7^th Teddington (St. Mark’s) Scout Group

On 1^st June 1934, 7^th Teddington Scout Group was registered under the sponsorship of St. Mark’s Church, South Teddington, and since then there have been many changes.

During the Second World War the Group was held together by Miss Morrish the Cub Mistress. She remained the Cub Leader until 1968 just before the “Advance Party Report” on restructuring the Scout Movement.

Rob Wood was Scout Master at this time but he also retired and went on to serve on the District Executive committee.

This was the beginning of a major change in the Group.  Harry Boulton stood down as Group Scout Master and became the Group Treasurer.  Dick Grantham (Mr. G) moved from Group Treasurer to the new post of Group Scout Leader, which was a uniformed position.  The Group also acquired a new Scout Leader and Assistant Scout Leader.  Chris Coulston and Graham Joyce were transferred from 2^nd Whitton Senior Air Scout Section to 7^th Teddington.  As the uniform was changing from khaki shorts and short sleeved shirts to trousers and long sleeved shirts, Chris and Graham proposed that we changed to air scouts.  This was agreed and in 1969 7^th Teddington became an Air Scout Group.

Ten years later we applied for R.A.F. Recognition.  In April 1979 we had our first inspection and were approved for R.A.F. Recognition.  We have held the R.A.F. Recognition for 30 years.

In 1976 we started our own Air Venture Scout Unit which later became a Mixed Air Venture Scout Unit.  This continued until 2003 when Explorer Scout Units replaced the Venture Scout Section.  In 2004 we opened our own specialised Air Explorer Scout Unit, known as Shackleton.  This covers the District requirement of units being named after explorers but also keeps our affinity with the air and aircraft.

In 1984 we started our own Beaver Scout Colony.  This was a fairly new section for 6 to 8 year olds but they were not considered full members of the Scout Movement and were not allowed to parade or work for badges. 

This has now changed and Beaver Scouts are full members of the Scout Movement, working towards badges and making a promise like the other sections.  The main difference is that they are not allowed to camp.

After 75 years and all the changes, we are proud of our involvement with St. Mark’s Church and grateful for their continued sponsorship.