Scouts - more than a century of adventure and comradeship
Scouting from 1907 to the 60s at Byford
History of Byford Scouts
This is an edited account of Centenary of Scouting 1907 to 2007. It was compiled by Christine Gossage, Chris and Marilyn Harris, Kim Maddern and Keith and Julie Boaler and presented at a Byford Scout Reunion in April 2007.Click here (3MB) for the full presentation.
1937 to 1946
1937: Troop number 226 (1st Byford Scout Group) was formed under the leadership of Francis William (Bill) French on August 4 as part of Southern District.
1939: With the start of World War II, many leaders and senior scouts signed up for service. Older scouts were forced to take on leader roles.
1946: WA Scouts celebrated victory and the end of war with a Jamborette at Point Walter.
1946: Bill French left Byford and handed the group over to Mrs McLennon. Note: We were never able to track Mrs McLennon down for confirmation and further details. Contact the webmaster if you can tell us anything.)
1947 to 1956
Memberships increased rapidly, due to the post-war Baby Boom and improved economic conditions.
1953: Formation changed name to 1st Byford. Scarf was maroon with Gordon Tartan.
1954: Outbreak of Polio saw many groups temporarily close as a precaution.
1962: Scouts assisted with the Commonwealth Games at Perry Lakes.
1963: First Cubilee at Perth Zoo
1967 to 1976
1967: The Manjedal scout training and activity centre was established at Karrakup.
1968: Byford Group reformed under the leadership of Mr Richard Savage as part of the Canning Ranges District. The scarf was changed to maroon with white trim.
Early 1970s: Female youth were invited to join Venturers and Rovers.
1977 to 1986
1977: Byford Group reformed under the leadership of Chris Harris at Blytheswood Ave, Byford. The first cub and scout night was held on July 12.
1981: A letter was sent to the shire re a proposal to move to the ammunitions site on South Western Highway.
1983: The Venturers section provisionally started on April 9, but went into recess on August 26. The shire sent a letter to Scout Headquarters detailing the lease of Lots 37, 38 and 39 for the ammunitions site. The lease was signed by the Governor in October. A bridging loan was acquired through the Commonwealth Bank for $3000 and Lot 85 Blytheswood was sold for $10,000.
1984: The premises at South Western Highway was officially opened on December 1. A letter was sent to Alcoa requesting assistance to buy a bus.
Early 1980s: Females were introduced to the Cub and Scout sections but not at Byford.
1987 to 1996
1987: Byford started a Venturer section on February 20, four canoes worth $1660 were ordered, a second Cub pack started on August 26 and 65 youth members were registerd as at October 28.
1988: Byford Rovers started, Peter Daw (RA).
1990: A Joey section was trialled.
1991: Official Joey Launch, Colleen Ivatts received the Queen Scouts award, the canoes arrived in May, committee raised doubts over allowing girls into scouting and the boys were to be asked.
1992: Byford Joeys started on October 20th with Karen Mullins as leader. Martin Gianatti and Robert Rutten received Queens Scout Awards.
1995: Lisa Harris completed her Queens Scouts Award
1997 to 2006
1997: Building works started at Linton Street Hall, where the group is now based.
2002: Group officially closed on March 31.
2003: A public meeting was held on July 21 to discuss reforming the group. It was successful and the group reformed under Baiyai District Commissioner Patricia Smith. Joeys, Cubs and Scouts were invested on August 30.
2006: The Venturer section reopened.
2006: A raffle of a trailer and goods raised $9000.
2007: The Byford Scout Reunion and Open Day was held on April 28 and 29.
Memories from the 1970s to the 1990s at Byford Scouts