Friary Scout Group

Friary Group – A Potted History

The 3rd West Bridgford (Friary) Scout Group was founded in 1927 by the late Frank Stafford with 12 boys and 2 leaders. Based at Friary Church Hall it was then, and remains to this day, open to boys (and, in more recent years, girls) of every faith and culture.

Two years later, in 1929, the Cub Pack was formed and the next 50 years saw the addition of Senior Scouts and Rovers (later consolidated into Venture Scouts) and by 1984 with the newly conceived Beaver Scout Section we had a thriving Group over 120 strong and catering for young people of all ages from 6 to 20.

In 2002 changes in the structure of the Scout Association transferred all our 14+ year old members from Friary Group membership to a newly formed West Bridgford District operated Explorer Scout Unit – a body with which the Group maintains close ties receiving support from many of our former members as young leaders and helpers.

Since 1980 the Group has had the exclusive use of our Headquarters at Friary Hall, leased to us by Friary Church on a long term and continuing lease providing a base for our activities and storage for our extensive sporting, camping and general equipment.

In 1968 the Group was invited by a Danish Group to participate in a mini-jamboree together with Groups from Belgium and Norway, camping in Jutland and then moving on to a week of home hospitality in Copenhagen. This led to the formation of our “Friendship Groups” and for the past 40 years we have met up every third year in Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the U.K. Our last hosting to 200 participants was held in Wales in 2001; since which we have again visited Denmark and Belgium. Sadly, for the first time in 42 years, the Norwegian Group is unable to meet its hospitality slot in 2010, but the Explorer Unit who have participated in the Jambo's in recent years are hoping to arrange an alternative hosting in the U.K. in 2010.

The administration and organisation of the Friary Group is, in accordance with Scout Association rules, in two parts. The Section Leaders and their assistants work together under the overall leadership of the Group Scout Leader. They are directly responsible for all aspects of the activities, welfare and safety of the children. They in turn are under the general direction of the Rushcliffe District Scout Association who oversee the vetting, appointment and training of leaders. Running parallel with the leadership team is the Group Executive Committee which body is responsible for the business administration of the Group dealing with all financial matters, premises, equipment, insurance and compliance with Charity Commission regulations.

The Group receives no financial support whatsoever from any Governmental or other outside body. All our leaders and Group Officers are volunteers – there are no salaries, expense accounts or second homes! The whole of our outgoings – rent, maintenance and general running costs of the premises, replacement of equipment, insurances, membership subscriptions to the Scout Association – are covered by our members' subscriptions and such fund raising efforts as are made on a continuing basis (the 200 Club) and from time to time special efforts such as Supermarket bag packing, Fairs, Bazaars and the like.

As the Group enters its 83rd year we look forward with a new team of Leaders to the celebration of our Centenary in 2027.

Many Thanks to Bob Robinson for his input on this article.

Friary Scout Group 2009