Prayer again, and "God Save the King." Quiet tests filled up the remainder of the morning until Sunday dinner had to be prepared. Bathing and naturalising in the afternoon; then 'twas time to pack. After lustily repeating thrice the "Be Prepared" chorus, the troop departed in good style, manipulated the water barrier, and arrived home, pleasantly tired, well satisfied, and eager for the next camp."

The logbook which ended in November 1916 records much activity for both the Cubs and the Scouts and although there is little documentation other than the odd badge certificate, it seems that by 1929 the group may have become dormant or of little activity as the next set of documentation refers to the revival of the troop.

The 1929 'resuscitation' of the troop

On the 23 October 1929 there was a meeting to discuss the revival of the troop and to set up the leadership roles. It was decided that Douglas Graham would be the Scoutmaster and Jack Moss the Assistant Scoutmaster. In addition, the Wynberg Assistant Scoutmaster offered his help for Saturday afternoon parades.

The first Troop meeting was on 30 November at the Wesleyan Church Hall and two weeks later they held their first camp at Raap Kraal in Lakeside. Being not too far from the residence of Carl Rayner, he too would help out on a Saturday afternoon with instruction and test passing.

By July 1930 the skills of the troop had improved considerably and with a turnout of 20 boys, the troop came 3rd overall in the Withinshaw Trophy and 1st for the camp inspection. On a more relaxed note, they started 1931 with a 4 day 'holiday camp' at Oatlands near Simonstown. Swimming, games and good food was enjoyed by all.

Pinelands had during this period become a popular camping site and the location for the annual Gordon's Shield. The scout campsite was, over the Easter long week end, used by 1st Retreat who joined 7 other troops for a combined Easter Camp.

In February1931 the Scoutmaster Douglas Graham was transferred to Johannesburg and Jack Moss took on this role. Douglas did however temporarily return in November to marry their Akela Miss Mary Simpson. The annual census recorded that there were 18 Scouts and 14 Cubs in the group.

The 'resuscitated' troop's logbook ends in early 1932 with a celebration of their 22nd birthday.

Rover Scouts

In October 1932 five fellows, Sidney Price, Jack Moss, Leah Hurst, Fred Heiden and Alf Marshall met at the Retreat Scout Hall with the aim of forming a Rover Crew. This was followed by holding regular meetings where they improved their various scouting skills. The first investiture was performed in April 1933 by Rover Commissioner Angus and Scout Leader Hepworth when J Moss and L Hurst were invested.

The Crew participated in and gave assistance to many of the area's scouting events and amongst themselves held a number of camps and hikes. The last entry in their logbook was dated February 1935 and was listed as the 107th Rover meeting.

Newspaper cuttings

In the early part of the 20th century, a common method of recording history was the pasting of newspaper cuttings into scrap books and much of the above has come from this source. The final cuttings reveal that like many other many other groups, they managed to struggled on through the 1939 - 1945 war years and that in September 1948 Mr Eric Merrington was their scoutmaster.

Although no further documentation on one of the first Scout groups in South Africa could be found in the Scout Archives, there is however once again an active 1st Retreat Scout Group. Instrumental in keeping the Group running during the 1980's and 1990's was the dedication and enthusiasm of their Group Scoutmaster Wilmot Pope.

1st Rondebosch

This was a school troop attached to Diocesan College (Bishops) and as such was only open to the boys at Bishops. It was active around 1909 but didn't last long as 2nd Rondebosch was open to all the boys in the area.

2nd Rondebosch

As one of the oldest scout troops on the continent, 2nd Rondebosch, based in Lea Road, has a long and distinguished history spanning over a century. From humble beginnings, the troop has risen to be one of most famous and respected scout troops in the country.

The early days

A Rondebosch Boys' High pupil named Russell Moore, having read Baden Powell's articles on Scouting for Boys, decided to start a patrol with his friends. The school soon became interested in scouting and Mr A Harrison, a master at Rondebosch, was sent to see what the Bishop's scouts were up to. In August of 1909, he enlisted the help of Russell and his patrol with the establishment of the Troop.

The South African Scout magazine of March 1910 records:- This School has a strong Cadet Corps composed of most of its scholars above 13 years of age. With the increasing popularity and growth of the Boy Scout Movement it was felt that its introduction into the School would meet the demand already expressed by some parents and pupils, whilst at the same time occupying usefully the boys up to Cadet Corps age. The result is that most of our Troop are 14 and under, and there is little or no clashing with Cadet work. There are two meetings a week for those who are not Cadets and one meeting for those who are Cadets.

On the 5th Of November 1909 we were invited to a Camp Fire Rally with the two / Claremont Troops, who gave us a good time of it and examined and passed the 28 boys whom we presented for the Tenderfoot Standing. These were sworn in by Scoutmaster Baker. Since this date our numbers have increased. The total strength of the Troop now is 52, divided into seven Patrols. We are wearing green shirts with chocolate scarves. Every Saturday the Troop has some sort of excursion to the Flats, Camp's Bay or Lakeside, and each Tuesday evening over 30 boys turn up regularly to an Ambulance Class under a fully qualified instructor. In January five of the boys went on the South-West (Namibia) Tour, and returned in splendid health and spirits.

The thanks of the Troop are due to Scoutmasters Baker and French for the help and advice given at its inception, and to the latter for the lecture on Blood Circulation and Snake Bite. Ack: Harrison, Scoutmaster.

Opening of Scout Hall

Initially the troop met at Rondebosch Boys High School, but soon an alternate venue was sought due to the troop's desire to accept boys from other schools (including Bishops, whose troop would close down in later years).

The Local Association was formed in 1910 and by the end of the war in 1918 was supportive of both the 2nd and 4th troops. The first appeal for funds for building the hall was made in 1920 and by 1928, through the efforts of numerous parents, boys and old-boys, they were able to purchase a sizeable plot of land in Lea Rd. It was called the Rondebosch Scout Memorial Hall in memory of those old-boys who were killed during the Great War of 1914/18.

The hall was officially opened in February of 1929 by the Governor General of the Cape, describing it as being "admirably suited to the purposes of Scouting". It was colloquially known as the Rondebosch Boy Scouts Local Association Scout Hall. Although the response had been sufficient to enable the hall to be completed, there was a considerable debt outstanding.

Towards the end of 1937 there was a desire to pay off the interest-bearing loan on the property. First a very successful fete was held by the Local Association to reduce the debt. Then the Bond was replaced with a non-interest-bearing debenture scheme whereby members would buy certificates to make up the full amount owing. The remaining balance of old interest-bearing bond of £495 on the hall was cancelled and replaced by a debenture and based on funds available, an annual draw of units for repayment was held. In 1942 a 'Handsome Bequest' repaid all the participants.

In 1914, the troop was presented with the King's Flag by the Governor General, Lord Gladstone, thus becoming the first troop in South Africa to win it. They were to hold it for 3 years, and from then onwards were known as "The King's Troop, 2nd Rondebosch". The award was for a troop having the most King Scouts.

The troop was represented at the very first World Jamboree in 1920 when Scout H J Hawkesley attended this event. The troop was also represented in 1924, 1929 , World Jamborees: 1933 Report 1933 with a detail report by Douglas Cornell of 2nd Rondebosch, 1957 and 1975.

Camping in the City precincts?

In the 1920's the Glen in Camps Bay was idyllic for Scouting activities, and was used by many of the groups in the peninsula. The owners had given Scouting use of the area on condition that they keep it neat a tidy. It was well used by Cubs, Scouts and Rovers for camping and competitions through to the 1960's.

Quoting from 'On Trek' May 1922:- "The Scoutmaster (of 2nd Rondebosch) was sympathetic; he had overworked this gallant company. He thought of the tremendous struggle that had ensued to pull the heavily stacked trek-cart tip the steep incline into the Glen, the unloading and reloading of the cart at Rondebosch, Cape Town, and Sea Point, and then the trek. The first few days of the camp were spent at rest, but a lengthy programme encompassing all forms of Scouting occupied every hour of the last four days.

