A Century of Scouting in the Village (1926–Present)
Introduction
For nearly a century, Areley Kings Scout Group has played a central role in village life, offering generations of young people adventure, skills, friendship and a strong sense of belonging. From its beginnings in the 1920s through war, social change and into a new century, the Group has continually adapted while remaining true to the values of Scouting.
This history brings together written records, photographs and personal recollections to tell the story of Scouting in Areley Kings — not just as a sequence of dates, but as a lived experience shaped by people, place and community.
The Early Years: 1926–1929
Scouting in Areley Kings was officially formed on 3 October 1926. Early records show the Group began with around twelve Scouts, supported by committed local volunteers determined to bring Scouting to the village.
The Group’s first Scoutmaster was Mr Lloyd of Areley Hall, identified as Edmond Lloyd, who was aged 46 at the time of the Group’s formation. Early log books record him as preparing to be Scoutmaster before his formal appointment in February 1927, establishing the foundations of Scouting in Areley Kings.
Soon after the Group’s formation, Egbert John Coley became involved, first serving as Assistant Scoutmaster in 1926, before going on to become Cub and Scoutmaster from 1929. His involvement reflects the growing importance of Cubs during the Group’s formative years.
Meetings in these early years were held in shared village spaces, including church buildings. One early photograph shows a Scout emblem mounted above the doorway of the meeting place, marking the building’s use by the Group. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAIL
The Church House, Areley Kings - An early meeting place used by Areley Kings Scout Group.
Cubs, Growth and Organisation: The 1930s
The Cub Pack was formally established in 1929, initially with nine boys. A handwritten record from this period describes early Cub and Scout activities including camping, tent pitching, fire lighting and games. At this time, headquarters for Scouts and Cubs were listed as Astley Town.
As Scouting expanded nationally, local districts evolved. In 1931, Areley Kings Scouts became part of the Witley Scout District, later becoming the Stourport & Witley District as neighbouring communities were grouped together for administrative purposes.
These changes helped integrate Areley Kings Scouting into the wider movement while preserving its strong local identity.
Areley Kings Scouting During Wartime: The 1940s
Despite the challenges of the Second World War, Scouting continued in Areley Kings throughout the 1940s. Like many Scout Groups across the country, activities adapted to wartime conditions, placing greater emphasis on practical skills, resilience and service to the local community.
Uniforms from this period reflect both national shortages and the need for practicality. Areley Kings Scouts wore the standard khaki uniform of the era, paired with a distinctive bright yellow neckerchief. This necker dated from the Group’s early years and reflected its founding links with the Lloyd family of Areley Hall, under whose patronage the Group was established.
The yellow colour is understood to reference the heraldic gold (Or) of the Lloyd family’s coat of arms, a common practice among Scout Groups founded with the support of local gentry.
During the wartime years, when uniform standardisation was less rigid, the yellow necker became an important marker of continuity and identity. Its continued use today preserves a visible connection to the Group’s origins and local heritage. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAIL
Wartime Scout uniform, with the yellow necker that became closely associated with the Group.
Community, Camps and International Links: The 1950s–1960s
For many boys growing up in Areley Kings during the 1950s and 1960s, Scouting was a central part of weekly life.
Meetings were simple and practical, often held in shared village spaces with limited equipment. Uniforms were worn with pride, badges were earned through effort, and learning came through doing rather than instruction.
Membership records confirm active Scouting in November 1958, when Clive Huntbatch was serving as Scoutmaster.
Photographs, membership cards and handbooks from this period — many shared by David Barlow — provide a vivid insight into everyday Scouting at the time. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAIL
Areley Kings Scout membership records & handbooks, 1950s
Camps & Events
Camps were highlights of the Scouting calendar. One notable event was the 1956 Howleree at Ombersley (Sandys Estate), held to celebrate 40 years of Cub Scouting. A photograph from this event shows Areley Kings Cubs with Joy Arrowsmith serving as Akela.
Areley Kings Cubs at the 1956 Howleree
International Friendship
Areley Kings Scouting’s international spirit is captured in a 1957 photograph showing David Barlow and his brother John with Belgian Scouts, following the World Scout Jamboree held at Sutton Park. The image reflects how even a village Scout Group was connected to the global Scout Movement.
