September 2026
What the Hastings papers kept
These are papers from Ashby-de-la-Zouch (Hastings) Scout Group. I saved them from being lost by scanning some and typing the others. They had nowhere else to go, so I am publishing them here.
Six of them are reports, and they follow in the words they were written, spellings and all. I have joined the lines and taken out the Word file properties. The July 2001 report still has no name on the signature line.
The other eleven are minutes: Group Council from June to November 1995, and Patrol Leaders’ Councils in February 1990, November 1991, September 1995, December 1995 and January 1996. They are a thinner record. Several already say the previous minutes were not available, or “Minutes: None.” The August 1995 council has the usual headings and nothing underneath. The February 1990 council stops mid-sentence: the Easter practice for the Chief Scout’s Challenge “looks like being cancelled as Mike cannot get.” The September 1995 patrol leaders’ council refers to a summer camp programme, “see attached”. Nothing is attached. One membership list still has house numbers and telephone numbers, so those stay off this page.
Read one after another, the troop reports keep having the same conversation. In 1988/89 Skip and Mike have high numbers, older boys leaving for other activities, and a District Night Activity Award just won. In 1993 Bob writes that he and Lol could not give the boys the Scouting they needed. Ben Storer and I were helping, Mike Booth had started since Christmas, and Mike Tate had just come back. Bob still ends on the need for more leaders. In 1995/96 the troop is about 21. Summer camp at Great Tower only happened because Hastings and 4th Ashby joined up, and the following year’s camp in Wales is already in doubt because parents have not replied. In 1996/97 Waingunga has lost its Cub leader. I was the Scout leader trying to keep the pack going, with Richard Nevin from 4th Ashby, Rangers, Ventures and older Scouts, and the report is signed Akela. In July 2001 there are twelve boys. Lol can make four meetings out of eight. The targets for the year ahead include recruiting one new leader, and taking part in District events that the report says had already thinned out.
The detail is why I typed them. Gradbach, written by Glynn Davies in 1981, still has the dumper and the trailer, the steps at Blue John Mine, and the dining shelter on the floor. The 1995/96 report still has five Scouts on the coach for St George’s Day, and the Falcons as the only patrol who would perform at the Christmas Bonanza. The 2001 report still has the raft at Longridge, and the headquarters strung with aerials for Jamboree on the Air.
Scout Troop annual report, 1988/89
Our troop numbers are quite high with a good attendance each Friday, however, we have lost quite a number of older boys to other activities.
We took part in a number of District activities, and although attendance was poor in most cases, the participating boys enjoyed themselves. Instead of District camp, we took part in a sponsored abseil at the Ashby Carnival. All the boys who took part thoroughly enjoyed it and the money raised was divided between the Ashby Lions Charities and our own camp fund - the amount we received paid for the transport to, during and from camp.
Summer camp was at a site near Flash - south of Buxton, with 20 boys and three venture scout helpers. The site was exposed, the weather windy with a lot of showers, but even so, the boys enjoyed themselves and managed to carry out a number of walks, outings and even some climbing.
Badge work is being maintained and we are gearing up towards this years busy district calendar and annual camp in North Wales.
Graham Bedford achieved his Chief Scout’s Award - Congratulations - Graham - and I’ve no doubt our new District Commissioner will be quite busy soon with the Scouts who have almost reached the required standard.
During the last few years we have been very close to winning the District Night Activity Award, well this year we succeeded, Congratulations to all the Scouts who took part in this arduous adventure.
We have another team in training for the Chief Scout’s Challenge award. It will take place during our annual camp in North Wales, so book a provisional night in October for their report back, which in the past has proved an interesting evening.
During the year we attended three parades, St Georges day in April, Group Church Parade in June and Remembrance Day Parade in November. On all three occasions we made a good impression in turnout, smartness, standard of marching and overall behaviour - well done scouts - lets make this year even better!
We extend a warm welcome to Lol - our new assistant leader, and our grateful thanks to Bob for the invaluable work and help he gives us on Troop nights.
Finally we must say thank you to the Venture Scouts who turn up on a Friday night when work or studies allow, and without whose help troop night would be very difficult to run.
Please continue to support us in any way possible, especially for the District events. We have shared the Sports Trophy once, and won the Night Activity Award - may we continue our winning ways.
