Scouts & Guides in Coventry

Does anyone remember the cub & scout hut in Thackhall St. off Harnall Lane, near King Edward Rd? I used to go there with my mate Barry Alldrick back in the 50s. I think they built a new one, poss around 1960. I don't think I transgressed to the Scouts. I just went to the cubs for a couple of years. I believe when they built the new hut, a photo was in the "Cov. Evening Telegraph". If my memory is correct, me & my mate were in the photo. I would pull my own teeth to see that photo again.

Dougie, I think you are thinking of Freehold St. next to the Freemasons Arms

Thanks Cov Kid. Of course it was Freehold St. How did I make that mistake? It shows I'm gettin' old. It used to lead up to the canal at the top of the street, so was a dead end. But you could walk or cycle along the footpath. My bro & sis & I used to walk along it regularly on a Sunday toward Priestleys Bridge / Stoney Stanton Rd. We used to attend Sunday school just over the bridge at the old Elim Pentecostal Church, which used to be there in the 1950s. Thanks again mate.

The Telegraph almost certainly still has the photo but persuading a member of their staff to dig it out for you will indeed be like extracting teeth! Your best bet is to keep an eye on their nostalgia section and hope that a section on Scout Huts or similar comes up. You will then be allowed to buy a higher quality print for yourself.

I grew up in Dane Road, Stoke, my parents were very active in organising things like street parties etc. Those were the days where everyone helped each other to have a good old time. My mother started the play group at St Michael's Church along with Beat Watkins, Jean Hill, Jan Soloman and Jan Tyldesley. Any memories anyone???

Welcome to the forum Steve! My word, where do I start! If I'm right, then you were one of my Scout Leaders at the 49th group in Roman Road for a while, with Pete Boon? Remember the fortnight camp near Bournemouth, 1980? And the French girls on that campsite..... and us scouts wishing we'd paid more attention in French lessons at school!!! I remember your mum and dad well, too - I was at that playgroup at St. Michael's, and so was your sister, Gillian, who was in my class at Briton Road junior school, too. Your dad was at GEC until the 80s as well - Spon Street, 1st floor? It's all coming back now.... we could probably fill a whole forum with those memories - I hope someone will join in with us on this! I look forward to seeing how this topic develops! All the best, Rob

Remember the B'mouth camp well, I'm still in contact with Pete, but lost contact with others long time ago. I went from the 49th to the 92nd then on to 37th where I finished with scouting although still occasionally help out backstage at the gang show. My sister's living in Warwick now after globetrotting for years spending time in the army then living in Hong Kong for 8 years. What's with you these days.

Stevie g - I think I know you. I am a dresser for the Gang Show and before that I was on the fundraising team. You may know me by another name though. My youngest daughter has been in the show for several years. I also know Pete and his family.

Elaine, haven't helped backstage for a couple of years but hope to be there this year although could be a last minute thing cos of work.

It was with great sadness hearing yesterday of the passing of John McLanaghan (Mac) GSL 49th scout group My memories of a great man, he was stalwart of the 49th for so many years, my thoughts are with his wife Jan and all the family, God bless you mate

Rob, do you remember him????? From stories I've heard 'Mac' was the guy who used to go around I think Stoke Aldermoor etc selling his fruit and veg out the back of a cart or maybe van (that bit I don't know). Many 'holidays' to Wales were took in his transit van packed to the roof, camping at side of the river in Dolgellau. Went back there a couple of years back, things really haven't changed where we camped although the farmer doesn't allow campers there anymore. Great times with a great man

'Mac' was a great man indeed, and played a massive and influential part in my formative years. It was extremely sad hearing yesterday that he has passed away. To many people he was effectively "Mr. Scouting", and even earned the affectionate nickname "Baden" because of his dedication. Scouting, of course, is far more than teaching people to tie knots and put on a bandage - it teaches young people how to get on together regardless of differences or abilities, and to grow into responsible adults, who care for other people and their surroundings. For many years, Mac was a father figure to so many young lads, teaching them the skills of being decent people with dedication, hard work, encouragement and always plenty of good humour. To say he gave of his time generously would be a huge understatement. I have wonderful memories of many National Scoutcar races, in which Mac played a very important part, preparing the cars and training all the Cub & Scouts tirelessly for months each year. With those, and the endless series of camps, football matches, sporting events and countless other group activities he must've done a million miles in his old Transit van with a rabble of lads singing, shouting and bouncing around in the back! I have nothing but fantastic memories of a man who inspired so many youngsters enjoy their growing up, and then in turn, give some of us what we needed to teach others, too. There's so much more that could be said about John McLanaghan, and I hope I've done him justice. He will be fondly remembered by many, many people.

Is this the John Mac of formerly 12th Coventry Scout Group, if it is I can share many happy memories. He started with the group shortly after being demobbed. He took up green grocery with a horse and cart stabled in the stables behind the Quadrant handy for the then Barracks Market. He emptied his cart on a Friday less for a few spuds and veg together with supplies of fruit. He would pick us Scouts up at St Margaret's on Ball Hill and set off for weekend camps at Fillongley. The horse set to field for the weekend and the cart acting as a stage for gathering around the campfire. We also had long camps at Riches Farm, Burnham on Sea and Wootton Creek on the Isle of Wight. Such happy days with Mac, a giant in our eyes leading the way.

Does anyone know if the 90th are still in existence? I was pottering around Tile Hill on my bike today and found the hut which is behind some houses in Fir Tree Ave, it looks in a poor and neglected state. I was a member of the troop in the early 60s. But my, hasn't Tile Hill changed?

Yes, you have the right chap. My dad, Bill (and his dad, same name, was a Cub leader, I think), was also in the 12th Scout Group based at St. Margaret's, and when it disbanded it was Mac who founded the 49th. I'm not certain of the year - possibly late 1950s or early 60s? A few years before I became a twinkle in the eye anyway! I had no idea about John Mac's horse & cart! By the time I joined the 49th Cubs in 1974 he had his own grocer's and general store in Walsgrave, close to where he lived. When I used to work at the Helen Street GEC in the 90s I sometimes used to pass him as he went to or from the Barras wholesale market.... but in a Transit van - no horses in sight! I'm still trying to get used to the idea that Mac is no longer around - he used to seem invincible, a tower of strength.