Hampshire Scout Heritage, the support team tasked with recording, preserving and bringing to life the rich story of Scouting's past, are organising their most ambitious event yet!
Heritage Fest is a free event open to young people and adults both within and from outside of Scouting. It takes place on Saturday 11th April 2026, between 10am and 5pm.
Their venue is the 1st Chandler's Ford Scout hall on Brickfield Lane, Chandler's Ford (SO53 4DP, 2 minutes from M3 J13) which has been hosting adventures since 1965 and was opened by Ralph Reader who created the first Gang Show to showcase Scouting's theatrical and musical talents.
The day promises hands-on activities, living history and classic Scouting skills, including being able to try your hand at blacksmithing with Scout Alfred, shaping metal the traditional way, creating your own Scout badge to take home, and branding leather for woggles or decoration - a Scout craft classic.
Plus there are plenty of skills on offer which may boost the existing skills of our Scouts, including learning new knots with members of the experienced ‘The International Knotting Guild’, making rope using traditional methods, and picking up fresh bushcraft skills, from simple techniques to clever campcraft.
There's plenty of stories and historical records on display during the day, ideal for those tracking family history or community stories:
Guests can explore many of the exhibits normally on display at the Hampshire Scout Heritage Centre at Ferny Crofts, brought together especially for this event as well as some of the largest collection of Scout badges in the UK, spanning decades of Scouting history.
Plus, for those looking for refreshment those are on offer from “Spam and Roll”, and for those looking for retail therapy or to add to their collection, you can browse old stock from the Arrow District Scout Shop, with treasures from years gone by.
It's a truly ambitious event from the team, they are so excited to see lots of people coming to visit and learn more about the adventure and friendship of the Scouts.
You can read more stories from Hampshire Scout's Heritage on their website. Plus, you can find out more about the 1st Chandler's Ford's attempts to upgrade their hall on our website.
You can find a poster for this event here.
There are many different types of meeting places for Scouts across Hampshire and the country at large. But surely none are as spectacular as a nineteenth century scheduled monument!
The 4th Gosport Scout Group welcomed in the new year with a brand new home, Fort Brockhurst.
One of the Palmerston Forts surrounding and protecting the naval base at Portsmouth and dating to the mid 19th Century, it is now a scheduled ancient monument and run as a heritage attraction by charity English Heritage.
The 4th Gosport group, which has young people from 4 year old Squirrels to 14 year old Scouts, meets at the fort when it is closed to the public every other Saturday in their generous parade ground.
They've already held an open day to welcome new members and their families in, with activities including making a catapult with pioneering skills, bracelets with morse code hidden in plain sight, bird feeders to look after nature, and a scavenger hunt around the vast site. This work has been supported by the county's Growth and Development team and is far bigger than their previous home.
It proves the value of thinking outside the box with all we do!
You can find out more by reading this article from the Portsmouth News.
Find out more and join the group at scouts.org.uk/groups.
Scouts in Southampton have some exciting news to share, they have a new activity centre!
Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre, a fantastic 17 acre site in the heart of Southampton, houses water activities, high ropes, archery, climbing and bushcraft all easily accessible by public transport. Until April, it was run by Active Nation on behalf of Southampton City Council.
Now, as of Monday, the keys to the centre are in the hands of Southampton City Scouts as new managing operators.
“We’re really excited to be leading a community-led future for Woodmill, unlocking new opportunities for Scouts and non-Scouts from across the city. At our vision's heart is bringing communities together and ensuring that every young person in our city can access affordable, inclusive, and meaningful adventure. We are proud to be supported by over twenty local charities, businesses, and community groups, including vital environmental partners, such as the Wessex Rivers Trust, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
“Scouting has been enriching the lives of young people in Southampton for over 100 years and we are delighted that Woodmill will now be a part of our next chapter. We will continue to use the centre to help young people develop skills for life and meaningful adventure for the entire community.”