Happy Scouting
Skip and Mike
Scouts’ annual report, 1993
The past year has been rather difficult for the Scout section as both Lol and myself have had family and work commitments which have prevented us from providing the scouting which the boys need. Without the help of Jon Bloor and Ben Storer we would not have been able to continue. Since Christmas Mike Booth has been helping and we have recently seen the return of Mike Tate, so things are beginning to look up, but I cannot stress the need for more leaders.
Lol took a small group of Scouts to Willesley for the annual camp and demonstrated that you don’t necessarily have to go a long way to have a good camp. The boys enjoyed some pioneering and backwards cooking, having to survive off their own resources.
Once again we had one of the biggest groups to successfully complete a Chief Scout’s Challenge in the District. The Challenge proved to be very demanding, covering 35 miles in the Peak District over three days carrying full camping equipment. During the course of the expedition they carried out a project on path erosion. Six weeks later they had the worst part of the ordeal when they had to make a presentation on the expedition and project to parents, ADC Scouts, Leaders and other Scouts. The successful members of the team were Matthew Garner, Roland Edwards, Peter Williams, Dan Storer, Richard Brown and Joedi Bladon. A particular thanks must go to Dave Allery, Chris Hibbert, Jon and Ben for watching over the team that weekend.
During October the rest of the Troop enjoyed a day hiking over Kinder.
Stuart Spare completed his Chief Scout’s Award, the highest award available in the Scout section. In doing so he became the first ex-Beaver in the district, and possibly the County, to achieve the award. We hope that now he has joined Ventures he will become the first ex-Beaver to become a Queen’s Scout.
Two teams entered the night hike on a very wet night at the beginning of April. We did not finish in the first three this year, mainly due to the fact that neither team had a dry piece of paper to write down the answers to the quiz which has to be completed during the hike. Still, well done those who took part.
With Mike Tate’s return it is hoped to offer a more varied programme next year, but this cannot be achieved without some new leaders.
Bob
Scout Troop annual report, 1995–96
Since the previous AGM, where 11 Cubs became invested into the Scout section, numbers have remained roughly constant at around 21. Most of those who left the Troop did so to join other Troops or to become Ventures. Several boys that were invested were new to Scouting.
Our programme has hopefully been getting more varies and exiting. Last May we camped, with other Scouts in the district at Willesley for an activities camp. We also had four older Scouts undertake their Chief Scout’s Challenge. This is an exciting three day expedition. They had to present an evening on their adventure to the ADC (Scouts), Parents, Leaders and other members of the Troop, which the lads did in style in June. We did not compete in the ‘Donisthorpe Band Festival Challenge Day’, but judging from the success of the event, we ought to enter similar competitions in the future. Lack of interest prevented teams being entered in the District first aid and swimming competitions. In 1996 the District diary got off to a busy start with the quiz (our team got through to the final, held in Blackfordby, but did not win the trophy). We entered a team in the Night Hike, finishing 14th out of 17th. Although tired, the Scouts who competed enjoyed the event. For the first time in at least ten years we only fielded one team.
Our own Troop based activities were equally exciting. June & July saw preparation for our annual camp including ‘ice-breaking’ football with 4th Ashby, with whom we held Summer Camp due to neither Troop being able to raise interest sufficiently to have a viable camp on its own. The camp was held at Great Tower Campsite near Windemere in the Lake District. Activities included: Mountaineering, Orienteering, Banqueting, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Climbing and Sailing. A pity more Scouts didn’t take part.
August was a relatively quiet month; Troop nights were difficult due to the poor attendance, even allowing for holidays. Surely Troop nights and other activities run would be something else to do in the long school holidays?
In September we launched the Inter-Patrol Competition, were the Patrols compete for points awarded for Team Games, attendance, Smartness and other things including the Tuckshop Teaser.
In October we held an open fire cooking evening, where Scouts cooked egg-in-potato, garlic bread, sausages and a range of other delights.
In November we marched at the Remembrance Day parade. This parade was the best attended for some time with 2/3 of the Troop turning out. Whilst attendance should have been higher, it was significantly better than on St. George’s day, where a coach was provided and just FIVE Scouts turned out. Running up to Christmas we had been preparing some entertainment for the Christmas Bonanza, but only one patrol, Falcons, dared perform. We arranged a Quasar and Sleep-over night as a Christmas outing that was successful, other than the Sleep over which would have been better described as a ‘Not-Sleep over’!
