8th St Marylebone’s scouting around for new leader

Published: 13 August, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

Your Scout group needs you!

This is the rallying cry in St John’s Wood, where one of the oldest troops in the capital needs a new leader.

The 8th St Marylebone – known as the Diehards – are trying to recruit a Scout Leader and Assistant Scout Leader to take on a group of 10 youngsters.

Cliff Jordan, who has looked after the younger Beavers and Cub Scouts at their base in Hill Road for 30 years is calling on the people of St John’s Wood to come to their rescue.

He said: “We’ve never had this problem before but I think it’s because the area has changed so much, and people think they don’t have the time to help. What’s ironic is that we’ve got all these young kids looking to progress to the next level but we will have to send them elsewhere unless we find someone. We’re more popular than ever. What’s more of a tragedy is that we’ve got this brand new building… and it’s not being put to use.”

The troop has survived only in name over the last 15 years, having no leader for over-10s since the 1990s. But Mr Jordan said they could be made to move from the St John’s Wood HQ this year, unless they can find someone to run the troop.

The 8th St Marylebone were set up by Les Kirby in 1921 in Lisson Grove before moving to their current location before the start of Second World War.

At the end of the war they hit the headlines when they became the first group to host German Scouts.

Mr Jordan added: “Ideally we are looking for someone who has been in scouting or who has the right qualifications but otherwise we can train them. It wouldn’t take long to make the group grow.” 

For more information call Mr Jordan on 0844 414 5459 or visit www.diehardia.com/leaders