About Us
Welcome to the 2nd/7th Welwyn Garden City Scout Group. The group has been in existence for over 20 years and is based in the heart of Welwyn Garden City.
We draw members in from the immediate surrounding area and beyond. Our aim is to provide our members with as many memorable experiences as possible and to help them to learn many #SkillsforLife. The group was formed on 1st January 2000 through the amalgamation of the 2nd WGC and the 7th WGC (St. Boneventures).
2nd Welwyn Garden City (1st Hatfield Hyde)
It is recorded that there was a Scout Troop at Hatfield Hyde between 1923 and 1931 meeting close to the site of the QEII hospital. The group was re-registered as 2nd Welwyn Garden City in 1932 with an additional Cub Pack starting the year after. The group met at Hollybush Lane next to St Mary Magdelene Church. In 1964 the group took part in the National Scout Car Races. Maurice Baker was a prominent Leader taking the Scout Troop and Hatfield Hyde District Venture Unit to the Outer Hebrides in 1976 and 1980 and the Lochearnhead Scout station for expeditions and working parties. The Venture Unit was eventually incorporated into the group in 1982 before the group amalgamated with the 7th WGC on 1st January 2000.
7th Welwyn Garden City (St Bonaventure’s) – (Our Lady Queen of Apostles)
The group was first formed in 1938 as a closed Catholic Group and met at St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Church in Parkway before moving to Our Lady’s School. The group became an Open Sponsored Group on 1st August 1969, changed its name to ‘Our Lady Queen of Apostle’ on 1st February 1996 and amalgamated with the 2nd WGC on 1st January 2000. Kevin Murphy was a long-standing Scout Leader recognised for his scouting skills and his ability to run the Troop based on the Patrol System just as Baden-Powell would have wanted. From the Troop logbook, written each week by the duty patrol, and the Pack scrapbook, we can see that group shows featured in 1957 (a Gang Show), 1971 (Oliver) and 1973 (Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs). In the same year, the Eagle and Merlin Patrol came first and second in the Wrigley Camping competition. All four Patrols went to the County Camp at Gorhambury Park and were inspected by the Chief Scout, Lord Rowallen. In 1963 the group took part in the last St. George’s Day Parade and Service at Westminster Cathedral. 18 Cubs and 20 Scouts led by the Band of the Irish Guards marched from Horse Guards Parade to Westminster Cathedral via the Mall. It was common to practise for the Cub Pack to hold a week’s camp as far afield as Hampshire and North Devon. The Scout headquarters was extended in 1975.
7th Welwyn Garden City Cubs taking part in a kayaking activity
2nd/7th Welwyn Garden City Scout Group – The Basics!
We are a very active group and now have over 60+ members ranging from Beavers (aged 6) to leaders (aged 18+) We meet over two evenings, depending on the section you have joined.
The group is currently made up of a Beaver Colony and a Cub Pack. We have around nine uniformed and supporting adults who work with the young people, and we are supported by an effective Board of Trustees (Executive Committee).
2nd/7th Welwyn Garden City Scout Group – Organisation
The Group Scout Leader is the group administrator, responsible for all sections, working and communicating with leaders, with help from the Group Executive Committee. All leaders/helpers give their time voluntarily.
Group Scout Leader (GSL): Rupen Shah
| Section | Ages | Meet |
|---|---|---|
| Fleming Beavers | 6 to 8 years | Fridays 5:30 to 7:00 pm |
| Cubs | 8 to 10.5 years | Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:00pm |
The Board of Trustees (Executive Committee):
Exist to support the GSL in the effective delivery of scouting through the provision of sufficient funds and resources. The committee also has essential Governance responsibilities – membership is drawn from parents, leaders and the local community. The committee is elected annually at the Scout Group AGM.
The 2023/2024 Executive Committee Officers:
Executive Chair: Daniel Speakman.
Executive Secretary: Amy Holland.
Executive Treasurer: Chris Hyde.
Leadership opportunities: We are always seeking new leaders; if you are over 18 and would like to take on the challenge and learn new skills, we have many opportunities for you. The time you donate is up to you, and we are particularly interested in anyone who has a skill that would complement our already experienced and talented leadership team.