The New Year Saw us start off with a games night. Other events have included a Troop night-hike, a visit from the Ashby Canal officer and many new games. We have also begun planning a Chief Scout’s Challenge for 1997.
Mrs Williams, a parent, has started to train the Troop to enable the Scouts to pass the World Conservation Badge. So far this has consisted of a visit from the canal officer and a very intensive working party, clearing the drainage ditch of the Ashby Canal at Moira. A muddy, but rewarding day. Thanks so far Mrs Williams.
On the same weekend, two of our leaders were attending the District’s Leader Skills weekend. Additionally, Jon has undergone Initial training as part of the Scout Association’s training programme, with more to follow in June and Beyond. Also in March our Troop was one of two from our District represented at the Scout Section County Leader’s Day. Many useful contacts were made and hopefully will be used in the near future. Plans were unveiled for LE PAW 96 and LE TRIP 97; Information to follow.
With the Ivanhoe Youth Centre, we have been arranging some introductory canoeing. Hopefully in the Autumn and Winter keen Scouts can undertake the British Canoe Union one and two star tests for the Canoeist and Advanced Canoeist badges. We are organising climbing with the Youth Centre at Hind Leys college. Recently Jon has undertaken assessment for the Association’s Form-M for Abseiling & Climbing at Willesley, enabling our Troop to use the facility more easily. Hopefully a trip to Beaumont Leys Climbing complex is immanent. Several Troop hikes and camps are in the pipeline.
Summer Camp 96 is to be held in Wales. So far response is looking poor, and at present the future of the camp is in jeopardy. We shall make every endeavour to make the camp take place, but it is difficult when parents won’t communicate with us.
Parental communication is important to us. To this end we started a Troop Newsletter, to run alongside the Group’s ScoutAbout, Called Troop News. We have delivered almost all correspondence to the homes of our Scouts. Yet mostly we get to speak to the same few parents and receive responses from around half the Troop. This makes programme planning and general running of the Troop very difficult. It would be good to see parents more involved with their son’s Scouting. All we want is keen parents who encourage their children to get involved with the activities that are going on. If a parent has a hobby or interest, perhaps they may like to show a group of Scouts, or instruct Scouts to gain a badge. Otherwise parents may be able to support us through maintaining buildings, grounds or equipment. Some may even like to undertake to be a leader. If we all made more effort thing how superb Scouting at Ashby (Hastings) could become!
May we end by extending our thanks to those Scout’s who have been keen and enthusiastic even though they may not be the best, to those parents who support their sons to the best of their abilities, but most importantly to Tom Whyatt, the group Quartermaster and Ex-Beaver Helper we helps us each week, and also behind the scenes and Stephen Armitage and Ben Wild, the Venture Scouts who help us out with the programme and run our Tuckshop.
Lol, Jon & Joedi
Waingunga Cub Scout Pack annual report, 1996–97
This has been a troublesome year for the Pack. Linda struggled to keep the Pack going on her own, despite efforts from the District Team to help her out. At the end of the summer holidays, she had had enough. We are indebted to her for her help. Since this time Cubs has been run by myself (an active Scout Leader), Richard Nevin (an active Scouter at 4th Ashby), Ranger Jenni Parle, Venture Scouts David Monk and Stephen Armitage, and Scouts including Neil Eaton, Chris Sherwood, Philip Quelch, Peter Hampson & Chris McGuinness. For what it’s worth, I am personally very grateful for the support given to me by them.
Despite the fact the Pack has been run by people with very little time to spare, or with much experience of Cub Scouting, we have been quite active.
Linda took the Pack on District Cub Camp in June, where all the boys had the chance to gain three proficiency badges and have big time FUN. We held a joint Cub camp with 4th Ashby in October and our Cubs had the opportunity to join in with the ‘Scouting in Ashby Joint Cub & Scout Camp’ in March. These are important opportunities for the boys. Camping is the reason why many people join the movement, and why a good deal more stay. At the time of writing, none of our leaders have undertaken Leadership One Training for the Cub Scout Section. This is an essential requirement for Cub Camp Leaders, so as a Pack we are much inhibited.
