Sell 7th 100 Years of Scouting Celebration

The “out” in Scouting was very much in evidence when Sell’s 7th chose to carry on a grand tradition of outdoor adventure by celebrating its 100th anniversary under canvas at Paccar Scout Campsite.
At the Centenary Celebration Camp, members of Sells 7th were presented with new Group Scarves for the next 100 years, along with anniversary badges designed by group member Oliver. Group Scout Leader Alan Wood and Assistant GSL Barbara Wood told how their founder, Mr Leslie Sell, received a letter through his door. The letter said simply, ”We want you to be our Scoutmaster” and was signed, in blood, by five boys from St Gregory’s School
In attendance were members of the Icknield District Executive Committee and District Commissioner Libby Bassam. Group President Ray Aldous MBE, who joined the group in 1944, then cut the birthday cake before everyone enjoyed a BBQ
Over the weekend Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and their leaders took part in activities including “leap of faith”, crate stacking, pedal carts, tomahawk throwing and a Gladiator challenge, as well as an Easter egg hunt and party games on Easter Sunday.
Originally formed in 1919 as St Gregory’s Own, the group was later re-registered as the 7th Luton. At this time the Scouts met in their own HQ in Leagrave Road, which was taken over during the war. They were fortunate to be offered an HQ in Biscot Church Institute. At this time, Scouting consisted of “Wolf Cubs” for the youngsters and “Boy Scouts” from 11 to 18. Senior Scouts was introduced for all Scouts 15 years to 18.
The group moved a number of times before settling at the current HQ in Birdsfoot Lane in 1958. They expanded and flourished, spending summer camps in the Lake District, North Wales and Derbyshire. When their wooden hut was damaged by fire, it was very lucky that GSL Harry Fletcher, a local businessman, was in a position to invest cash.
In his memoirs, Leslie Sell noted that “Some years ago, it changed its name from “The Seventh Luton” to “Sell’s Seventh”, an honour which I greatly appreciate”.
Sells 7th has taken part in the Luton Remembrance Parade for almost 20 years, distributing Orders of Service to the public and providing a guard of honour for the Mayor and Councillors on the Town Hall steps.
Amateur radio was an interest introduced by the Scout Leader and followed up by the District Venture Unit who provided a number of licenced amateurs to the District. Ray Aldous recalls the great fun he had when the Scouts were challenged to build a raft and sail it down the Great Ouse to Denver Lock and back along the tidal section. He remembers: “We were in radio communication all day and, as a result, we were greeted by the press for a photo and story in the local paper”.
Looking to the future the Group is raising money to purchase the lease of the Scout Hut for the next 125 years, thus ensuring that Scouting can continue in the Limbury/Icknield area of Luton and the name of Sells 7th continues for the next 100 years. Donations may be pledged direct to Alan Wood via his email address sells7thscouts@btinternet.com
Ray Aldous / Alan Wood