:: About
GROUP HISTORY
3rd Hindley Scout Troop was formed in 1957 by Ron Brown (There’s more about Ron below). What started with just three scouts and one leader has now become one of the largest troops in Wigan Distict with well over a hundred members. Today’s meetings are a still a balance of fun and scouting, in order to keep 3rd Hindley as fresh as ever. We still have out annual summer camping, taking around fifty people away for the whole week… so we’ve come a long way!
RON BROWN
Ron Brown, who died on Monday 25th September 2000, aged 82 after a short illness, was a well known figure in Scouting. Ron, who was a local government officer for Hindley Council until his retirement, had been married to Elsie for 61 years and had two sons and a daughter, 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Other than Scouting, he had an interest in golf.
As a boy, Ron first became associated with Scouting by joining the Derby Lane Scout Group. This early start was to become a life long devotion. Only the war years intervened when Ron joined up and became a soldier. The Japanese took him prisoner and with great resolve he organised his escape back to England.
After the war he joined the 1st Hindley Scout Troop and became Assistant Scout Master in 1952, becoming the Scout Master in 1955. In 1957 Ron decided to form his own non-denominational group, starting off in the front room! He started with three boys, one of whom was his elder son, Alan.
In 1958 Ron gained his Wood Badge to become a fully qualified Scout Leader. A move to larger premises took place allowing more boys to join. The troop went from strength to strength over the years. In 1970 Ron was awarded the Long Service Decoration and the Medal of Merit in 1971.
Of course Ron couldn’t have done all the without the support of Elsie, his wide. Elsie remembers the time when after saving hard for a new suite, Ron spent the money on tents to take the Scouts camping. Elsie’s baking used to vanish to the Scouts as well! Elsie was also a great fundraiser for the group, holding jumble sales and dances. She was awarded the Medal of Merit in recognition of her hard work for the group.
Ron’s younger son, Norman continued in Scouting working alongside his Dad to built the group into the great success it is today. Not only was Ron concerned with his own group but being a District Scout Leader meant that he had other duties for the district and he helped with other troops.
When Ron had to retire from being Group Scout Leader he handed the Leadership of the group over to his son Norman. This however did not mean the end of Scouting for Ron who joined the Scout Fellowship working in the Scout Shop, organising St Georges Day Parades, Poppy Days etc.
In 1986 Ron proudly led the 3rd Hindley Scout Group boys through the doors of their newly built headquarters for which Ron and Elsie had actively raised the funds.
Ron was delighted to receive the Silver Acorn on the 23rd April 1990 and in 1999 he was made an Honorary Scouter and also received his 40 year Service Certificate.
Ron who went on his last Summer Camp with 3rd Hindley in 1999 will be sadly missed not only by his family but the wider family of Scouting. He has left a living legacy in the 3rd Hindley Scout Group and will be fondly remembered by the hundreds of boys who have enjoyed the world of Scouting under his guidance.