At Christmas we had a swimming trip to Meadowside in Burton, which was enjoyed by all the boys who went.
Our turnout at Remembrance Day & St George’s Day was disappointing; parents please note that attendance at parades by Cubs is expected.
Weekly Pack nights are as active as possible and with badge records having been brought up to date, progress is rapidly being made through the badge scheme. With the lighter nights upon us, we shall be out of doors as much as possible.
All but two boys who have left have joined the Scout Troop. Four boys are currently in the transition between Cubs & Scouts. Overall numbers remain about the same, but all former members of the Beaver Colony have now been contacted.
It is a shame to note that little has been done by parents and supporters to assist us in recruiting new leaders. In the coming year this has to be a priority amongst all connected in the Pack. We shall try to better ourselves and our training, so that in turn the boys will get a higher standard of Cub Scouting. All we ask of parents is to support your sons. Encourage them to camp, take part in district events, march on parade and turn up keen enthusiastic and on time to weekly meetings. Cub Scouting is the most fun an eight to ten year old can have.
Akela
Scout Troop annual report, July 2001
No active recruiting has taken place in the last year, so it is positive to see that numbers remain similar to last year, with twelve boys in the Troop. Additionally, two new recruits are working towards their Membership Badge. We are pleased to welcome several new members from outside of Scouting. We are encouraged by the fact that there are a large number of boys joining us from the Cub Pack over the summer. The leaders take heart that most boys attend most weeks, so we must be doing something right.
Despite a great need, little has been done to recruit more leaders. The Troop is pleased to retain the assistance of Lol, who through his shift work is only able to attend four out of eight meetings. During the year, Tom, a helper who worked with us between ’95 and ’97 rejoined us, following some delays. If parents themselves wish to help out at Scouts or if they know of someone who would be suitable, please contact me in the first instance.
At the end of last May the Troop joined forces with Scouts from 4th Ashby to participate in our local Millennium Camp. Camps were held throughout the nation. Heavy rain shortened many camps, but ours at Willesley carried on regardless, although some activities were curtailed. I would in future encourage all members to participate in activities like these, as it was a great opportunity for friendships to be made.
We did not participate in many other District events, which have declined in number and quality since the District lost its Scout Section Leader Team. The night hike competition, in which we have almost always fielded a team fell victim to the foot and mouth crisis. We would have taken part in the Spring Bank Camp, but no Leaders were available to supervise the Scouts.
Both the remembrance day parade and St George’s Day parade were well attended. This April, Ashby (Hastings) had the honour of leading the parade and carrying the Union Flag. As usual, the Scouts excelled themselves and were smarter in appearance and on parade than many other Troops.
Troop nights have been as varied as usual. Evenings have included cooking, climbing, backwoods skills, games, visits to Waterworld, a back to front evening and hikes around the local area.
Summer Camp 2000 was held at Longridge Scout Boating Centre on the River Thames. This was an unusual destination for us but the Scouts all participated in many water activities and at the end of the week obtained their BCU one star canoeing award. The camp also included climbing, abseiling, hiking, camping on an island, kayaking, bellboating, kayaking and building a raft, which successfully ferried Scouts across, the water.
In October we again joined forces with 4th Ashby Scouts and, with the South Derbyshire Amateur Radio Club, took part in the Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet. This event saw the Scout HQ transformed with 100 foot aerials and great reels of wires etc. Some Scouts were actually awake from the start to finish of the weekend. The internet and moderated-chat facilities were well used throughout. It was our first attempt at such an event and the leaders of both troops felt that it was a big success, both in terms of the large number of participants and the countries reached, which included Russia, Iceland, Australia and America. Hopefully this event will feature in the coming year’s programme.
Our plans for the forthcoming year will be based around some key targets:
- Increase Membership to at least 36
- Increase the average number of nights camped to seven
- Ensure 50% of Scouts to move on to the next Progressive Award
- Recruit one new leader
- Support and develop the patrol system and strengthen the Patrol Leader’s Council
- Undertake a Chief Scout’s Challenge
- Participate in all District events for the Scout Section
We will also need to embrace the changes facing the movement as a whole, including the new uniform and the changes to the programme and age ranges.
