Shotley Scout History

The scout group has been running since 1962 over this time a lot has happend below is a history of the group that was written by Brian Ives.

A History of the 1st Shotley Scout Group
Ted & Eve Clarry

By Brian Ives

The 1st Shotley Scout Group was formed in 1962 following Archdeacon Browne becoming Rector of Shotley in 1956.  He came with his wife who was wheelchair bound. The Rectory was on the corner of Erwarton Walk, near the main road (now Erwarton Hall Farm).

Despite being close to retirement and having to care for Mrs. Browne, the Archdeacon was keen to provide the village with more activities and amenities. With the help of 'Ted and Eva Clarry', the '1st Shotley Scout Group' was formed. Ted was the Boy Scout Leader (Skip) and Eva (Akela) was the Wolf Cub Leader. The Scout Group met at the Rectory stables for 2-3 years.

In 1964, 2 years after they were formed, two Naval Staff (who had been Scouts themselves from elsewhere) from 'HMS Ganges' came to visit the group: the Group then became officially known as the '1st Shotley Sea Scout Group'. The Sea Scout Group at the behest of the HMS Ganges Commandant moved on to 'HMS Ganges' and into their medical centre and the 1st were there for a number of years. Summer camps were held on site, the professional instructors helped, and equipment was also borrowed for free. All too soon the Draw down of HMS Ganges was announced.

[In 1967 the Scout Association dropped the Title ‘Boy' from the Scouts and ‘Wolf' from the Cubs.]

Archdeacon Browne was then inspired to seek the building of an extension onto the then village hall where later, the 1st Shotley Sea Scout Group had their meetings.

Ted and Eva worked at the 'HMS Ganges Royal Naval Training Establishment', Ted in the boiler room and Eva was a seamstress. They were involved with the group until their retirement. The Clarry's were also in a band which entertained around Suffolk and at HMS Ganges, they became the orchestra for the Ipswich Gang Show, an entertainment review which consisted of originally “Boy Scouts” and later included Girl Guides. Its heyday was during the 60's, 70's, and early 80's, funnily enough when Ted & Eva were involved.

The Scout Group moved to the new village hall in the 90's under new leadership where it flourished as a complete entity for many years. The 00's saw the loss of the Sea Scout title and a big reduction in the number of scouts at the same time, the Cub pack and the Beaver colony both flourished but unfortunately due to various reasons the Scout Troop was suspended until new leaders could be found.

The Cub's and Beaver's continued to flourish under the leadership of Sarah (Akela), Heather (Baloo) with the Cubs and Steve and Natasha with the Beavers all under the Guidance of Jane the New Group Scout Leader.

The Group is always looking for willing volunteers to become Leaders and helpers, there are various roles to take up, for example helping section leaders, craft work, camping, and much much more. The group is here to provide above all else fun for the children of the villages in the area.

If you wish to help, contact any of the leaders who will put you in contact with the Group Scout Leader.

The 1st Shotley are now celebrating '5o years' thanks to Arch-Deacon Browne, Ted and Eva and all those who helped set up the Scout Group.