To get to the stream it was necessary to toboggan clown an embankment, and in full honour to the seats of one's trousers, it was necessary to learn the art of sliding down at the standing position. During the camp the trek-cart was repainted, and it now jaunts an air of respectability befitting a mayoral coach. This camp was the initiation of the open-air life to a number who attended, and they all fell into the life with great zest." Geo. R. Williams, Scoutmaster

The group was a common sight at all Scouting events and competitions with the Troop winning the Gordon Shield in 1946, 1959, 1975 and 1976; the tough and prestigious Rayner Trophy in 1957, 1964, 1974, 1976 and 1982. The Cubs go back even earlier, winning the 1937 Edward Shield and again in 1951 and 1976.

The world has undergone many shifts and changes since those early days. Through it all, however, the troop has continued to flourish, and every Thursday night, the familiar sound of youthful laughter and excitement can be heard drifting through the trees and out into the quiet neighbourhood of Rondebosch.

Top Scout Awards
Unfortunately records prior to 1947 were not on hand

Date	Surname	Name	Award
1947	Crafford	Ian V	King
1947	Colder	Ian Valentine	King
1952	Leary	Peter Michael	Queen
1956	Blaiberg	Israel Harris	Queen
1957	Gold	Neil Digby	Queen
1958	Kipps	Peter John	Queen
1959	Jones	Melville Francis	Queen
1959	Carter	Russell Charles	Queen
1959	Sinclair	Robert Dale	Queen
1960	Culligan	C R	Queen
1960	Jones	Trevor Clive	Queen
1961	Kipps	Jonathan	Queen
1962	Rawlings	James	Chief Scout's Award
1963	Grubb	Christopher Colin	Chief Scout's Award
1965	Apsey	Jeremy J	Chief Scout's Award
1965	Miller	Melvyn D	Chief Scout's Award
1965	Cocks	Anthony	Springbok
1966	Anderson	John	Chief Scout's Award
1974	Weaver	Malcolm	Chief Scout's Award
1974	Weaver	Shane	Springbok
1977	Goldschmidt	Christopher	Chief Scout's Award
1977	Hart	Graham	Chief Scout's Award
2000	Pretorius	Patrick	Springbok
2002	Versfeld	Brendan	Springbok
2003	Leisegang	Derek	Springbok
2006	Roets	Nicholas	Springbok
2018	Truter	Andre Fourie	Springbok
2020	Barker	Orion	Springbok
2021	Klein	Aidan Roger	Springbok
2022	Carter	Charles	Springbok
2022	Faure	Oliver	Springbok

Scouters

District Commissioner
Peter James-Smith (1975)

Group Scoutmasters
H French (1936), John Gillmore (1957/9), Michael Goldman (1961), Adrian Denness (1988), Lynn White (1993)

Scoutmasters
Robertson (1910/21), G Williams (1922), Mossop (1929), Ian Hoole (1953/6), Michael Goldman (1956), Graham Korck (1959), John Mutti (1972/8), Christopher Goldschmidt (1978/82), Timothy Potter (1982), Bruce Orchard (1995), Nicholas Hyslop (2021)

Pack Scouters
Beryl Graves (1929), Colin Mackenzie (1934), Mildred Stubbs (1943), Doris Sinclair (1949/56), Ethel Gilmour (1957/59), Mary King (1959), Janetta Cornelissen (1965), Peter Venter (1967), Jean Kock (1972/6), Maureen Blackshaw (1976), Daphne Nunneley (1980/81), Jean James-Smith (1983), Gillian Greenwood (1984/89), Lee-Anne Hyslop (2013/22)

3rd Rondebosch

Records reveal that 4th Rondebosch was registered at headquarters in 1913, so it's likely that there was an active or registered 3rd troop prior to this date, but no early documentation has come to light. There was however a tendency to re-use group numbers and in 1957 the name reappears with Mary King being the Pack Scouter with Margaret Cheeseman as Assistant Pack Scouter in 1958. It seems like it was a pack only group, and in 1959 they entered the soap box derby. They were still active in 1960, but records don't indicate where the Pack met. The Cubs upon reaching Scout age often joined the 6^th Rondebosch Troop.

4th Rondebosch

The Group was registered at headquarters on 7th March 1913 and earliest records of the Troop in the Scout archives are from the Cape Times of January 1916 and is a description of the troop's annual camp to Onrus in 1915.

Summer Camp

The annual summer camp was held this year at Onrust River near Hermanus. The number of boys attending the camp was 27 under scoutmaster the Reverend H Luscombe. The troop left Cape Town on Monday December 27, 1915 by train to Bot River station and from here to Onrust a journey of 17 miles was made by ox-wagon which conveyed the camp equipment as well as the majority of the Troop.

Monday night was spent along the road at a camping site where three tents were pitched and Onrust was reached the next morning at 1pm.

The site of the camp was at the head of the lake where the conditions for camping are excellent. Here the troop remained until January 5, 1916 and the time was spent pleasantly and profitably the chief feature of the camp being the splendid bathing and boating in the lake and the sea fishing.

Aquatic sports were held on the Monday and proved most interesting the camp Championship being won by troop leader B Frost over a course of 259 yards (237m) Patrol leader J Ince being a good second. On the same evening a campfire concert was held which was largely attended by visitors from the local hotel and proved a great success.

Parade services were held in the camp on Sunday and many visitors were present. The return journey began on January 5 by ox-wagon as before. The night was spent again on the road but no tents were pitched and the troop spent the night in the open. Rondebosch was reached on Thursday evening at 6:00 and one of the most successful camps in the history of the troop was a thing of the past. Ack: Cape Times January 14, 1916

The 2nd and 4th troops had a keen spirt of rivalry in events like competitions, but also a code of camaraderie with various joint activities and in August 1921 they together put on a play called Zeyneb.

Patrol System introduced

On Trek of October 1921 reported that the Troop, which has hitherto been run on the Troop system, has now changed to the Patrol system. With a view to this the Patrol Leaders have forfeited their ranks for a fortnight, at the end of which time the leaders will be re-elected. The Troop is making an entirely fresh start, and no boy will be on the roll until he has attended a parade. The boys are all very keen, and the future of the Troop promises to be very bright.

The Troop has entered a team for the Gordon Shield Competition, which is working very hard. As a result of this a week-end camp was arranged, which served a twofold purpose: Firstly, that of training the team; and secondly, as the team is composed of the probable Patrol Leaders, that of training them. The camp, which was held on the Rondebosch Flats, was unfortunately rather spoilt by the rain. In spite of this, however, we made the best of it, and got in some Scouting between the showers of rain. It has been decided to hold week-end camps fairly regularly during the summer. On arriving back, we were informed that we would have to evacuate our hall, which, owing to the kindness of Mrs. Bagshaw, we have had the use of for nearly two years. We have managed to secure the use of a garage in which we can store our equipment for the time being. In February of 1929 the Rondebosch Boy Scouts Local Association Scout Hall was opened in Lea Road and was shared with 2nd Rondebosch.

Competitions and Jamborees
Prior to 1954 the Gordon Shield was the premier Scout competition and the troop was truly highly motivated and with the necessary skills they won in 1923, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1935, 1938, 1949, 1956 and 1983. They also won the Cape Times Cross Country Race in 1928, 1930, 1939 and 1957.

Attending World Jamborees is a highpoint in a Scouts life and the troop was represented as follows; 1924 Stanly Rose; 1929 Alex Maspero, Angus Forrester, Christopher Kavanagh, Leonard Kirby Colin Mackenzie, Charles Mackenzie, 1933 Rover C Thresher and Scouts R Low, E Steele, M Duncan, D Purdue and in 1957 George Malan. Andrew Wannenburgh attended the 1981 Canadian National Jamboree.

