Normanby Methodist Boy Scouts
. . . . by Colin Stewart   sent 19th May 2021

Hello,
   I recently saw some mention of the scout group that I was in from quite early on.
   I was born in Lambton Street and attended the chapel on Sundays (not voluntarily) before being old enough to join the scouts.
   Some great memories - Colin Brown was great as was George Clarke (a fireman?) who helped a lot.    We had some great times like a week-end at Commondale - getting the train from Ormesby and then a handcart for the gear from the station to the campsite.    We had mainly wet annual camps at Redmire, Rievaux and Ampleforth.    We had a great week-end at the Hovingham Jamboree, when we had a recreation of the 'gang show' with all the songs!
   I have a lasting memory of travelling home one Saturday in 1966 listening to the World Cup final in the back of a removal wagon going down Bilsdale. I can remember cooking over wood fires and sleeping in ex-army bell tents!
   We were all encouraged to achieve badges and this sometimes entailed a tram down to South Bank for some of the tests.
   George Walsh was the district commissioner and occasionally inspected the evening activities up Cleveland Street.
   It's hard to imagine that to achieve the first class award a hike plus camping was needed.   I remember 2 of us walked from Loftus to Castleton, a night on the moors, then walking back via Kildale to Ayton, and filling a book of observations on the way!
   At the grammar school there was another scout group and I can sort of remember seeing Arnie Harker in shorts occasionally.    Despite being a pupil there my allegiance stayed with Ist Normanby.
   Colins Brown's father 'Mucka' was always more interested in asking about my dad's Pigeons than my scouting, and his brothers keen on cricket, didn't get too involved in Baden Powells teachings as far as I can remember!
Best Regards,
       ----------  Colin Stewart ---------
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WebMaster (25 October 2021):
   Thanks for that Message Colin - good memories!
   There must be many with memories of the boy scouts - so with your message - I've set up an Article 'Memories of Normanby Methodist Boy Scouts' to form the basis for contributions from our readers.
   From our archive of photos I have found some relevant images which are also displayed there.   A newspaper article includes the name C.Stewart !    I hope that you can answer some of the queries set in our Article ?
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