We appreciate the support that the parents have given us during the year, despite the occasional hiccup. The views of the parents of the Scouts are taken very seriously and we always seek feedback. We hope that we will continue to receive it.
May I thank the efforts of my assistants Lol and Tom, and Ellie Salter and Stephen Armitage who helped until recently? I should also thank the Group Scout Leader and Committee for their assistance over the year.
Scout Leader
8th July 2001
Gradbach, August 1981
Although at short notice, we were able to go on Summer Camp at Gradbach near Buxton.
The group consisted of 8 Scouts, 3 Venture Scouts and yours truly. Having sorted all the gear out in advance we were able to load the van quickly on the morning of 15th August and got away about 9.30 a.m.
It was a bit chaotic when we arrived at the site but in half-an-hour we were loading our gear on to a dumper, tractor and trailer to be taken to our site.
We were pleased with the location and after we had erected one tent, we all changed out of uniform and got “stuck in” to the rest of the gear.
I think that we all pulled our weight and shared the work, not only on making camp but throughout the week.
The lads really enjoyed having plenty of space and throughout the week’s camp, they went out at night and played wide games.
One of our projects was to do some pioneering and after scouting around we found a spot down on the river where we could make an aerial runway. The Ventures, assisted by the Scouts, soon had one built and they all took turns on it.
Monday came and we hiked a couple of miles down the road to get on the mini bus we hired for the day. We travelled to the Blue John Mine where we walked down 200+ steps to the bottom, calling at stages to look at the blue coloured, semi-precious stone. Alas at the deepest point it was announced that there was not a lift so we climbed the 200+ steps back to the surface.
Next stop was Castleton where we visited the shops and later made our way back to Buxton for lunch.
It was a nice sunny day and we had a good afternoon in Buxton.
Tuesday I took the Ventures and one Scout up into the peaks where they started their summer expedition.
On returning to camp I sent the Scouts away on their hike which was routed down the side of the river. It was a hot day so I wasn’t surprised when they appeared two hours later, wet and full of stories of the natural swimming pool they’d found!!
That night the weather broke and we awoke to a wet and miserable morning. However, it wasn’t bad because we had a trip planned to Buxton. First stop was Poole’s Cavern where we saw more wonders of nature and not so many steps.
Next came the swimming baths, the lads really liked that and didn’t want to leave.
We arrived back to a wet and dismal camp site so we had tea and hit the sack. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the Ventures tho’, who were higher up and more exposed to the elements.
Morning came still wet and windy and we arose to find a tent (dining shelter) on the floor. The rain and wind eased up after dinner so we got busy on some badgework and tidied up the site.
Thursday I left the lads after dinner, and went to pick the Ventures up from Edale. I got there on time but I couldn’t see any sign of them.
Twenty minutes later Russell Langhorn the Scout who had gone on the hike with the Ventures staggered along. Apparently after 3 days of hiking, map reading and orienteering, they “got lost” two miles from home.
Away we went back to camp, more badgework and a visit from the local District Commissioner who seemed quite happy with the site and our general “set up”!
That night the Scouts all decided they wanted to bivouac which involves sleeping in the rough, in a survival bag. I wasn’t very popular when I insisted no sleeping bags, groundsheets, extra blankets etc but I was going to make sure they earned the pass mark.
Friday morning came ad off we went by min bus to Crich tram museum, only one thing wrong - it was closed on Friday so we opted for Ryber Castle Zoo. I have never seen so many cats, lynx goats and natural species of animals together before. They had a good collection of old motorbikes and cars too.
Down we went to Matlock for a look around and later called at Matlock Bath.
Back to camp and we started to pack up. We cooked some tea and shortly after the Ventures decided to grab Richard White and peg him down. Next came David White, Neil Spotswood and finally after much struggling, Russell Langhorn. Then on wnet the mud, eggs, lard, shaving foam and water plus jam.
I was busy taking a walk in the woods but when I returned they were cut loose and they got themselves cleaned up.
That night we had a bonfire and sang plenty of songs, everybody was in good spirits and I think they had all enjoyed the week.
I’m looking forward to the next.
Glynn Davies
(Scout Leader)
P.S.
3 Scouts completed their Advanced Standard
3 Scouts gained their Camp Cook Badges
and 1 Scout gained his Camper Badge.