Rover Crew
In the 1930's they had a very keen and active Rover Crew and were able to put their many skills to use winning the 1930 Rover Efficiency Shield. Fifteen Crews entered the 1931 Rover Efficiency Shield which was held in Wellington and it was won by the 4th Rondebosch Crew. They went on to win the 1932 and 1935 competitions. The original Trophy then somehow disappeared without trace, and the competition never quite took off again until years later, when in 1948 the Rover Crews competed for the new Hawkeye Trophy.

Top Scout Awards

Year	Surname	Name	Award
1961	Watt	Peter L	Queen
1963	Butcher	Alan L	Chief Scout's Award
1980	Potgieter	Leon Rudolf	Springbok
1980	Leary	Timothy John	Springbok
1983	Wannenburgh	Andrew Michael	Chief Scout's Award
1984	Steyn	Kevin	Springbok
1984	Leary	James Anthony	Chief Scout's Award

Scouters

Group Scoutmasters
Heny Bailey (1948), Sidney Meaker (1954), Brian Cousins (1959), Austin Summers (1962), Peter Watt (1969), Christopher Rodseth (1976), Christopher Hardie (1980/86), Anthony Potter (1986)

Scoutmasters
Alex "Silver Fox" Maspero (1930's), Sidney Meaker (1951), A Matchett (1952), Mansell Williams (1954), John Penfold (1955), Alan Richardson (1956), John Muller (1959), Roderick Janssens (1962), Peter Watt (1964), Edward Thornwill (1974), Christopher Hardie (1978/80), Erich Potgieter (1980)

Pack Scouters
Rev F H Barker (1921), Kenward "Bunny" Bennington (1948/56), Austin Home (1957), Ethal Gilmour (1957/9), Margeret Cheesman (1959), Ethal Gilmour (1965), Alan Butcher (1966), Judith Eastman (1967), Margeret Booth (1973), Neville Rodwell-Ogden (1974), Frena du Plessis (1978), Sharon-Ann Borlase (1984), Anthony Potter (1986), Gay Potter (1987), Michele Ketteringham (1990), Brenda Perrin (1992), Wendy Gabriel (1994)

5th Rondebosch (St Michaels)

In 1930 mention is made of the 5th Rondebosch troop that was active at St Michaels (presumably St Michaels Church in Rouwkoop Road) and that they would like to start a Pack and Crew, but unfortunately, no additional documentation has come to light.

5th Rondebosch (Marsh Memorial Home)

The troop was registered on 29 January 1960, starting off with 14 boys. By 1965 of the 100 children at the home, 45 were either Cubs, Scouts, Brownies or Guides. Around this period, some of the boys were or had been Cubs at the 1st Mowbray Cub Pack. They interacted with the local troops and as reflected in the patrol logbook of 6th troop logbook, it mentions that on 1st March 1963 that they had a meeting with 5th and also had combined activities on the Rondebosch Common. In 1969 Scout Michael Lawless was awarded the Springbok and Kevin Mc Evoy the Chief Scouts Award.

Scouters

Troop Scouters
Raymond Swanson (1960,1964), Ernest Clark (1962), David Rowles (1966/68)

Pack Scouters
Annie Purkiss (1962), Jacueline Dhal (1963/4), Joseph Leonard (1969)

6th Rondebosch

From the Rover Logbook 1947 – 1950

The first meeting was held on 9th April 1947 with the idea of starting a 6th Rondebosch Rover Scout Crew. Attending the meeting were:- GSM William Bettesworth (Falcon), J Miller (Badger), Halkett, J Carey, and H Van Ryneveld (Kiwi) and J A Kieser (Cheetah).

The initial meetings were held in William "Falcon" Butterworth's flat, but as the church (St Pauls) had bought a new rectory they agreed to accommodate a Rover Den on their premises. The first investitures took place in the Parish School Room on the 14th May 1947 when Badger, Kiwi, Cheeta and White Fang were invested as Rovers by their Group Scoutmaster William Bettesworth. On Wednesday 28th of May they held their first meeting in their Den in the grounds of the Rectory. Having received the key the previous Saturday, there had been much cleaning and painting to make it suitable for meetings. It did however take a little while before electricity was laid on. The next few meetings were partly taken up with decorating and improving the look of the Den, often ending with tea and cake and a game of darts. The next round of investitures were in August when four more were invested, Badger, Cheetah, White Fang and Kiwi.

In March 1948 "Falcon" and another crew member attended the Indaba in East London. In April "Falcon" Bettesworth was officially appointed as the group's Rover Scout Leader in June gave up running the Troop. As the number of Rovers belonging to various groups in the District were quite low, it was common for joint meetings to be held. This crew now included 1st Rosebank and the restarted 4th Rondebosch until the new year when they returned to their own groups. Good relations were held with 1st Camps Bay and 2nd Plumstead. As was the custom invitations from and to other Crews were accepted and the fraternisation built a sense of camaraderie amongst the crews. An active Rover who was to become a stalwart of Scouting in the Cape was Kenward "Bunny" Bennington. Interaction with our 'sister' movement, Rangers, included campfires at the attractive St John's Hostel grounds. Service to the community included 'adopting' the St George's Orphanage for Girls in Campground Road, Rondebosch, providing entertainment, games and a Xmas party, often organised by "Bunny". For their own Cub Pack, they ran or helped run Cub Camps at Glencairn. Guest speakers were also invited to 'enlighten' the crew on topics like Insurance from the SA Mutal insurance company.

Falcon, who himself had been a Rover from 1938 to 1946, was the founding father of this crew. He held the Cub, Scout and Rover Wood Badges and in mid-1949 left the crew to become Assistant Divisional Commissioner for Cubs. Apart from service projects there were now sufficient Rovers in the Western Cape to hold joint functions like dances, hikes, socials with Ranger Guides and campfires, and entertaining Deep Sea Scouts from the Royal and Merchant Navy. On an administrative level there were at Head Office monthly meetings of "Cox's Crew". Their role seems to have been to keep the division's crews abreast with policy, events and general news items. In April 1950 one of the crew known as "Blue Streak" attended the Rover Indaba on General Smuts Farm, Irene, in Pretoria.

Sadly, the logbook that started with the founding of the crew in April 1947, came to an end with the last entry dated September 1950.

From the Scout Logbook 1957 – 1964

In January 1957 William "Dasie" Francis received his warrant as Assistant Scoutmaster and together with Queen Scout Daved Stern and Troop Leader J MacIntyre they were running a highly motivated and enthusiastic troop. Denis Lambert was the District Commissioner and he was a great source of support and encouragement. When he got married the troop formed the 'Guard of Honour' for him.

Rondebosch had many outdoor areas that the troop could use and walking to them from their hall was the norm. A popular route was through a beautiful forest called the 'Glen' and on up to Rhodes Memorial. Today the Glen is part of the Presidential residence and closed to the public. Mention is often made of walking to the common for outdoor games and instruction, and this could be todays Keurboom Park. A unique site available to Scouts for camping was Robben Island and here the troop held their annual summer camp from 12th to 20th December 1957. Other Cape Town groups were also camping on the island and joint campfires and activities were held with them.

Through the late 1950's and early 1960's the Troop was averaging 34 Scouts and the five patrols were keen, skilled and big enough to hold regular Patrol Camps. Common venues were the old Dommisse Scout Mountain Club hut on Table Mountain and Klaasenbosch, before it was all built up, in Constantia.

Twenty Scouts helped carrying heavy building materials up to the Dommisse Hut so that maintenance could be performed. They participated in most of the District and are events and in May 1959 entered the Rayner Trophy for the first time and came 7th out of 14 teams. The team was Bates, Janson, Fourie and Gorrie. Their outdoor activities were varied and many. One could legally sleep out on Table Mountain and a November report quotes taking the evening cableway up to have a braai, viewing the sunset and the city lights coming on and sleeping in the open under the stars, returning in the morning hiking down Platteklip Gorge.

In January 1960 eight Scouts attended the Simonstown Jamborally. It was held on Red Hill, attended about 440 Scouts. There were trips around the Peninsula, and visits to the Simonstown dockyards. Summer was ideal for passing swimming badges and the first meeting for the year was held at the Sea Point Baths where a number of tests were completed and a good bit of fun and various games. To accommodate the older boys interest a Senior Patrol was formed and some of the over 18's were becoming Rovers Scouts.