Joshua Smith, Lead Volunteer for Southampton City Scouts
Now the effort begins by the Scouts to transform the centre into an inner city Scouting activity centre and they need your help.
There is lots to be done before the site is fully up and running. To get the site safe and operational, we need volunteers to help, whether that's at our initial maintenance days, or longer term as part of our volunteer team at the site. You can join the Woodmill team through this online form.
Plus, Woodmill offers some fantastic opportunities for local Scouting to take part in adventurous activities, particularly those on the water. If Scouts and Districts are interested in using the site for an event, please let the team know by emailing [email protected].
Here's to many more adventures and skills for life at Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre in the future!
You can find out more about the transfer at Scouthampton City Council's website.
Text: Steven Osborn.
Now in its third year, it is specifically designed for participants with additional needs, so they can benefit from a camp with total inclusion at its core.
We believe that the joys of adventurous activities shouldn’t be limited. The aim of the Chameleon Camp is to give all young people an opportunity to succeed and share their experiences in an outdoor environment alongside members of their peer group, friends and siblings, just as they will when they become adults.
This fantastic event all kicks off on Sunday 20th July 2025. Details and how to book can be found on the Ferny Crofts website.
And now this year for the first time the 60 attendees will now be able to do so completely free of charge!
This wouldn't be possible without the kind and generous sponsorship of the event by Pennyfarthing Homes, who have over 50 years experience of building new homes in our area, primarily in Hampshire and the New Forest.
With one more barrier to participation removed, we're hoping that thank to Pennyfarthing Homes' sponsorship, this will be the best Chameleon Camp yet! We're spreading the word so we can find as many people from across the County and beyond who can take part and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.
This event is open to all Scout aged young people aged 4 to 18 years. All participants may also bring a friend or sibling to share the experience with them who also do not need to be within the Scout movement.
Parents and carers are able to attend the event for free, all participants get a badge (naturally!) and a range of activities will be on offer to cater for all ages and abilities including Backwoods Cooking, Climbing, Archery and Zip Wire. Plus, the day will finish with a campfire and singing.
To find out more, and to get stuck in, head to the Ferny Crofts website.
Text: Steven Osborn
The Kestrel Beaver Scout colony at 3rd Alton were thrilled to hear their suggestion for the kit, Bobby, has been chosen named after their own colony mascot.
The two baby beavers, called kits, were born this summer in an enclosure at 925-acre Ewhurst Park, Tadley, and their names were chosen as part of a competition. Alongside Bobby, suggested by the 3rd Alton, the second kit was named Barry by ear 5 pupils from St Gabriel’s school, Newbury.
We at Hampshire Scouts are always happy to see new Beavers, but this was more literal than we're used to! The excitement from the Beavers and volunteer to the competition and the new Beaver kits has been high! It's a great example of young people engaging with nature and the outdoor world.
Speaking at a tour of the Beaver enclosure, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), author and environmentalist, Stanley Johnson, said:
“I want to congratulate all those who took part in the beaver naming competition, including of course, the winners, and the beavers themselves.”
Stanley Johnson, former MEP, author and environmentalist.
“Education and outreach are essential to our ethos at Ewhurst Park. We are delighted to be engaging the next generation with the wonderful world of beavers and the importance of connecting with nature.”
Mandy Lieu, Ewhurst Park Director.
Ewhurst Park continue to publish the latest updates from Bobby, Barry and their parents on their social media channels, including footage from wildlife cameras that has so far shown them moving around their enclosure, eating plant material and starting to learn how to gnaw and fell trees.
The story has captured heart too, with both the BBC and ITV spreading the good news story to our local community too. All thanks to some Beavers getting involved with their community and learning about the great outdoors too.
The event took place on Monday 7th October at Four Marks and Ropley Scout hall, drawing families and friends from the local area eager to support a worthy cause while enjoying delicious homemade treats.
