Morecambe Guardian 10 November 1953:-
When County Commissioner Mr. J. D. Drummond presented six Queen’s Scout badges to the 5th Morecambe Troop on Friday evening he commented, “I have travelled all over the county and I have sometimes presented five badges to a troop but this is the first time that I have presented six.”
The presentations marked the start of a new era for the troop. Until two years ago they occupied the St. John’s Parochial Hall. Denied the use of that through circumstances beyond their control, they were left without a meeting place.
A Girl Guide hut on Lordsome Road served them xxx (illegible) but it was obvious that it was not the answer to their problem.
Something had to be done and the troop set about doing it.
The Group Committee, composed of parents and interested friends, looked at the funds which then amounted to £16, and decided that was definitely not enough to set the scouts up with a new HQ.
RAISED £477.
Throughout two years of toil they worked in every way they knew to raise money. The efforts raised £477, an astounding figure for such a small body.
They bought two old Army huts and these were erected in Fairfield Road. Builders erected the outside shell and the cubs, scouts and senior scouts went to work on the interior.
The fruits of their labour was evident on Friday evening and the County Commissioner, complimented them on their work, and the proud parents watched their boys receiving the most coveted honour in scouting, in their new home.
Welcoming the guests, the Group Scout Master , Mr. G. Colwill paid tribute to the work done by his boys, in particular Brian Grey and and Jack Bell, who he said “carried the troop on their shoulders ” during its two most trying years.
The Assistant District Commissioner, Mr. T. S. Watson, xxx (illegible) paid tribute to the boys of the 5th and added, “I think the award of the Queen’s Badge is the finest thing that can happen to a boy.”
A clock handed to Mrs. Colwill on behalf of the scout’s, inscribed “To Joan, for letting Skip have all this time off, ” raised a big laugh, was a surprise gift.
Hard working officials of the Group Committee are Mr. Fred Woods (chairman), the two Mesdames Wilson (secretaries) and Mr. C. Crewdsome (treasurer).
The six scouts who received the Queen’s Badge were Eddie Harrison, Dickie Brown, Colin Whittaker, Paul Grey, Ivan Limmer and Mike Elvin.