A campsite that brings back many happy memories to the earlier generation of Scouts is Wit Els near Ceres and 6th Rondebosch was part of that era. Their annual Camp for January 1961 was held here, in the most beautiful riverside setting. They were joined by 4th Observatory and 20th Cape Town affording many inter troop activities. Who can forget; the hikes upriver to the rock slide and torn costumes, the fisher-boys who caught Bass, 'bioscope' in Ceres to meet the girls. But there was also plenty of traditional scouting with campfire songs, skits and badge passing, etc. Wit Els is now a restricted area. Over this decade Summer Camps were held at various sites like Hartebeesvlei, 5 Km from top of Gydo Pass Ceres in 1962, Sedgwicks Distillery Wellington on the banks of the Berg River and many more. Winter camps were for the brave and a regular site was the Dommisse Hut.

Gilcape was the main training and camping site in the Western Cape and the troop spent many hours and days there attending Troop and Patrol camps and badge courses. They volunteered with conservation good turns, upgrading the 'Nyala' camping area and were awarded the 'Gilcape Service Pennant' for good work.

The last entry in the logbook is dated April 1964.

Top Scout Awards

Year	Surname	Name	Award
1957	Stern	David	Queen Scout
1957	Lipsitz	Craig Nathan	Queen Scout
1958	Bacon	John William	Queen Scout
1959	Bates	Robin Brendon	Queen Scout
1961	Tonkin	Michael John	Queen Scout
1964	Loughton	Stephen	Chief Scout's Award
1964	Overett	Daniel G	Chief Scout's Award
1971	Runciman	Dunstan Walter	Chief Scout's Award
1978	Evans	Mark Gwynfor	Chief Scout's Award
1993	Maitland	Roger	Springbok Scout
1999	Gevers	Nico Martin	Springbok Scout
2017	Fraser	Caelan Ian	Springbok Scout
2018	Fraser	Jamie	Springbok Scout
2021	Banks	Vivienne	Springbok Scout
2021	Rainier-Pope	Robyn	Springbok Scout
2024	Watermeyer	Sofie	Springbok Scout

Scouters

District Commissioner
Denis Lambert

Group Scouters
William Bettesworth (1946), Walter Taylor (1952), W F N "Dassie" Francis (1961), Leslie Bosman (1969/75), Dustan Runciman (1978), Anthony Venn (1982), David Levene (1985), James Sanby (1991), Brian Scheepers (2000) Rover Scout Leader
William Bettesworth (1948)

Troop Scouters
Stephen Porter (1949), W F N "Dassie" Francis (1959/61), David "Taffey" Edghill (1961), Jeffrey Gavin (1962/64), Leslie Bosman (1965), John Hey (1969), Michael Forcioli (1972), Lawrence Coe (1980), Robin Hockly (1981), James Sanby (1984), Michael Perrins (1992), John Maitland (1993), John Fraser

Pack Scouters
William Bettesworth (1933), Doris Strachan (1951), Joy Gibbs (1965), Eve Watkins (1968), Louis De Kock (1971), Denise Watson (1972), Ann Jordan (1974), Marijke De Kock (1979), Carol Brown (1987), Faye Peters (1994), Caroline Atkinson (1996), Joy Merryweather

5th Woodstock – 1st Table Bay Sea Scouts

Their meeting place was behind the Woodstock Town Hall. This was where the Fire Station and stables for the horses was situated - their Den was to the rear of this.

Their long serving Akela was Mrs. Warton, who was born in Cape Town in 1889 and lived her whole life within view of Table Mountain. From an early age she was brought up in the Scouting tradition. Her father was Lieut. Col. F. M, Hornibrook, who, with a friend, founded the Cape Town Sea Cadets and, when control of these was taken over by the Navy, established the Sea Scout movement in Cape Town.

For about 40 years, Mrs. Warton was Cubmaster of the 5th Woodstock Sea Scouts. She served as a Scoutmaster during the war years. To many she was known only as "Akela". In recognition of her outstanding service, the Boy Scout Association of South Africa at various times awarded her the Long Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Medal of Merit. Her husband Joseph was the Group Scoutmaster.

Another Scouter who had a long association with the movement in the Western Cape was Ed Rose or "Beaver" to all who knew him. Ed joined as a Cub in the 5th Woodstock Pack and later joined the 1st Table Bay Sea Scouts where he became a Kings Scout. Ed met Robert Baden-Powell, our founder, at the start of his South African tour in 1931. "Beaver" was one of the very last of our Scouters who could say that he had shaken hands with "B-P".

In 1967 5th Woodstock was the only group left in the old CW4 district so it merged with CW5 to become CW4/5

1st Wynberg and Plumstead (Wynstead)

The Group's Headquarters

The Troop is reported to have started in September 1914 and was probably registered in early 1915. Where they initially met is unclear, but on Saturday the 6th of November 1920, the 1st Wynberg and Plumstead Boy Scout Troop took possession of their new headquarters, a small hall in Tenby Road, near to the Main Road in Wynberg belonging to Hoare & Co (Plumbers). A very kind friend Mr W Hoare, had put up the building and fitted the hall and then given the Scouts a nine years lease for a rental of 1 shilling (R0.10) a year, the Troop paying the rates. Mr L Mansergh, the Provincial Commissioner, performed the opening ceremony, being presented with a key by the Chairman of the committee Mr J Barry Munnik, and after the hall had been inspected, an adjournment was made to the parade ground adjoining, where a Scout display was given, and several badges and certificates presented by Mrs Mansergh. A pleasing feature of the afternoon, and one which came as a complete surprise to all but the Scouts themselves, was the presentation to M. Hoare of a handsome gold Swastika or Thanks Badge. The gift was suitably acknowledged by Mr Hoare. We congratulate the Troop most heartily on the acquisition of a home of its own, and trust the building may be the scene of many happy hours and the rallying ground for much useful service and work for the community.

From about 1930 they were meeting in a hall on Carr Hill, but in 1963 the property was expropriated by the WC Provincial Administration to extend the Simon van der Stel school grounds. They were paid out R4721 in compensation. The last meeting was held by the Cubs on the 22nd May 1963 and on departure hung a wreath on the door! For a short period, the group were accommodated at the 3rd Wynberg Scout Hall in Piers Road. The 5th June was the first full troop meeting in the 3rd's hall. Their next home was the vacant Wynberg Country Club's tennis clubhouse in Wetton Road. After a bit of cleaning up, they moved in during July 1963 with the troop having their first meeting on 10 July 1963 next to the tennis courts and rented these premises whilst negotiating with the Council for a piece of land to build on. For a while there was in the mid 1960's discussions with 2nd Kenilworth about building a joint hall, but this did not materialise. After signing a 25-year lease with the Council in October 1968, fund raising continued in earnest and their hall on the corner Exmouth and Basil Roads in Plumstead was officially opened on Saturday 18th March 1972.

The very early years

1921 - The Scout magazine 'On Trek' of November 1921 reported on their AGM that; the strength of the Troop today stands at 35 active Scouts and 3 officers, the presentation of service stars to a few Patrol Leaders who have been in the troop since it first started in September 1914. During the year a trek-cart was presented to us by Mr Barry Munnik our chairman and that since last year our forces have been augmented by a brand-new Cub Pack, who muster 33 strong.

1924 – In August, James Morom, then the Troop Leader, was one of 185 South Africans that went to the Imperial Jamboree, in Wembley, England. It was a 17-day voyage by ship to England, departing in early July and retuning late September. In 1929 three members of the group were part of the 405 South Africans that went to the 3rd World Jamboree in Arrowe Park, England. They were Scouters Arthur Bates and Sydney Damsell together with Rover Scout Arthur Morom.

1943 - On the occasion of the 70th birthday of Dr Jan Dommisse, Cubs, Scouts and many others from the Division sent him their best wishes. In 1940 he took charge of the Division, and remained the Divisional Commissioner until 1955, when he resigned.

