History
 

Here are a few key dates of interest in the lengthy history of our Group.

30 November 1925

An inaugural meeting was held in the Church Hall of St. James' Church, Hampton Hill, attended by seven boys wishing to join. Mr C Abbot spoke of forming a Sea Scout Troop. The name 1st Hampton Hill (St James) Sea Scouts was chosen.

January 1926

Lt. Commander, the Hon. Marquis of Milford Haven accepted the Presidency of the Group. The Group met in the Hut within the church grounds.

March 1926

Four patrols were formed, consisting of 16 Scouts in all.

August 1927

Eight boys from 1st Hampton Hill were selected to represent Gt.Britain at the International Regatta. The first week was to be at Elsinore on board the Danish frigate, Jylland, and the second week in Copenhagen.

August 1928

Summer camp was held at Antwerp in Belgium.

1930 to 1960

The Group owned a barge called 'Clara' which was moored at Hampton alongside Thames Water Board land, and at that time regular meetings were held aboard.

1968

As the Group had no permanent Headquarters, Venture Scouts used to meet in the bedroom of the son of the Venture Scouts Leader, while Scouts met in the United Reform Church Hall, Hampton Hill, and Cubs met at Carlisle School, Broad Lane.

1971

A member of the Group attended the World Jamboree in Japan.

1975

Golden Jubilee Year. A service of commemoration/re-dedication was held at St. James' Church. An Open Day was held at Sunbury Court. The first edition of an annual newsletter was printed.

1976

Agreement was reached with the Scout Association and the County that Royal Naval Recognition be granted to the Group.

After discussions between Richmond Council and the local Girl Guide Commissioner, the Group built their Headquarters on land in front of the Guide Hut in Station Road. The building was officially opened on 25th September.

1977

On 12 October, the first Royal Naval Inspection took place, and the Group became known as 1st Hampton Hill (Achilles) Sea Scout Group.

1979

A member of the Venture Scout Unit attended the World Jamboree.

1980

Venture Scouts took part in Royal Garden Party duties at Buckingham Palace.

1981

Venture Scouts took part in royal duties at the Hyde Park firework display to celebrate the forthcoming marriage of HRH The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.

1985

The Beaver Unit was formed.

The main hall was named 'Whitehead Hall' after Ted Whitehead who for many years was an extremely active Chairman of the Group Committee.

2000

The 75th anniversary of the Group.

2005

The 80th anniversary of the Group.