The Beaver Scouts, aged six to eight years, took part in the planning and preparation, showcasing their baking skills with an array of goodies, including cupcakes and cookies. Parents and volunteers helped supervise the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Children enjoyed picking out their favourite treats while learning about the importance of giving back to the community.
"We wanted to do something special for our community," said Beaver Scout leader Lynn Vine. "St. Michael's Hospice provides incredible support to families in need, and we're proud to contribute in our own way."
All proceeds from the bake sale will be donated directly to St. Michael's Hospice, which provides compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The hospice is known locally for its dedicated staff and volunteers who offer support in both clinical and emotional capacities.
The event raised over £250, a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Beaver Scouts and their families. St. Michael's Hospice expressed their gratitude for the community's support, emphasising how such contributions make a significant difference in their ability to provide care.
We would like to say a special thank you to Jane Mills, Lucy Kington, Naomi Vine, Chris Willcocks, Teresa Hammond, Lynn Vine and Faith Vine for helping organise and run such an amazing event.
Formed in 1949, 3rd Farnborough is a busy Scout Group with very active Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts sections and a partnership with Spitfire Explorer Unit, offering Scouting from 4 years old upwards to adulthood!
It welcomed around 160 people on Saturday including young people, siblings, parents, grandparents, leaders, former leaders, and community supporters who were able to take part in a number of activities, enjoy a BBQ, take part in the Group’s AGM, and sing songs around the campfire.
They were treated to activities including soft archery, soft tomahawk throwing, soft rifle shooting, rock painting, paracord bracelets, Duplo Lego challenges, bouldering wall, fire lighting, first aid, and a tin can alley.
Dylan McSweeney, a 4 year old Squirrel at the Group was really excited to be taking part in all the activities. His favourite activities were the tin can alley and the campfire, and he said:
“I loved knocking the cans over and got some sweets. The campfire was very loud and fun, and the birthday cake was yummy!”
Rachel Cronin, a former Scout and now Explorer with the Spitfire ESU and a young leader at 3rd Farnborough said:
“I really enjoyed helping by selling raffle tickets, watching the premiere of our Summer Camp video and showing the actions for the songs around the campfire!”
The original 3rd Farnborough actually dates back to 1911 and its base was on Alexandra Road in Farnborough. That Group merged with 2nd Farnborough in 1927 and closed. The 3rd Farnborough that we know and love today opened at on 30th May 1949 with a Cub pack led by a Miss Ethel Sanderson and a Mr Ronald Jackman. 75 years on and the Group feels it goes from strength to strength offering fun, friendship, and adventure to over 100 young people every week.
Iain Roy, Group Lead Volunteer said:
“It was fabulous to be able to welcome so many of our young people and their families and to see them enjoying all the activities. We wanted to celebrate our anniversary with as many people as possible and we were so pleased with how many of our young people and their family members came along.”
Dawn Mahoon, Blackwater Valley District Lead Volunteer was at the Fun Day celebrating with the Group, and said:
“It is so nice to see 3rd Farnborough thriving, all the leaders and young people having so much fun, and the community spirit this afternoon is awesome!”
You can find out more about the group at their website: 3rdfarnboroughscoutgroup.org.uk. Get involved with the Scouts in your local area at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Libby Roy.
Hampshire Scout Heritage are once again taking part in Heritage Open Days, meaning the public can visit the Heritage Centre at Ferny Crofts on this usually private site.
Once there, they can discover the origins and activities of the Scout movement in Hampshire (and beyond) through the years. Inside they have a range of artifacts and items from the past 110+ years to spark the imagination.
The Hampshire Scout Heritage Centre is located at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7YQ. For those who prefer their navigation more pinpointed, that's OS Grid Reference: SU3650 0619 or What3Words ///worth.flood.extra.
They are open for Heritage Open Days between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 7th and 14th and Sunday 8th and Sunday 15th September. Their volunteers are running tours of the centre hourly, on the hour, with 10 in each tour.
Book your place online to avoid disappointment.
