Scout Group

Scouting began in Rolleston in 1933 under the leadership of Frederick Edward James and two assistant leaders G.A. Cherry and P. Brown. These meetings were held in St Mary’s Church Hall up until the second world war, when scouting in the village was disbanded. It was restarted in the 1950s.

However, the present 24th Burton/1st Rolleston was formed in 1960 under the leadership of Bernard Lakin and up until 1974 was still held in St Mary’s Church Hall. In 1972 enough money had been raised through events to buy the land that the present headquarters is built on and in 1974 the first portakabin was purchased. Rolleston Scout Group had its own headquarters at last.

In 1982 a new Group Scout Leader joined us, Michael Jacks. His influence and guidance has made Rolleston Scout Group what it is today, a flourishing and active group. Michael’s dream was to build a new Headquarters that would last a lifetime, giving the boys the best possible opportunities to gain wisdom and strength through their scouting activities.

By 1984 the portakabin had reached the end of its life and the Scout Group set about a series of fund raising activities to raise money for the new Headquarters. We set up a separate "Raise the Roof" Fund-raising Committee to raise funds for our new project. In 1986 the first turf was cut by Erl Thornewill and the foundation stone laid by Gwilym "Bill" Williams our then treasurer of twenty five years. It was hard work for all concerned during this time, but in 1989 our goal was achieved and HRH The Princess Royal graciously accepted the invitation to open the new Headquarters. What a great day that was for Rolleston Scout Group and for the village.

By the 1980s we had a full complement of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts as well as a full waiting list.

In 1977 the Group held its first Carnival with a fancy dress parade through the village and these have been very successful ever since. In 1993 we celebrated 60 years of Scouting in Rolleston and last year our theme for the Carnival was 1899.

1996 was a very sad year for us, Mick Jacks died and we miss him very much. However, the leaders were determined to carry on and under the guidance of Group Scout Leader June Webb they did a first class job, and are still doing so. Four of our leaders have long service medals and June achieved the Medal of honour for her services to Scouting. Before Mick died he was awarded the "Silver Acorn" which is one of the highest honours in the scouting world. We have dedicated the headquarters to Mick’s memory because he made it all possible and, on a happier note, we now welcome a new Group Scout Leader to take up his role, his son Graham, and we know he will serve the Group well and that it will go from strength to strength.

The headquarters also has a memorial garden at the side dedicated to one of our Queen’s Scouts, Mark Garrett who was tragically killed. Mark was a dedicated scout and a good leader who served the Group well.

Rolleston Scout Group hopes to go forward into the new Millennium with continued vigour and dedication to scouting; with the team we have, I have no doubt this will happen. We have a hard working Group, both in uniform and out, but we cannot do it without your support.

Rolleston Arts Festival commences with the Scout Carnival on May 14th 2000 - we know you will support us and we thank you for your encouragement over the years.

Margaret Smedley

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