This place was a big part of my childhood. This is the location of 5th Ormskirk Scout Group, linked to the Parish Curch, hidden next to the graveyard from all but those in the know. I attended Cubs from age 8, then Scouts when I was 10½ before helping as a Leader up until I went to University.
The 5th didn’t have a Venture unit so I joined 9th Ormskirk (Christ Church, Aughton) and coming back to Ormskirk after University, a few of us started up an Explorer Unit in Parbold but the 5th is where my heart will always be.
It was sad to see 5th Ormskirk close ten years ago but changing populations in the town made it near impossible for three groups to survive and prosper. A few weeks ago, the building having stood empty for years was finally demolished.
It was strange going back to see the space where the hut once stood but this isn’t a time to look back with regret, as Lord Baden Powell once said:
Scouting is a movement because it keeps on moving forward.
If it stops moving it becomes an organisation and is no longer scouting!
Elsewhere in the District things certainly are moving forward. By the summer there will be a fantastic new Scout and Guide headquarters in Parbold. Plans for a new District Headquarters are under-way in Lathom. Nationally, the number of young people enjoying Scouting is growing.
So here’s to 5th Ormskirk – gone home but not forgotten.
Pingback: links for 2010-03-27 « Michael Nolan
The hut once looked a bit smarter: http://tinyurl.com/yk7qcdc
Many happy memories I hope for a lot of people. A large part of my family’s life for many years but times change. Scouting is still being delivered across Ormskirk district at several purpose built HQs and this can only be good for the movement and the way forward for Scouting.
Maybe sad to see it go but the building was past its “sell by” date. It was an ex RAF hut (I think) moved here sometime after the end of WWII.
Its official name was “Roscoe Hall”, after a long-serving Group Scout Leader, well before my time.
What does the chrurch paln to do with this plot? Houses? Car park? I shall watch for the planning application…
Supposedly the hut was purchased at auction from Fazakerley Barracks in around 1961 (was this the Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley?). It was moved by lorry and erected on the prepared site by voluntary labour – leaders and parents! It was officially opened at the beginning of 1962.
After leaving military service, the “temporary building” gave good use for a further 40 years, and was then unoccupied for 7 years before demolition. Total lifespan approx 70 years. They don’t make ‘em like that any more!
Always a shame to see any groups go, no matter what district. Its like losing a limb!!
I was with the 1st as a scout, and have now find myslef as the Scout Leader for the 56th for my sins lol.
I always remember the 5th as a very well presented Troop, i remember you guys all had a proper scout belt and pants on parade, and i was the only one in my troop to have a proper scout belt as my Father passed his down to me.
Such a shame to see it go!
YIS
Steve
Cool images. I was never in scouts as a kid. :/
I was more of a Boys Brigader than a Scouter, but same kind of thing. Anyway, sad to see the old building go – kind of takes a bit of your childhood away!!