Northampton Mercury - Friday 19 February 1926

MEDAL OF MERIT PRESENTED TO DISTRICT COMMISSIONER J. O. HAMILTON.

The first dinner of the Stony Stratford, Wolverton and District Local Association of Boy Scouts was held at the Victoria Hotel, Wolverton on Saturday evening, when an award of the Medal of Merit, a distinguished honour in the Scouts movement, was made to District-Commissioner J. O. Hamilton for good services to the movement.

For some years, Mr. Hamilton was Commissioner for the Potterspury District of Northants, but became Commissioner of the present association when it amalgamated with the Potterspury District four years, ago. Mr. H. F. Weston, J.P., C.C. (Yardley Gobion), presided and the company present numbered about 40. Following the loyal toast by the chairman, other toasts given were “The Chief," by Mr. G. Mead, Brockhall, assistant County Commissioner for Northants; “Big Wolf” (the Rev. W. H. Shackel), Brockhall, the County Commissioner for Northants by Cubmaster Chapman, Deanshanger; Hiawatha (District-Commissioner Hamilton) by the Rev. H. Shackel, who made the presentation ; “Our Visitors.’’ District S.M. Holloway, responded to the Rev. L. E. Lydekker. District-Commissioner, Linslade; and the Local Association, S.M. J. R. Sowman, Olney, responded to by Hon. A-S.M. Fisher, Wolverton. Thanks to the chairman were voiced by Cubmaster W. Holloway, Wolverton, and Mr. Ferguson, Cosgrove. The harmony of the evening was sustained by Cubmaster W Holloway, Mr. C. W. Archer hon. Cubmaster C. Esson, hon. A.S.M. Fisher, Sowman. and Mr. R. Elmes, Stony Stratford.

Wolverton Express 5th August, 1927

BOY SCOUTS LINE CHURCHYARD AT FUNERAL OF MAJOR POLLEXFEN.

The funeral of Major Arthur Pollexfen, who died suddenly at Furtho House, Old Stratford on Thursday took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Cosgrove Parish Church. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Stockton assisted by the Rev. H. Nelson-Ward (Wicken). A number of Boy Scouts and Cubs lined the pathway leading to the Church. Among the public mourners were: Captain P Atkinson, the Misses Atkinson, Lieut.-Col. R. F. H. Lombe (Grafton Regis), Dr. A. Habgood D. S.O. (Stony Stratford). Miss Wells, Lieu-Gen. Sir Arthur Holland, K.C.M.G., M.P. (Hanslope Lodge), and Scout Commissioner Oswald Hamilton (Old Stratford). A number of residents of the villages of Old Stratford and Cosgrove also attended.

The quarries at Old Stratford known in the scouts circles as “Hiawatha’s Hunting Grounds” is always a much favoured and pleasant spot for camps, and here during the present week, several visiting troops have pitched their tents and are spending a happy time in work and play.  Everybody in these camps are expected to put in an hour’s service each day in such use or occupations as road making and building for the ultimate improvement of the grounds. 

The 101^st Bedfords (the Kempston Troop) arrived on Saturday by bus and include Scouts and Cubs.  34 in number, they are under the charge of ASM Lesley Egan and the troops have their own chaplain in camp in the person of the Rev. I Hewson.

Cosgrove Choirboys Under Canvas

Ten boy members of the Cosgrove Parish Church choir have spent the weekend under canvas, together with eighteen members of the Stony Stratford first group of Boy Scouts.  This was at the wish of Mrs. G H Winterbottom, of Cosgrove Hall, who takes a keen interest in the boys and who has given valuable help to the Stony Stratford scouts.  The camp was pitched on one of the highest points in Woburn Sands and lasted from Friday evening until Sunday evening.  The weather was ideal and the boys spent a happy time.  Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom spent a number of hours in the camp on both Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday morning the boys indulged in games and partook of a ramble through the woods during the afternoon.  In the evening they had a camp fire sing song.  On Sunday morning a church service was attended at Woburn Sands.  The menu of the camp was generously added to by gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom.  In charge of the boys were GSM T G Dicks, S M F Bird, ASMs L Forder and W Crossman.

Old Mail November 1978

1st OLD STRATFORD & COSGROVE SCOUTS
Since I last wrote a report for 'The Old Mail', and improve the several things have been happening behind the scenes to try improve the Scouting activities for the lads.
On October 9th we had our Parents Evening which was well attended but alas did not produce sufficient numbers of new boys to even consider restarting the Cubs. This has a 'knock on' effect to the Scout Troop, and will, as time goes on, make it very difficult to keep the Ttroop, running.
It has also been found that Potterspury & Yardley Gobion Scouts have lots of Cubs and Scouts but alas only one very keen but inexperienced Cub Scout leader and no Scout leaders.
It has been agreed therfore, the best thing for the boys is to join the troops together.
PLEASE NOTE that the Cubs and Scouts will now be meeting at Potterspury Scout Headquarters on the following days and times.

Cub Scouts Wednesdays 7 - 8.30pm Contact Peter Simpkins
Scouts Tuesdays 7 - 9pm Contact Mike Phillips

On a different note, on Saturday 17th October, we entered a team in the District Incident Night Hike Challenge. The team consisted of Barry Goodman from Old Stratford, Johnathan Berry, Kieron Tanner and John Paul Hitchcock from Cosgrove and although they got cold and tired, put in a supreme effort and were placed third with 99½ points (the winners gained 108 points) WELL DONE LADS!