David Barlow and his brother with Belgian Scouts, 1957
Gang Shows and Village Life
Scouting in Areley Kings was closely woven into village life. Beyond weekly meetings and camps, Scouts took part in Gang Shows, performances and fundraising events held at the Parish Rooms.
A surviving 1956 Gang Show programme, along with later photographs — including a large 1975 Gang Show cast image — show Scouts and Guides performing together, helping to raise funds, build confidence and strengthen community bonds.
From Barns to a Permanent Home: The 1970s
For many years, Scouting in Areley Kings took place in temporary or shared spaces, including barns, church buildings and parish rooms. Equipment had to be set up and packed away each week.
During the mid-1970s, the Group secured land at the rear of Areley Kings Recreation Ground to establish a permanent Scout Hut. A formal lease for the site began in 1976, enabling the Group to create a long-term home for the first time.
Having a dedicated space brought stability, room to grow and a stronger sense of identity for the Group. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAIL
The evolution of Areley Kings Scout meeting places, from early barns to the permanent Scout Hut
New Sections and Change: The 1980s–1990s
In 1986, Beaver Scouts were introduced, welcoming younger children aged 6–8 and expanding the Scouting pathway in Areley Kings. Early photographs show Beavers wearing the original grey uniform of the section.
In 1992, Astley Cross Scout Group amalgamated with Areley Kings Scout Group, strengthening Scouting locally. Following the amalgamation, a container store was added to the rear of the Scout Hut to support increased equipment and activities. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAIL
Archival Records and Confirmation
Although some early registration documents have not survived, archival records held by The Scouts provide independent confirmation of Areley Kings Scout Group’s early existence and continuity. Mentions in The Scouter magazine show warrants issued to leaders of Areley Kings Scout Group in 1927, with further warrants recorded in 1929, con
Although some early registration documents have not survived, archival records held by The Scouts provide independent confirmation of Areley Kings Scout Group’s early existence and continuity. Mentions in The Scouter magazine show warrants issued to leaders of Areley Kings Scout Group in 1927, with further warrants recorded in 1929, confirming active leadership during the Group’s formative years. District records also list Areley Kings as part of the original Witley Scout District in 1931.
A surviving District Record Card covering the period 1947 to 1983 shows continuous Scouting activity in Areley Kings, recording the presence of Cubs, Scouts and later sections over several decades. While some pre-war records were lost during the Second World War, these documents provide strong evidence of the Group’s long-standing place within the Scout Movement.
This official material is complemented by extensive local research undertaken by the Areley Kings Historic Society, whose members carefully examined decades of Areley Kings Parish Magazines to identify and transcribe references to the Scout Troop and Cub Pack. These contemporary parish records provide valuable insight into the Group’s everyday life — including meetings, camps, fundraising events, buildings and community support — and help to fill gaps where formal Scout records are incomplete or no longer survive.
Together, these national Scout archives and local parish records provide a well-supported and reliable picture of the development and continuity of Scouting in Areley Kings across the twentieth century.
Betty Webb — A Lasting Influence
Betty Webb played a highly significant role in Scouting both locally in Areley Kings and across the county.
Her encouragement and support helped bring new leaders into the Group, including Alan Guest, whose involvement began through her during the 1970s. Beyond the local Group, she went on to become the first female District Commissioner
Betty Webb played a highly significant role in Scouting both locally in Areley Kings and across the county.
Her encouragement and support helped bring new leaders into the Group, including Alan Guest, whose involvement began through her during the 1970s. Beyond the local Group, she went on to become the first female District Commissioner for Scouts in the county, marking an important milestone in Scouting leadership.
Those who knew her remember her with great affection — widely described as kind, supportive and deeply committed to Scouting and the people around her.
A Letter from Baden-Powell
A Letter from Baden-Powell
Among the Group’s historic records is a letter from Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement.
Such correspondence was highly valued by early Scout Groups, offering encouragement and reinforcing shared ideals at a time when Scouting was still developing. The letter provides a rare and tangible link between Areley Kings Scout Group and the origins of Scouting itself.