For over 110 years, the Scouts have been teaching young people skills for life and getting into the outdoors. In that time we've moved with the times (we are a movement after all) but our spirit has remained constant.
The Hampshire Scouts Heritage Team help tell our story, look after our collection and collect the stories of Scouts today for the future.
They got their start in 2007 as the whole movement was celebrating the Centenary of Scouting, capturing the imagination of Scouts everywhere and the wider public. Members wanted to know more about our history. Artefacts started seeing the light of day after being hidden in attics and garages for many years. The Heritage Team took all of this energy and interest and used it to build our Heritage Collection.
They've now got a collection of over 3,000 objects and it continues to grow. In 2019 the team gained a permanent home for the first time at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre having spent many years moving from city centre offices to spare space. With a space of our own to hold events, the future is bright for the Heritage Team.
The team are always looking for people to help us tell the stories - if you think that's you then find out about volunteering with us. Or if you can add to our collection, find out about donating.
Discover more about Hampshire Scout Heritage, and some of the stories of Scouting, on their website.
Test: Steven Osborn and Hampshire Scout Heritage. Images: Dave Jenkins.
The Saturday afternoon of events, run by Art Asia with the aim to create a sustainable, park friendly festival to enjoy international music, dance and family activities. It's got a two decade pedigree and is the largest free festival in the region.
The Scouts welcome anyone from every background within this diverse and interesting country, especially as we know across the 50 million Scouts around the world, we look very different but are united by common values. Events like the Mela are perfect to bring Scouting to parts of our community that don't often think of Scouts as an option, even when it should be.
Showing off the best of Scouting was a team from Hampshire Scouts including volunteers, the Growth and Development team, Sheridan, our lead volunteer for Inclusion, and staff members from Ferny Crofts.
For some of the half dozen Explorer Scouts who chipped in, it helped them tick off some of their Top Awards, such as the community parts of the Chief Scouts Platinum Award.
Kelly, one of Hampshire Scout's Growth and Development team said:
"Saturday’s event was a huge opportunity to showcase Scouts, and we were successful in engaging an otherwise hard to reach community. Lots of fun was had by all, despite the rain!
"The Southampton Mela festival was a great way to showcase Scouting in the South Asian community, engage young people & adults to encourage them to get involved so we can grow and develop Scouts within the community. We're already working with Sheridan to find other events where we can bring the success of the Mela to other communities."
The Scouts have an aim to be as diverse as our communities and to make a positive impact in our communities. For us to do this, we are working to reach areas where Scouting is under-represented, including particularly diverse neighbourhoods, areas of high deprivation and harder to reach communities. You can find out more about the Scouts' vision for equity, diversity and inclusion and race equity on the Scouts website.
Find out more about the Mela Festival on the Art Asia website.
Text: Steven Osborn and Kelly Taylor.
As Scouts we care about our community and think deeply about the challenges around us. In January, Scout volunteers and Explorer Scouts from Bramshill joined forces with the DSM Foundation to raise awareness and fundraise towards their efforts.
The DSM Foundation is a charity that works with schools, teachers, parents and professionals from nearly 500 organisations across the UK, encouraging young people to make safe choices and to have the confidence to stand up to peer pressure, especially when it came to substances like alcohol and drugs.
Jacqueline from the charity, which was founded in 2014 following the passing of 16 year old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs, led interactive activities covering the dangers and legal implications and encouraged questions from the audience.
The Scouts themselves played a part, not only with the hosting and organising which we know was much appreciated, but also in helping raise over £185 for the charity's work through the selling of handmade gifts and blanket badges.
Jane-Louise Dippie, Bramshill District Scout Leader, said about the event:
As a district scout leader, mother, and school worker I would recommend every district hosts a similar event. It was great to see everyone mucked in, a show of Scouting and the community at its finest. The biggest thanks and appreciation go to Fiona and Tim who continue to push forward, making a difference to many youth and adults alike.
You can find out more about the DSM Foundation at www.dsmfoundation.org.uk.
