4th Carrickfergus Scout Group

In the early 1960s the Troop kept a record of their meetings. They had 3 patrols, Woodpigeons, Peewits and Curlews. By January 1963 the Troop had increased
to 18. We can see from the record book that every week each patrol competed to gain points for attendance, presentation of uniform, and games. By April 1963
the total points awarded were Woodpigeons 298½, Peewits 288 and Curlews 284½. Unfortunately this is where the record book ends.

In 1977 our current and extremely enthusiastic Cub Leader Brian Patton joined the Group as ACSL. Brian wasn't from a Scouting background although you'd
never know. He became Akela in 1979. In 2005 he was presented with the Silver Acorn at a presentation dinner in Belfast Castle. Ian Boyd came from a Belfast
Troop to 4th Carrick as a Scout in 1975. The SL at that time was George Boyle. Mike Bradshaw was ASL with 1st Jordanstown before joining Robin Gray at 4th
Carrick as SL in the early 1980s. Their ASLs were Jonathan Cross, Mark Defleury, and Ian Boyd who became SL in 1983. Mike then took over the role of GSL
from Dean Herron.

I became involved in Scouting as a mum around 1989 when my twin sons joined Beavers under the leadership of Kate Gibney. It wasn't until my youngest son
joined Beavers in 1999 that I became a parent helper and secretary of the Group Executive Committee. Mike Bradshaw had been thinking of stepping down
from GSL for some time and in 2003 I took over from him as GSL. I'm proud to say that we have a very successful Group with membership this year of 96
including Leaders.

We also have a pool of parents who are always willing to assist with Scouting activities. Many thanks to all my Leaders and Parents for their continued support.

4th Carrickfergus Scout Group (St Nicholas)

Although I believe the group started back in the 1940s, the earliest
records I have acquired are the group accounts dating back to April
1956 when the group made an amazing £38-14s-6d from a jumble
sale! In November 1957 the Cubs visited a pantomime in the Grand
Opera House - total cost £15-10s - 5 shillings per seat! You might be
interested to know that in the Group Census as at 31 March 1966
membership stood at 49 including leaders and capitation was 5
shillings per head - a total of £12-5s. For those too young to
remember in 1971 one shilling was equivalent to 5p in decimal
currency!

We skip a few years to 1962 when the year commenced under
Scouter Billy Powers, and T Bunce received his Queen's Scout
award. Robert Kay took over as Scouter at the end of January with
Alex Powers, E Kay and J Morrow as his Assistants. Billy Powers
was Group Scout Master and Roy Skelton was Troop Leader over 12
Scouts. St George's Day in this year was to the Congregational
Church and guess what - it rained - heavily! Sound familiar?