The 1st Westbourne Scout Group is one of the oldest in Sussex, having been founded just after the first World War.
Did you know?
Astronaut Tim Peake works for the European Space Agency. He was brought up in Westbourne and was also a Scout here!
In 1920 Westbourne Scout Group had 16 Scouts, but within eight years this had grown to 25 Scouts, 20 Cubs and six Rovers. In those early days they met in the grounds of Deepsprings in Foxbury Lane. But at some stage, before the second world war, the group ceased to exist and women from the Auxiliary Transport Service were then billeted in what had been the scout hut.
It was not until 1951 that the group started again, with an appeal to the village for boys and volunteer helpers. This time the former rifle range next to the school at what is now the Westbourne Club was chosen as the most suitable meeting place, and a group was soon back in action.
Three years later the Westbourne Salvation Army formed its own wolf cub pack, which met in the Salvation Army hut on the site of what is now the Wellness Centre in Havant Road, as you leave the village towards Emsworth. The hut can be seen below.
Did you know?
When Westbourne Scouts went on their first camp after WW2, to Kingley Vale, the sleeping bags they used were Army surplus blankets made into sacks and held together with four-inch safety pins!
Although the Scout group thrived, with frequent camps and activities, it once again faded away at some date before being re-formed in 1964. The need for such a group was swiftly recognised. The following Summer’s camp was enjoyed by 35 Scouts and 22 Cubs, with many boys attending from outside Westbourne.
In the Autumn of 1965, Chichester Rural District Council agreed to make land off Mill Road available as a headquarters at a nominal yearly rent. Other offers of help flowed in from villagers, like cutting glass to size or providing windows, doors and electrical fittings. The new scout hut was in use by 1967, by which time a Venture Scout unit had also been formed.
Today’s group is thriving, with a waiting list and with the formation of a new Explorers section for senior Scouts. 1st Westbourne Scouts can be found at the Scout Hut, Akela Way, Mill Road, Westbourne PO10 8FF
Did you know?
Bear Grylls is now the Chief Scout and he promotes the benefits of scouting around the UK.
Beavers meet Mondays between 5:45 and 7:00 p.m.
Cubs meet Wednesday’s between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Scouts meet on Fridays 7:15 to 9:00 p.m.
- Find out more about Westbourne Scouts, Beavers and Cubs at their website – click here
- Live outside Westbourne? Find your nearest Chichester based Scout group – click here