Our Group was first founded on 6th June 1936, when Scouting was only 29 years old. We were group number 18054.

Mr. Williams, the headmaster of Urmston County Junior School, asked a member of Staff, Mr K C Gomm, to form a Wolf Pack for boys that attended the school. Meetings were a success and progressed, however it became more and more difficult to obtain adult help. The first 'Official' place of Urmston Aquilifer Scout Group was the cupboards in the Drill Hall of the School, where all the necessary equipment was kept.

The School Badge was incorporated into 5th Urmston's Logo on their Wolf Cub Uniform, hence the Aquilifer Group. By July 1937 Mr Williams had given the permission of Mr Alf Normington to run the Scout Troop.

A total of 15 Scouts attended at the first census, we charged just 2.5 d (1p) per week and a Scout uniform cost around £1. After two former pupils of the School having been recruited to run sections of the Scout Group, Ken Gomm was the first appointed GSL (Group Scout Leader).

Wartime had a profound affect upon the meeting times of the pack, yet they still continued. In September 1939 the Group Flag, which had been presented to the boys by the headmaster, was dedicated to St Clements Church, Urmston.

By 1942 weekend camps were being held regularly again, mostly in Flixton Park, Chassen Park, Millington and Dunham areas. The first Summer Camp since the war began was held at Silverdale. Food was all provided from the boys' ration book.

The history of 'The Lighthouse' first began when the rooms over an old cottage, that had been turned into a shop and so received its name from a small lighthouse positioned on the top of a building. A stone commemorating the visit of John Hulme of Davyhulme to the Cottage in 1738, unfortunately it was demolished to make room for huts.

To the Groups great surprise in 1953 the Metro-Vick Hockey Club approached the group for the lease of 5 1/2 acres of land, after this 5th Urmston decided on building their 3rd Headquarters, building work commenced in 1964. In 1968 the first "tree planting day" saw 270 trees purchased for the camping fields, the fields we see today.

Now 5th Urmston is in the process of designing Lighthouse IV and will commence build in 2007!

A Message from our Group Scout Leader:

Welcome to 5th Urmston (Aquilifer) Scout Group, I hope the information given in this Website will give you an idea of what Scouting at 5th Urmston is actually about.

The Aim of the Scout Movement:

"To promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities."

It is through a progressive scheme of training that the above aims are met, this is directed through the dedicated team of leaders, helpers and supporters that we have here, they are a credit to the success of the Group. We pride ourselves here at 5th Urmston in the wide variety of activities that we are able to offer, we have extensive grounds and facilities on our doorstep and we make good use of them in the programmes and activities which are arranged for the children.

Many of the Leaders have undertaken training to learn and develop existing skills in order to fulfil their particular roles, related to the activities that each section undertakes. Leaders involve themselves in numerous outdoor pursuits, authorisations enable them to teach, supervise and lead archery, canoeing, climbing, abseiling, rifle shooting and mountain walking. This gives a broad spectrum of the activities that all of our members at some time will be able to participate in and enjoy.

As you browse this website you will learn more about each of the sections, what we we do and offer to our members.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact either myself or the relevant section leader, information is on the contact page.

Yours in Scouting

John Irlam

Group Scout Leader

groupscoutleader@5thurmstonscouts.com