Rob Jackson: Springfield Scout Hut

26 August 2021: Springfield Scout Hut

Today’s talk by Rob Jackson was billed as being about the Springfield Scout Hut. He spoke also about his own involvement with Scouting and with the 2nd Chelmsford (Springfield) Scout Group.

His links with Scouting go back to his own childhood, when he was enrolled into his local Cub pack. He moved into the Scouts proper when he was old enough. From there he graduated to what was then called Venture Scouts but is now called Explorers. It was when he became a Venture Scout that he encountered girls in Scouting for the first time, girls having been permitted to become Scouts from 1976 onwards.

After he left Venture Scouts his connection with Scouting ceased until his own sons became Cubs. On one of occasions when he took them to a Cub meeting the leader asked him whether he would be prepared to become Chair of the 2nd Chelmsford Scout Group. He agreed.

The Group is a registered charity. It does not get directly involved in the day-to-day operations but is responsible for the “plant and equipment”. This includes the Springfield Scout Hut, built in the 1960s. [He circulated photographs of the outside and inside of the hut. The inside still has the Jungle Book mural I remember from the time our own son went there in the 1980s. Webmaster] In normal times it is used each week by about 200 Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10) and Scouts (10-14) and 30 volunteer leaders and helpers. The Explorers bring the number of weekly users up to around 300. There is a waiting list to join.

Unfortunately the roof now needs repair. This will be expensive as it contains asbestos. The Scout Group is currently raising the necessary funds and Rob thanked us for the donation the Club made for this purpose.

He was asked how it was the Scout Group had a waiting list when other organisations were finding it difficult to recruit new members. He put it down to two factors:

1. The activities that are offered, such as abseiling, and the opportunities it gives. For example, it is almost impossible these days to camp somewhere where you are allowed to light fires but Scout Groups can organise camps where this is possible. The 2nd Chelmsford Scout Group has its own camping site near Danbury.
2. The effectiveness of the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, as a promoter of Scouts.