Stories
Cub Scouts
Dyb, Dyb, Dyb!
On 31 July 1959 Mum became a founder member of the 21st Woolwich Cub Scout Pack based in the Cage Lane Evangelical Church at the junction of Lakedale Road and Brewery Road in Plumstead. She started as a helper, and on 3 July 1962 she became the pack leader (Akela) and continued this until 17 Aug 1972, when the Pack was disbanded. She was then offered the post of District Cub Leader, which would have involved inspection visits to the other packs in the District. After much thought,Mum decided to turn down the offer, partly because it would have meant being out nearly every night and partly because she thought that there were others who were better qualified. The District Organisation was very disappointed and even issued a warrent card in case she changed her mind - see second photo below.
The Church Parade photograph was taken as the pack passed the steps of the Woolwich Town Hall in Wellington Street, from where the salute was taken by the District Scout Leader, who I think was Bob Beaman, and the Mayor. The church service was held at the Woolwich Tabernacle in Beresford Square. The Tabernacle has been demolished. The Girl Guide in the photo, who helped Mum run the Pack, is Julia Day. She and Mum still exchange Christmas Cards.
There were monthly church services at Cage Lane and the Cubs and Scouts would march round Plumstead first, something which I took part in myself. Left, Left, Left Right Left, and so on.
Gran made the scarves for the Cubs and the Scouts.