1960's

1960 - The Annual Troop Camp was held at Vergelegen, Somerset West. It was for 8 days from 27 December and 24 boys attended. Sunday, 1st January was visitors day and 50 parents and friends arrived to picnic which included inspecting the mighty bridge the boys built across Lourens River.

1961 - In February, what had now become a regular tradition, was the very popular watermelon feast at St James beach, and this year was just as entertaining. Scouting skills were put to the test when the Scouts entered the Rayner Trophy and came 7th out of 27 teams. Later in the year Patrol Leader John Mütti and his team won the Withinshaw Trophy. With the country becoming a Republic in May, the month of March saw John Mütti and Allan Brock being the last in troop to receive the Queen Scout Award. In September the Patrol Leaders and Seconds held a camp at Vergelegen, which was again the site for the Annual Camp. The Cubs were also very active entering most of the District and Area events, hikes and camps. In April the Cubs visited Ysterplaat Air Force Base and this included a flip in an aeroplane.

1962 - The Annual Camp this year took the form of a Backwoods Camp at Klaasenbosch, today known as the Klaasenbosch Greenbelt Trail, from 14th to 17th December. A total of 15 boys and 4 Scouters attended the camp.

The Trekcart was rigged and the Troop hiked to the camp site which is about two miles (3Km) from the Scout Hall, with the boys carrying their personal equipment on their backs, and the heavier troop gear packed on the Trekcart. This was a new form of hiking for the younger chaps, and in spite of much puffing and panting up the hills, most of them enjoyed it. The main activities at camp were pioneering, for which the troop constructed a large bridge across the stream, a mountain rescue stunt at night, and axemanship. In addition, many odd aspects of camping were tried out, and two wide games of the more energetic type were played.

1963 - The group now started to settle down in their new den at the Wynberg Country Club's old tennis clubhouse with the troop having their first meeting on 10 July. They entered the Rayner Trophy coming 9th, Gordon Shield coming 3rd and Withinshaw coming 3rd. In September 20 Scouts camped at Klaasenbosch. Their Group Scoutmaster 'Buff' Abraham had taken part in the Scout Show. In December 20 Scouts had a 4-day camp at Zeekoevlei.

1964 - The year started with three Scouts, Andrew Lowry, Chris Goodwin and Baron Peterssen attending the SANJAMB in Pietermaritzburg. They entered the Rayner Trophy coming 5th out of 15 teams, Gordon Shield coming 9th out of 41 and helped at Community Carnaval at Maynardville.

1965 - With no Scoutmaster the three Assistant Scoutmaster Dave Steward, John Mütti and Stan Jennings were running the Troop and organised the Annual Summer Camp which was held in January at Rocklands in Millers Point.

This was the year of their Golden Anniversary with the troop actually having been started in September 1914 and probably registered in early 1915. Celebrations were held over the weekend of 3rd and 4th of April at ‘The Den’, Country Club Estate, Wetton Road, Wynberg, and after contacting a number of ex Scouts and Scouters, drew a gathering of 170 supporters.

As with many troops numbers fluctuated, but unique to them were boarders from Wynberg Boys High School that joined the troop and formed their own patrol. Activities now needed to be well planned as the boarders were away for school holidays and long week-ends. The local Guides often joined the troop for evenings of supervised 'fun and games' and in September, Patrol Leader A Lowry represented the troop at the National Guide Scout Adventure held in the Hogsback in the Eastern Cape mountains.

For the troop the year ended in December with a 5-day hike camp on Table Mountain where they teamed up with 4th Wynberg at the Scout Mountain Club Hut with exciting Wide Games and Campfires. With a many of the Cubs going up to Scouts, their numbers were down to 8, meaning they could not enter this year's Edward Shield. Due to ill health, Miss Irene Rayner, their Akela since 1952, decided to stepped down. Irene had a long Scouting career; in 1940 she was Akela in Kimberly, an Honorary Commissioner in her later years, and was awarded the Medal of Merit (1948) and Long service Award. In July Mrs Alfreda Peggs then became the new Akela, a roll she held for near on 14 years.

1966 - A traditional start to the year and a memorable highlight was the train trip to St James beach for the watermelon feast and singsong. For the boys it was maybe more of a friendly fight and for the poor Scouters they were also caught in the firing line.

A lot of effort that had gone into the group's magazine 'Wynstead Spark' and this was recognised and rewarded with the prestigious national HV Marsh Award for Scout Journalism for the best Scout Group magazine, digital newsletter or website.

1967 - In January Scouts Peter Crathorne and Peter Hill went to the International Jamboree in Lourence Marques (Maputo). The South African Contingent consists of 283 Scouts and 38 Scouters. In February the Cubs went to 'Campers Paradise' in Paarl on the banks of the Berg River and the following month the Scouts spent 7 days camping in Hermanus. With the cost of uniforms on the rise, it was decided to change to berets for the troop.

1970's

1970 - The troop now had Stanley 'Chips' Sales as Scoutmaster and Alan 'Badger' Brock and Stanley 'Otter' Jennings as Assistant Scoutmasters. This year Troop Camp was held at Misgunt farm near Citrusdal from 12 to 20 December.

1971 - A very good friend of Wynstead was Mr James who was a Wynberg chemist and allowed the use of his farm in Noordhoek for camping and in return the group did their 'good turn' clearing his property. The Easter Troop Camp was held on his farm from 2 to12 April. By November the Group at last had a Den they could call their own, and was situated on the corner Exmouth and Basil Roads in Plumstead. In December the Patrol Leaders and Seconds tackled the very tough Waaihoek mountain and kloofing down the Witels River to Michell's Pass.

1972 - Initially they were a Land Scout Group, but by now they had changed to become a Sea Scout Group. Consequently, they would often go to the Sea Scout Base over week ends that sometimes included a braai, watermelon feast, work on their boatshed and as a Duty Patrol for tasks required by the Port Captain. However, Table Mountain was always popular and in those days one could still camp in the open on the mountain. But relaxed troop camping was not the strenuous Rayner and this year the team found it very tough but enjoyed themselves coming tenth. Later in the year they entered the Gordon Shield and came 16th out of 46 teams. In May Paul Marsh joined as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

The Committee, friends and all those in uniform were kept busy getting ready for the official opening of the Scout Hall on Saturday 18th March.

Camping and hiking in June takes courage and to quote: 'Over the weekend 3rd and 4th June, a party of 13 boys and 2 Scouters went up Kalk Bay mountains. The party left Kalk Bay Station at lunch time and climbed up to the Amphitheatre where they spent the night. The night turned out to be a little damp for the boys sleeping under the stars. About 2 am it started to rain and many woke up with waterlogged sleeping bags the next morning. But a good fire was lit and soon after a hot breakfast under their belts all felt a lot better. A number of caves were explored including Rowans Well and Devils Pit but Boomslang was rather waterlogged. There was a bit of consternation when David L nearly got stuck in the final S bend in Devils Pit. After a good lunch a rather dirty and tired party made its way back down the mountain to Kalk Bay Station'. Passengers on the train journey home must have given the boys some strange looks. The Troop Winter Camp from 24 to 29 June was held at Far Horizons, Noordhoek on the farm that belongs to Mr W E James.

What is a Sea Scout Troop without a boat, well in September they started building their Saldanha Dinghy.

The Red Baron is launched

On the 26th of August 1973, 1st Wynberg and Plumstead after many months of hard work by the committee, Scouters and boys, launched their Saldanha Dinghy. Work on the boat began way back in October, 1972. Firstly, a glass fibre hull was laminated in a previously built mould. 1st Wynstead was in fact the 8th Saldanha Dinghy to be moulded. This moulding process is very messy and the glass fibre's very irritating to this skin, yet the building team stuck at it. Three weeks later the hull was complete and ready to come out of the mould. This was only the first stage though and the boat was still far from complete, for then began the task of fitting gunwales, thwarts, centre plate, rudder, mast, boom, gaff and dozens of other fittings not to mention painting and the building of a dolly.

