Our Story & History – 75 Years of Scouting in Allerton

Our Story So Far

Since 1951, Allerton Scouts have brought adventure, friendship, and life skills to children across Grassendale, L19, and beyond From campfire songs to service projects, our history is a story of growth, teamwork, and lasting community ties.

Every great adventure has a beginning, and the 25th Allerton Scout Group is full of proud moments, friendly faces and years of memories made together.

This is where you can explore the roots of our group. From our very first meetings to the camps, challenges and community projects that helped shape who we are today, it's a story built on teamwork, kindness and a love of adventure.

We’ve come a long way, growing with every campfire, badge and smile. And while we’re proud of our past, we’re just as excited about what’s still to come.

Come take a look back with us and see how it all began.

How It All Began

Every Scout group has a beginning — and ours started with heart, vision and a little bit of magic in 1951.

Rev. Eric Clarkson, a keen Scouter and Chaplain for the Liverpool Scout County, had just arrived at St Mary’s, Grassendale. Seeing the need for something special for local boys, he gathered a small team of committed volunteers — and the 25th Allerton Scout Group was born.

Among them were:

Ron Cutler, our very first Scout Master
Gordon Savin, Assistant Scout Master and the steady hand behind many of our early milestones
Peter Quine, who brought his experience to the Cubs
Brenda Bushnell, who took on the role of Cub Instructor

It wasn’t about uniforms or ceremonies back then — it was about giving young people a chance to explore, belong and grow. That spirit lives on in everything we do today.

1951

Founding Leader

One of the original founding leaders was Rev Eric Clarkson who helped start the club in 1951.

He was the Group Scout Master of the 25th Allerton from 1952- 1954.

1952 – Our First Big Year

Just one year in, and the group was already thriving. By September 1952, we had 25 Scouts and 35 Cubs, and celebrated our first birthday with typical Scout spirit.

That same year brought our first ever camp, held at Corwen, shared with St John’s, Birkenhead. It was a memorable start to what would become a long-standing tradition of camping adventures.

Support from families played a huge part in these early days. A Parents’ Committee quickly formed, helping fundraise for new camping gear and musical instruments. We were even lucky enough to have Jimmy Bispham from the Liverpool Police Band join in and lend his musical talents.

1952

Liverpool Daily Post 29th September 1952

The 25th Allerton guard of honour was inspected by Ven H. S Wilkinson and Rev E. G Clarkson.

The Start of Something Special

Around 1953, the group held one of its very first rummage sales — a simple affair with a few tables, donated odds and ends, and plenty of homemade cake and conversation.

It may have seemed modest at the time, but it sparked something wonderful. That early sale became the beginning of a much-loved tradition, one that brought people together year after year.

Raising funds, building friendships, and filling the hall with laughter and local support, it proved that with a little effort and a lot of community spirit, great things can grow from humble beginnings.

1953

Changes and Continuity

In 1954, Rev. Clarkson moved on to a new parish. Leadership passed to Mr. E. L. Day, who became Group Scout Master, while Gordon Savin stepped into the role of Scout Master.

Even with these changes, the group’s energy never dipped. New members continued to join, new leaders stepped forward, and the 25th Allerton kept moving with purpose and pride.

1954

1959 – Laying the First Stone

As the group grew, so did our dreams — and none bigger than having a headquarters of our own.

On 18th July 1959, the foundation stone of our new hut was laid by The Bishop of Warrington, Rt. Rev. Charles Claxton. The site, secured with the help of the Diocese, sat just behind the church hall and would soon become a vital part of 25th Allerton life.

The build itself was a true team effort. Led by Gordon Savin, it brought together Scouts, parents, committee members and friends of the group. Over 555 hours were volunteered — a remarkable testament to the spirit of the community.

Gordon kept detailed records, right down to the suppliers, materials used, and even the three hours spent sheeting the vestibule on 7th December 1959. It was practical work, but full of pride and purpose.

Liverpool Echo November 12th 1959

1959

A note worthy note

Thanks to the meticulous notes kept by Gordon Savin, the Group Scout Leader at the time, we know exactly what went into this remarkable effort. The hut was built by the parents of Cubs and Scouts, members of the Group Committee, and friends of the group — a real community coming together to make something lasting.

In total, they gave an incredible 555 hours of their time to bring the project to life.

Gordon’s records include it all — from the names of contractors and suppliers to the quantities of wood and cement used. We even know that on 7th December 1959, three full hours were spent sheeting up the office and vestibule.

It was more than just bricks and timber. It was hands-on, heartfelt work that helped build not just a meeting space, but memories and friendships that have lasted for generations. That same spirit still lives on in everything we do today.

1961 – A Home of Our Own

By May 1961, the new Scout hut was ready and it opened its doors to a new era.

This was more than a meeting space. It was the heart of the group. The main hall, which formed the original building, gave us room to meet, learn, play and prepare for our next adventures. It stood as a symbol of what could be achieved when everyone pulled together.

Many of those who helped build it continued to serve as leaders, instructors and supporters. It truly belonged to all of us.

1961

A Changing Time

The Advance Party Report brought changes across Scouting — including uniform updates and the launch of a new section for older members.

The Venture Scout Section was introduced for boys over 16, creating new opportunities and responsibilities. These changes were embraced at 25th Allerton, where older Scouts were already keen to take on more leadership and independence.

