Upchurch Scout Group Says Thank You To One Of It's Original Members

Group Scout Leader, Darren Hatcher shakes hands with Bernard Sketchley,

Kent Trade Frames. Pictured with Upchurch Scout, James.

We have all heard the saying “What goes around, comes around” and this was certainly true when one of Upchurch Scout group's original members, Bernard Sketchley was introduced to Group Scout Leader Darren Hatcher at a friends summer BBQ.

Bernard takes up the story...

“Darren explained that the Scout Hut needs to meet current fire regulations and asked if our company Kent Trade Frames would give him a quote for a new fire escape door.

Having been a Cub and a Scout there myself in the early 60’s, I offered to donate the door to the Group and this was subsequently installed free of charge on the 8th of November this year.

Speaking with Darren about the Scouts bought back good memories that I shared with many other local boys, including Steve Davis, Derek Philips, Richard Daniels, David Robinson and our very own local historian David Wood, to name but a few.

I remember well our Scout leader was Cyril Robinson (David's dad) with Bill Neale as his number 2. Cyril's wife Marjorie ran the Cubs along with our local vicar, Reverend Bradshaw.

One of my fondest memories was travelling to Ringwood, in the New Forest for a weeks camping. We left the village on Saturday the 31st of July, 1966 which was the same day England won the World Cup. We were driven to the camp listening to the match on a radio in the back of a Richmond Removal Lorry. The back roller shutters were left up so we could wave our Union Jack Flags to passing motorists.

Donating the door to the Scouts is only part of an ongoing commitment by our company Kent Trade Frames. To show our appreciation for the work we have received, we regularly support local groups, organisations and individuals. We can’t guarantee to sponsor everything, but we hope to be able to help other village groups in the future.

As a company it is nice to give something back”

Bernard was a member of the original Upchurch Cub pack in the early 60's.

It is good to see Scouting in Upchurch remains as popular today as it was when Bernard was a Cub. Upchurch Scout Group gives young people in the village opportunities to take part in and experience a wide range of fun activities and trips away they would not usually get a chance to take part in.

Young people can join as 'Beaver Scouts' in the three months leading up to their sixth birthday and become part of the worldwide Scouting family.

To find out more about Scouting in Upchurch, please contact GSL Darren Hatcher.
Tel: 01634 373313 or visit: www.sittingbournescouts.org.uk

For replacement windows, doors and conservatories with no sales representatives or pressure selling, supplied and fitted by a local family run business, please contact Kent Trade Frames Ltd.
Tel: 01795 431600 or visit: www.kent-tradeframes.co.uk

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