Finally, the big day arrived at last. Guests were invited and dozens of other last-minute preparations were made.

The proceedings were opened by Group Scoutmaster Alwyn Holmes who gave a short rundown on the building of the boat. This was followed by a short address by CW9 District Commissioner Merwyn Schmidt who then introduced Miss Irene Rayner who for many years had been the Cubmaster of 1st Wynstead. Miss Rayner then delivered and interesting address covering many of the groups 'firsts' which she could remember from her time in the group, which culminated in the group's first boat. She then unveiled a plaque on the boat, revealing its name Red Baron.

A crew of seven boys then pushed the boat down the slipway, which was lined with a guard of honour into the water. After raising the sails they then sailed out across the Vlei in a stiff breeze with a fleet of boats of other groups trailing astern. The proceedings went off well and were most impressive.

1974 - The Annual Summer Camp from 28 December 73 to 7 January 74 was held at the Clanwilliam Dam and was attended by 16 boys. It also served as the site for the National Senior Scout Adventure's Sailing, Canoeing and Fishing Base, which was run by 1st Wynstead. The base was under the leadership of Allan Brock and assisted by Paul Marsh, Bob Bell and Alwyn Homes. Two Hundred boys passed through the Base with the guest of honour being the Chief Scout Chas Martin and Divisional Commissioner Colin Inglis. Three of Wynstead's Scouts, Andrew O, Kevin C and Alec S, took part in the 12-day adventure. In July a Winter camp was held with 2nd Kenilworth at De Mond on the Hermanus Lagoon. Due to no wind the planned sailing did not take place, but there was canoeing, hiking and camp activities. At the end of the month their Assistant Scoutmaster, Paul Marsh left the group to answer a request to become Scoutmaster of the struggling 2nd Kenilworth troop.

1975 - In July / August Allan Brock, Kevin Christopher and Andrew Ording attended the 14th World Jamboree, in Lillehammer, Norway.

1976 - The Scouts were doing well, apart from sailing, camping and hiking, they must have been passing their advancement levels and badge work as they were able to use the skills learnt to win and hold 3 of the 4 District Trophies, Withinshaw, Croswell and Adams. On the Cubbing side Philip Duffett joined as Assistant Pack Scouter and the Pack held their Annual Cub Camp at Gilcape, the Scout camping grounds in Eerste River.

1977 - Although the Pack was regularly sending Cubs up to Scouts, the Troop consisted of mainly very young boys. Troop numbers were also being increased when a fifth boy from St Michael's Home was invested. In September Bob-a-Job week took place, but was unfortunately now on the wane as the general public gave the boys very little encouragement and some were just plain rude which caused the boys to become discouraged and to lose interest.

1978 - The Scouts enjoyed the water activities and spend a fair bit of time at the Sea Scout Base sailing but also as duty patrol and maintaining their own boatshed. Their annual summer camp was held in Hermanus next to the lagoon. At the end of December Mrs Alfreda Peggs, after more than 14 years as their Akela, transferred to the District Training Team.

1979 - Philip Duffett took over as Akela and during the year the Cubs had ten outings including competitions, a camp and short hikes. Sandvlei was also popular with the Cubs and were in November taken sailing by the Group Scoutmaster Alwyn Holmes in their Saldanha and prompting Akela to request replacing the life jackets!

This gave the Cubs an insight as to what was waiting for them at Scouts having seen Kontiki, Regattas and experienced the sailing. Of note is that every Cub that turned eleven, had gone up to the troop, not one has been lost. In July the Troop Leader Colin Jeken attended the American Jamboree.

The census for the year recorded 25 Cubs and 28 Scouts, and in December, Fred Marshall resigned as Scouter-in-Charge and Les Beauchamp became the Group Scoutmaster.

1980's

1980 - Sadly, the Troop had no Scoutmaster but the three Assistant Scoutmasters, Kevin Christopher, George Kunz and Christopher Tee were doing a fine job running the troop. In March there was an overnight hike on Table Mountain with 15 Scouts, 3 Scouters and one parent. Knowledge and skills were good and the Scouts again won the Withinshaw Trophy. For the past 5 years the Cubs had annually visited the Lady Michaels Orthopaedic Hospital to give the patients a tea party and presents. Although attendance from the boys at St Michaels Home is irregular, they are, apart from the Cub programme, gaining valuable social and life skills. The Pack in keeping with the Scouting brotherhood, invested an Indian boy into the Pack.

1981 - Still with no Scoutmaster, the Assistant Scoutmasters Christopher Tee and George Kunz were running the Troop. In September the District had organised Wild Coast Tour and the committee, in appreciation of Christopher's dedication, sponsored him to go on the tour.

1982 - Who can remember using 'The Bulb Man' as a fundraising tool? All the committee's admin effort, ordering and receiving the bulbs, then the boys and adults running around trying to sell garden flower bulbs, and finally getting in the money and reconciling the lists.

1986 - During the early 1980's the Cubs were on top form and this was acknowledged when they were presented with the top award, the Gold Star for 5 consecutive years from 1981 to 1985. But it wasn't all hard work, during the year they went sailing in the Red Baron and Blue Haze, attended District Cub Camp at Froggy Pond in addition to the many competitions and outings.

For the older Scout the ‘Cherry on Top’ of his Scouting memories with Wynstead, must surely be the multi-day Waaihoek climb and trip down the Witels canyon.

Putting to use all the skills and knowledge gained over the years, one had to be fit and resilient to appreciate the many challenges put to them by nature and to appreciate their magnificent surroundings.

1987 - This year saw the completion of the new bunkhouse at Sandvlei, which in turn enabled them to obtain the old one and convert this into Wynstead's new boatshed, which became comfortably occupied, although decoration and the completion of the galley still remained. The official opening was on 11 October. The scouting leadership was now safely entrusted in the hands of John Reynolds their Scoutmaster and Nick van der Poel as Assistant, both having joined the group in the second term and Robert Spark also as an Assistant. In addition, Etienne Bleach and Dryden Ambrose had vacated their positions as Patrol Leaders to become Troop Leaders. The Cub Pack was at full strength with six sixes enjoying good basic training under the sound leadership of Cathy Spark as Akela ably assisted by Ann MacFarlane, Baloo, Brenda Woodman, Bagheera and Sharon Wilson, Raksha.

1989 - The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Orange River Adventure (once again thanks to Nick). This was an event that will long be remembered. Not only the experience of the trip, but the satisfaction of seeing so many boys (and parents) enjoying themselves as they did. A lot of hard work and organising, but well worth the effort. Scouts Summer camp was held at Sandvlei and the older boys did the Waaihoek/Witels hike. A fair amount of time was spent working on the boathouse by both parents and scouts, which sometimes included a rewarding braai. Cub numbers were now numbering around thirty-three, and in May they won the swimming gala and held their annual camp at the ever-popular Glencairn campsite.

1990's

1990 - This year the group had its fair number of causalities with the hall roof blown off twice, floor lifting and broken masts on the boats. However, with 38 boys in the troop there was plenty of enthusiasm resulting in them coming 1st in the Regatta. With the onshore activities, it was common to have around 30 boys on hikes like Silvermine. The Cubs, apart from the annual camp, had a sixer's and second's tour to George and the now had Allyson Wild as their Assistant Pack Scouter.

1991 - In October the scouts participated in the Join-in-Jamboree held at Mountain Breeze Park Stellenbosch with Errol Kotze the Camp Chief and with fantastic surroundings and weather. The Troop Scouters thought an interesting change would be to hold their annual summer camp with other troops and in January their 35 boys together with 4 Scouters made use of the Hawequas Scout Adventure Centre and were able to mix with the many other troops that were camping there. In June, after serving the Pack for 7 years, Kathy Heath stepped down as Akela and from the third term this role was filled by Allyson Wild.

1992 - Although the Scouts participated in most of the District and Area competitions and events, the Fish River Canyon hike in June was the highpoint for 20 boys and 5 adults.

