King’s Scouts from 4th Runcorn – 1950

 

 

 

Moving uptown – 1950s

The Group decided shortly after WWII to move the Group to a new location. Group Chairman, John Oldroyd, negotiated on the group’s behalf with ICI to acquire the land which our HQ stands on. This was a success and negotiations  then begun with Runcorn Urban District Council to allow the Group to erect a wooden building. Parents and helpers fundraised for the new building and then laid the foundations of the building before transporting and then erecting the structure which would be the new home of 4th Runcorn Scout Group.  The move officially happened in 1954 and there have been many changes, but we have remained at the Park for nearly 70 years now. In 2024 the Group will mark the 70th anniversary of our HQ.

 

Group members fundraising for the new HQ to be built on Runcorn Heath
Sales took place to fundraise for the new HQ with over £500 being needed to construct the HQ.
Newspaper article from 1954 reporting on 4th Runcorn’s AGM

Mission Accomplished

 

Opening of the New 4th Runcorn Scout Headquarters

Field Commissioner L.G. Marris officially opened our new headquarters in November 1954
Group members stand in front of the new home of 4th Runcorn Scout Group, November 1954

 

4th Runcorn’s new HQ at Park Road. Back row 1 – 12 : 5 – Brian Ellis, 10 Ray Mullin 2nd Row 1 – 10 : 5 – Mark Newton, 6 – DC Harry Woulds, 7 – Eric Davies, 9 – Reg Mottershead, 10 – Keith Wilding 3rd Row 1 – 12: 1 – Peter Wilson, 2 – Ron Seman Front row 1 – 14: 7 – Dot Hawley

 

 
 

 

Summer Camp 1954 – Mark Newton, Francis Hawley, April Nicholas, Reg Mottershead, Dot Hawley, Bill Owen, Terry (the dog)

1957 – Christmas Bazaar

1958

 

At the end of 1958, influential leader and Group Scoutmaster, Mr. Mark Newton retired from 4th Runcorn. To this day, he is arguably one of the most influential individuals in the history of 4th Runcorn with him being one of the first leaders in the Group and also serving for many years as the Group Scoutmaster. As GSM, Mark saw continued growth of the Group and also saw it move from its Bold Street Headquarters in 1954 to its home on the Heath Park. Mark was truly an inspirational individual and the Group today has a lot to thank him for, as without his input and leadership we would not be where we are today.

 

There were also awards in 1959 for Mr Huckle, who served as our Scout Leader from 1934 – 1939.

1959 – Cubs form Guard of Honour at Leader’s wedding

Keith Wilding – World Scout Jamboree attendee

 

What was Runcorn Heath like before 4th?

Photograph showing the original park at Runcorn Heath c. 1904

 

This postcard dates back to 1905. The location shown is the Heath Park and the future location of our HQ, the small tree to the left of the picture is in fact the ‘leaning’ tree that stands at the front of our HQ today, meaning it is nearly 120 years old! Credit: Runcorn Historical Society

 

This photo shows the Runcorn Waterworks Pumping Station at the Heath Park c.1905. The lake was originally used as storage for Runcorn’s water supply. The Station was demolished in the early 1950’s, around the same time that 4th Runcorn’s HQ was built adjacent to the works. Credit: Photo by Runcorn Historical Society and information from Stuart Allen

 

Map of Higher Runcorn from 1952, before 4th moved to the Park. Runcorn Heath is left of centre at the bottom and the Pond can be seen

 

Aerial image showing Runcorn Hill and Runcorn Heath Park. Park Road runs from the centre to the right of the image

 

Photograph showing the Shelter where the park is today, 4th’s HQ was built to the left of this building.