1966

Off to Omagh — A Flight to Remember

In an exciting adventure that took to the skies, fifteen Scouts from the 25th Allerton (St Mary’s, Grassendale) Scout Group set off from Liverpool Airport one morning — destination: Lisanelly Barracks, Omagh, Northern Ireland.

They travelled aboard a Viscount aircraft, heading for a week-long stay as guests of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. The trip was made possible thanks to Rev P. E. Warburton, the Curate of St Mary’s at the time, who had formerly served as a captain in the Dragoon Guards.

Leading the group was Scoutmaster Mr John Bedford, pictured on the left of the back row, while Mr C. G. Savin, Group Scout Leader, stood proudly on the right — camera in hand, capturing the moment for the group’s photo album.

It was a journey full of excitement, new friendships and experiences to last a lifetime — a shining example of the opportunities Scouting has always opened up for young people.

Liverpool Echo July 25th 1967

1967

The Return to Omagh

A second visit to Omagh followed in 1968, continuing the relationship with the Dragoon Guards and reinforcing the group's growing confidence in travel, outdoor learning, and international friendships.

1968

Lake District Camp

In 1969, the Scouts headed to Limefitt Park in the Lake District for their annual summer camp. This time, with Gordon Savin recovering from illness, leadership was shared with Bill Wood of the 20th Allerton — another example of local groups supporting one another when it matters most.

1969

Former Scouts Return

By 1971, a new chapter had begun — the return of former Scouts as leaders.

Malcolm Blinston, Brian Hayes, and Stephen Sheil all gained their A.S.L. permits and returned to help lead the next generation. It marked the beginning of a wonderful “full circle” moment for the group — a passing of experience, encouragement and enthusiasm.

1971

21 Years of Scouting

As the group turned 21, there was so much to celebrate and be proud of. With the sons of early Scouts beginning to join the Cubs, a new generation of Allerton Scouting had already begun.

Plans for an extension to the Scout hut had been drawn up in 1968 and this was the year it was going to finally happen.

1972

Champions of the District

As reported in the Liverpool Echo on 6th July 1972, it was a proud moment for our young athletes — the 25th Allerton Cub Scout football team were crowned District League Trophy winners!

With determination, teamwork and a whole lot of muddy boots, our Cub Scout XI brought the trophy home, showing that spirit and sportsmanship go hand in hand.

And while the paper also featured a mention of Graham Cannell of 25th Birkenhead earning the Chief Scout’s Award (well done, Graham!), we like to think the 25th Allerton Cubs stole the spotlight that week — and rightfully so!

Liverpool Echo July 6th 1972

Celebrating 21 Years — A Moment of Pride

In a weekend filled with pride and reflection, the 25th Allerton Scout Group celebrated 21 years of Scouting adventures by unveiling a brand new £1,200 extension to their headquarters.

The occasion began with a church service of rededication at St Mary’s Church, Grassendale, where Scouts, leaders, families and friends gathered to give thanks for everything the group had achieved since its founding in 1951.

The new extension was officially opened by Mr Frank Williams, Allerton Scout District Commissioner, marking not just the growth of the building but the growth of a group that had spent two decades inspiring young people to learn, lead and give back.

It was more than a ceremony. It was a heartfelt celebration of community, belonging and the many hands that had helped shape 25th Allerton into something truly special.

Liverpool Echo 23rd September 1972

A Tradition Takes Root

Twenty years later, the rummage sale had become more than just a fundraiser — it was a well-loved part of local life.

What began as a few tables in the early '50s had grown into something special. It brought people through the doors, supported our Scouts, and showed just how powerful community spirit could be when everyone pulls together.

Liverpool Echo April 10th 1973

1973

Necker and Necker on the Moors

In 1974, the 25th Allerton Venture Scouts took part in the Liverpool County Venture Challenge — a tough overnight test of skill, stamina and teamwork across the Derbyshire Moors.

It was a close-run thing. In fact, it couldn’t have been much closer. According to the final scores, 3rd Allerton were declared the winners, just ahead of 25th Allerton — by a single point. Or maybe not...

3rd Allerton – 318 points
25th Allerton – 319 points (runners-up?)
3rd Wavertree – 294 points

Quite how 319 points became second place, we’re not entirely sure — but it certainly made for a good story! What we do know is that our Venture Scouts gave it everything, working together with determination, grit and plenty of good humour.

And whether they were officially second or quietly first, they did us proud.

Liverpool Echo April 11th 1974

1974

Liverpool Echo October 17th 1980

That Must Have Been Some Rummage

By 1980, our humble rummage sale had taken on a life of its own.

What began in 1953 as a few tables had grown into something far more popular. So much so, we were now charging an entrance fee although 5p today seems cheap.

1980

A new chapter began for 25th Allerton with the arrival of the Beaver Scouts — and with it, the first ever investiture of our Beaver leaders.

Jane “Ahmeek” Leadbetter and Ian “Tarka” Leadbetter proudly took their place as the very first leaders of the Beaver section, ready to guide the youngest members of our Scouting family on their first adventures.

Not long after, the very first Beaver Scout investitures took place — a moment filled with excitement, wide smiles and the promise of many new experiences ahead.

It was the start of something special, giving children their very first taste of the friendship, skills and fun that Scouting has to offer.

1991

...

From Allerton to Filey

We’ve proudly twinned with 1st Filey Scout Group, where our founding leader Rev. Eric Clarkson once served. The group is back after 20 years, and we’re sharing in their exciting new chapter together — read the full story.