1993 - Allison Wild stepped down as Akela and although some of the Scouts tried to help, the numbers went down until Mrs Heath came back as acting Akela and the Cubs were soon up to 22 boys. In January the older Scouts did the strenuous Waaihoek/Witels canyon and the traditional Annual Summer Camp was held in Villiersdorp, but much of the equipment was now in a sorry state and even the boats were taking strain. Both Cubs and Scouts entered most events and the Scouts came 7th out of 25 teams in the demanding Rayner Trophy.

1995 - This wasn't a good year for the group, the Akela, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster resigned and the grounds it was reported, 'were in a mess'. Some older Scouts did try and keep the Pack alive, but in the end, the remaining Cubs transferred to 1st Naruna. The twenty-two Scouts now had no one qualified to take them sailing or boating, but their earlier training and skills came to the fore when the won the Withinshaw Trophy.

Documentation in the Scout Archives ends at this point and the group probably closed down around this time.

Gordon Shield team 1961
Withinshaw Trophy winners 1975
Kontiki team 1978
Traditional Sea Scout uniform 1985
Red Baron preparing to sail

Top Scout Awards

Date	Surname	Name	Award
1957	Steward	Clifford	Queen
1957	Ringer	William	Queen
1958	Watts	David	Queen
1961	Brock	Allan	Queen
1961	Mutti	John	Queen
1962	Abraham	Richard	Chief Scout's Award
1963	Jennings	Robert	Springbok
1964	Petersen	A	Chief Scout's Award
1964	Peterssen	Baron	Springbok
1968	Crathorne	Peter	Springbok
1968	Lowry	Andrew	Chief Scout's Award
1969	Davidson	Peter	Chief Scout's Award
1975	Christopher	Kevin	Springbok
1975	Ording	Andrew	Springbok
1986	Paarman	Grant	Springbok
1988	Bleach	Adam	Springbok
1993	Mc Kellar	Graeme	Springbok
1994	Hughes	Michael	Springbok

Group Scouters
Charles Steward (1953/4), Kenneth 'Buff' Abrahams (1961/70), Jack Norton (1971), Alwyn Holmes (1973/75), Hiram Hele (1976/7), Fred Marshall (Scouter-in-Charge) (1978/79), Les Beauchamp (1980/7), Atom Airth (Act 1987), Johan Jacobs (1987/8), Alan Mathews (1992/3), John Symmons (1993/5).

Troop Scouters
James 'Buffalo' Morom (1925/38), Bobby Nuns (1938), Charles Steward (1944/52), Kenneth 'Buff' Abrahams (1960), V 'Moose' Leppan (1961), Micky 'Skipper' Hall (1962), Stanley 'Chips' Sales (1970), Alan 'Badger' Brock (1972/6), Fred Marshall (1978/79), Alan Brock (1982), Tom Ambrose (1983/6), Charles Howell (1986), John Reynolds (1987), Charles Howell (1987), Nick van der Poll (1994/5).

Pack Scouter
Mrs J Dundas (1943), Miss Irene Rayner (1952/65), Mrs Alfreda Peggs (1965/78), Mr Philip Duffett (1979/81), Mrs Yvonne Driver (1982/85), Mrs Alexandra Chesler (1985), Mrs Kathy Spark (1986/90), Mrs Heath (nee Spark) (1990/92 act93), Mrs Allison Wild (1993).

3rd Wynberg (St John)

The Pack was started in August 1931 by Cubmistress Ms Helen Hart (Mrs Thomson), who remained their Akela for fifteen years until 1946 when she was appointed District Cubmistress. She ran an excellent pack and was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1944. In the same year, one of her Cubs, James John Henry was awarded the Gilt Cross for Gallantry, for saving the life of a boy who had fallen into a cattle dip. During the 1960's it seems some packs were often having longer camps and during the December 1964 school holidays they spent 5 days at Rocklands campsite in Simonstown.

The Troop was also started in 1931 and the group's headquarters was listed as Parish Hall, Piers Road, Wynberg. It seems that there was also a Den within the ground as records mention using both for meetings.

A person whose name was synonymous with the group and the district was William 'Footie' Footman. Born in 1924, he began his Scouting in 1931 as a Cub with 1st and 2nd Cape Town Packs, and was followed by seven years as a Scout from 1934 to 1942 with 2nd Retreat and 3rd Wynberg. He began his Scouter career with 3rd Wynberg in 1944 when he became their Assistant Cubmaster and Cubmaster in 1946. He then moved to the Scout section becoming the Assistant Scoutmaster in 1947, Scoutmaster in 1948 and Group Scoutmaster in 1952. In 1943 the birthday cards for Dr Jan Dommisse the Scouts had 32 signatures on their card and the Cubs 21 signatures.

To ensure his own training and skills were up to the task, 'Footie' earned the following 'Wood Badges': Cub, Scout, Rover, Group and Trainer. With his vast wealth of Scouting knowledge over many years he was in 1976 appointed Assistant District Commissioner for Training. In recognition of his dedication to the movement he was awarded the Medal of Merit, Bar to the Medal of Merit, and in 1977 the Order of the Silver Protea. For the many years of service, he received the Long Service Medal and in 1982 the 50-year Bar to the medal.

Few records of the Scouts activities are in the archives, but they did participate in the Country Scout Jamborally in the Wilderness in 1951; Rayner's of 1972 and 1978 and presumably the Gordon Shield.

A popular campsite for many of the Cubs and Scouts in the Wynberg District was Klaasenbosch, today known as the Klaasenbosch Greenbelt Trail in Hohenort Ave, Constantia Heights.

The Cubs, during the 1960's met on a Saturday morning. The Pack participated in most of the district and area events and being close to Maynardville Park the 1967 Easter Saturday found them running around the park looking for hidden Easter Eggs. Akela had a keen team of assistants and the Scouts would also help with training the boys about to go up to Scouts. Alec Adshade who had been a Scout and a Rover with the group was their Akela from 1959 to 1974.

Their Rovers, apart from the normal hikes and camps and helping the Group, they also made their presence known by winning the Hawkeye Trophy in 1955, and helping with the Scout Shows in 1953 and 1958.

The group closed in 1977.

Top Scout Awards

Date	Surname	Name	Award
1953	Pfeil	Ian	Queen
1957	Davidson	Keith	Queen
1958	Eady	Keith	Queen
1960	Seeglier	Richard	Queen
1962	Peggs	Norman	Chief Scout's Award
1962	Wright	Trevor	Chief Scout's Award
1965	Blom	Peter	Springbok
1970	Callanon	Alan	Springbok
1970	Carter	Andrew	Springbok
1970	Clarke	Nico	Springbok
1970	Collins	Duncan	Springbok
1971	Meader	Dennis	Chief Scout's Award
1971	Jeffery	Andrew	Springbok
1971	Louw	Nico	Springbok
1971	Robertson	Duncan	Chief Scout's Award
1971	Footman	William	Chief Scout's Award
1972	Law	Nici	Chief Scout's Award
1972	Footman	Alan	Chief Scout's Award

Group Scouter
William Footman (1952/76)

Rover Scouters
Victor Kalis (1956/60), Alec Adshade (1974)

Troop Scouters
D Jones (1931/43), William Footman (1948/52), Pieter Ross (1952), Lionel Taylor (1956), Vic Kallis (1967). Leslie McKenzie (1972), Philip Du Preez (1973)

Pack Scouters
Ms Helen Hart (Mrs H Thomson) (1932/46), William Footman (1946/8), Lionel Taylor (1950/55), Barbara Horner (1956), Alec Adshade (1959/74)

4th Wynberg

From the reminisces of founder member A B Booth

The Troop was started by Jack 'Bok' Morom as Scoutmaster and the first Scouts were A B Booth (Patrol Leader), C James (Patrol Leader), R Schroeder, Reg Wotton, 'Chicken' le Cordeur, R Roberts and Jimmy Graham.

