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Our History
Celebrating over 110 years of 4th Newcastle providing adventurous educational fun for young people.
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Over a Century of Adventure
For more than 110 years, we've provided adventure, friendship, and skills for life to young people in Newcastle. Our story begins in 1910, just two years after Baden-Powell’s first official Scout camp, and we're proud to continue that legacy today.
The First Decade (1910-1920)
Our journey began on Tuesday, 28 June 1910, when 28 boys were enrolled in the newly formed 3rd Jesmond Troop. From the very start, the troop was active, holding drills in the JPC Hall and taking part in a 20-mile Relay Despatch Ride. The first Scoutmaster, Mr G Trevor Williams, noted in August 1910 that the members were keen and predicted the troop could become "one of the strongest Troops in the Newcastle District".
The First World War took its toll on the group , but the Scouts did their part, raising £5 in 1915 for a motor ambulance at the Front, which was manned by ex-Scouts. After the war's disruption, the troop was officially restarted in
1920 by Rev R P Rowan.
The Inter-War Years (1921-1939)
The 1920s and 30s were a period of exciting growth. The troop was renamed the
4th Newcastle in 1913 and continued to expand.
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New Sections: A Pack of 24 Wolf Cubs was running by November 1922 , and a
Rover Scout Patrol existed by 1924.
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Achievements: The troop took first place in the Newcastle District Swimming Gala in October 1923.
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A Legacy Begins: In 1936, Scoutmaster Ted Potts started the first Newcastle Gang Show, a tradition that would become a huge part of our identity.
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International Adventures: The group's horizons expanded with camps to Belgium (1935), Jersey (1937), and Holland (1939).
Post-War Adventures (1945-1970)
After the Second World War, Ted Potts and Doug Gibb took the lead in rebuilding both the 4th and the Gang Show. A new era began with the purchase of 'The Hut' in December 1947, which was moved to Goldspink Lane, Sandyford, to become the group's headquarters. It was here that the first meeting of the Senior Scout Section was held in March 1948.
This period was a golden age for travel, cementing our reputation for adventure.
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In August 1949, 57 members of the Troop and Senior Troop travelled to Norway by boat train from the Tyne.
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In 1950, the troop camped in Scotland with 25 Norwegian Scouts and 2 French Sea Scouts.
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Other camps included Austria (1955), Amsterdam (1960 and 1964), and
Northern Ireland (1962).
A Modern Era (1971-2010)
The group continued to evolve. In 1985, a Beaver Colony for boys aged 6-8 was formed, led by Gill Lawrence. The Venture Scouting section flourished, with members conquering the demanding District Mountain Advisors (DMA) Challenge Hike and undertaking a summer camp to Malta.
In April 2010, we celebrated our 100th anniversary with a Centenary Camp on the Roman Wall, just miles from the site of the very first official Scout camp.
Our thanks
This history of our group would not be possible without the passion and dedication of many people over the last century. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our members past and present.
A special thank you goes to David J Morgan, former GSL. David compiled this detailed history for the group's centenary in 2010, carefully researching logbooks, parish magazines, and other archives to preserve our story for future generations. His work is an invaluable gift to our group.
Do you have a memory of the 4th?
Our history is built on the experiences of the hundreds of young people, leaders, and families who have been part of our journey. We would love to hear from you! If you have photos, stories, or fond memories of your time with the 4th, you can help us build an even richer picture of our past.