Jack Morom had been brought up in the Scouting World by his brother James 'Buffalo' Morom in the 1st Wynberg and Plumstead Group where the latter was Scoutmaster, meeting in a small hall in Tenby Road, Wynberg belonging to Hoare & Co (Plumbers). When Jack joined 1st Wynberg and Plumstead in 1927 his uniform, consisted of one pair thick navy-blue shorts, two thick shirts, scarf, leather belt, knife in leather holder, leather woggle and two green tabs for the stockings. Jack attended the 1933 4th World Jamboree in Gödöllö, Hungary as assistant leader and his personal account of the Jamboree can be found in the report.

The troop was started when 1933, when Jack reached his time to join the Rovers, he asked me to join a Troop which he intended forming. His plan was to assemble six members, train them in their Tenderfoot, and then when this phase was complete, to expand the Troop to maximum strength. The first meetings and training sessions were held in the lounge in the front of his house, 'Swastika', 15 Conway Street, Wynberg, just behind the Main Road. We were fortunate, as Scout Jimmy Graham managed to persuade his father to let us have the use of a small bungalow which stood in their back grounds at 'Underwood', Church Street, Wynberg, for our activities. This property was later demolished to make way for the Police Headquarters. The new venue allowed the Troop to grow enough to form the first two Patrols, viz, 'Springboks' (Patrol Leader, C James, second, C le Cordeur), 'Bokmakierie' (Patrol Leader, A B Booth, second Reg. Watton. After about a year the Troop had grown enough to form a third Patrol.

A Patrol was entered in the 'Withinshaw Trophy' competition, held on the Main Road, Muizenberg. This trophy had been won on a number of occasions by the 1st Wynberg and Plumstead Group; entry was restricted to Troops resident between Kenilworth and Muizenberg. Meetings were held one night per week as well as on Saturday afternoons, the latter parades were often held at a site which we called 'Council Rock', situated on the mountain side of Wynberg Military Camp. The pine trees then extending down as far as, and into Wynberg Park had not been thinned out as they are today. These trees supplied us with all the firewood and 'pine-cones' necessary for our cooking.

The uniforms were navy blue, with scarves of grey bordered with a one-inch wide dark blue stripe one inch from the border. Some years later the Troop moved to the Sports ground corner of Wetton Road and Rosemead Avenue, Wynberg, where they had managed to build a wooden bungalow. Whilst here the Troop became a 'Sea Scout' Group. A Cub Pack had by this time been formed, and was being run by Mrs Jack Morom (Miss Knott before marriage). At the end of 1933 a most successful camp was held next to the Berg River at Cilliesiding, Zuider Paarl.

A new hall was built at 14 Holderness Rd in Kenwyn on ground donated by the late Councillor H P SmitThe Troop has once again reverted to land Scouts and the uniform changed to khaki.

Another name, and a true Scouting stalwart, that had a long association with the group, was Wilby "Lanky" Joul. He was with group for over 30 years first as their Troop Scouter (1962 to 1964) and later their Group Scouter (1964 to 1992). Following that, he was a District Scouter and then A.D.C. General Duties (Admin). He was very much a "backroom boy" allowing others to take the credit for work that he did himself within Scouting. He held the 40 year bar to the Long Service Medal as well as a Bar to the Medal of Merit. Robert Priday attended the 1973 14th World Jamboree, in Lillhammer, Norway. As a result of the [[15th World Jamboree in Iran being cancelled, 1979 was declared a 'World Jamboree Year' and the South African Scouts were offered the alternative of attending a Jamboree in Switzerland, USA or Australia, Darryl Coup attended the USA Jamboree.

On the 1st of January 1984 the group merged with 1st Kenwyn to form 4th Wynberg and Kenwyn.

Top Scout Awards

Date	Surname	Name	Award
1969	Buchholtz	Peter	Chief Scout's Award
1970	King	Nicholas	Chief Scout's Award
1971	Buchholtz	Graham	Chief Scout's Award

Group Scouters
Federick Klein (1954), Horace Cann (1956), Ivan Leibrandt (1961), Wilby 'Lanky' Joul (1964/92)

Troop Scouters
Jack 'Bok' Morom (1933), Colin Perrins (1953), Dudley Langman (1954), Ivan Leibrandt (1960), Wilby "Lanky" Joul (1962/64), Hans-Joachim Schreiber (1976)

Pack Scouters
Miss Knott (c1933), Barbara Coombs (1953), June Langman (1954), Marguerite Dumas (1958), Margaret Radclyffe (1961), Frances Bright (1963), Debbie Barkley (1980)

4th Wynberg and Kenwyn

Based on the roles and dates from warrants issued, it would appear that it was on the 1st of January 1984 that this group was formed when 1st Kenwyn amalgamated with 4th Wynberg. Kenwyn had lost their premises and the Boys and Scouters from both groups had agreed to merge. Meetings were held at Holderness Road Scout Hall, which was originally built for the 4th Wynberg Group and was previously named the Irene Smit Hall.

1st Kenwyn seems to have been active during the early nineteen seventies through to the early eighties. Group Scoutmasters were David Shaw (1972) and later Fred Marshall. Pack Scouters were Barbara Shaw (1973), Cynthia Punt (1974), Audry Fisher (1977) and Christine Hains (1981). 1st Kenwyn Springbok Scouts were Johan Van Eeden in 1973 and Phillip Shaw in 1978.

Frances Bright (1920-1999) was the Akela of 4th Wynberg from 1963 and then of the 4th Wynberg & Kenwyn Cub Pack from January 1984. She was a lady of small stature, sometimes nicknamed "Tiny". Despite her lack in physical size, she was renowned for her great love and devotion to her Pack and Group. From the mid-nineteen sixties until her retirement in early 1987, she attended Pack Meetings, Committee Meetings, Cub Competitions and helped as a Badge Examiner. She was also a dedicated fund-raiser.

The group probably closed down sometime in the nineteen nineties and the hall was then used as a District Hall. In 2024 it was the home of 1st Belvedere Scouts.

Troop Scouters
Joseph Boucher (1984), Andrew Marbin (1988), Michael Grey (1989), Neil Philipson (1995) and Craig Beautement.

Pack Scouters
Frances Bright (1984/87), Kevin Seyffret (1992), Lee-Anne Williams (1995) and Debbie Barkley.

Western Cape Scout Groups - Southern Suburbs

Alphabetical list

Coloured Scout Groups in the Southern Suburbs

History

2nd Bergvliet

1960's

1970's

1980's

1990's

2000's

2010's

1st Claremont

3rd Claremont Scout Troop

3rd Claremont (SACS)

5th Claremont (St Saviour's)

1st Kenilworth

The neighbourhood boys

Scouting for Boys

The first Scoutmaster

The Annual Hermanus Camp

A decade of searching for a permanent home

The Group during the 1970's and 1980's

The Cub Pack

The Scouters

2nd Kenilworth

Cubbing in the early years of the Pack

Beyond the 1950's

The Scout Troop

The 1960's and the foundation members step down

At last their own Scout Hall and into the 1970's

Scoutmasters

1st Mowbray (Presbyterian)

Scoutmasters

1st Muizenberg

2nd Muizenberg Jewish

3rd Observatory

1st Retreat Scouts

A typical 1915 week-end camp

The 1929 'resuscitation' of the troop

Rover Scouts

Newspaper cuttings

1st Rondebosch

2nd Rondebosch

The early days

Opening of Scout Hall

Camping in the City precincts?

Scouters

3rd Rondebosch

4th Rondebosch

Summer Camp

Patrol System introduced

Scouters

5th Rondebosch (St Michaels)

5th Rondebosch (Marsh Memorial Home)

Scouters

6th Rondebosch

From the Rover Logbook 1947 – 1950

From the Scout Logbook 1957 – 1964

Scouters

5th Woodstock – 1st Table Bay Sea Scouts

1st Wynberg and Plumstead (Wynstead)

The Group's Headquarters

The very early years

1960's

1970's

The Red Baron is launched

1980's

1990's

3rd Wynberg (St John)

4th Wynberg

4th Wynberg and Kenwyn

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