On the 6th of April 1933, the group’s name was changed to 1st Burnmoor. In the early 1930s, Mr. W. G. Henderson, an insurance agent, became Scoutmaster. He had previously served as a Scoutmaster at 1st Herrington.

With the outbreak of the Second World War on 1st September 1939, many former Burnmoor Scouts enlisted in the Armed Forces. Sadly, some did not return. Those known to have made the ultimate sacrifice include:

• Cuthbert John Turner.
• William Garbutt Henderson (Scoutmaster). 
• Joseph Winship Taylor. 
• Thomas Douglas Elliott.
• Jack Watson.
• John Charlton.
• Richard Edwin Hewison.

After the war, another former 1st Herrington assistant Scoutmaster, Mr. Robert Forster, became Scoutmaster of 1st Burnmoor. A coal mine fitter at Sixth Pit, he became affectionately known as "Skip." The group now met at an old concert hall near the beck in the dip, down from the current Scout hall.

In the early years, Skip took the Scouts to camps using a trek cart, travelling to places such as the Old Mill at Lumley. They also camped at Crutherston, Eastgate, Blanchland, Raby Castle, and Carlisle. The group camped in bell tents, cooked on open fires, and carried out kit inspections, a practice that continues to this day.

Skip, having learned from 1st Herrington’s strict taskmasters, Dickinson and McLaren, upheld the same high standards. He was known for being strict but was highly respected by the Scouts. Campfires were a key part of the experience, with Skip’s favourite song being "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," complete with actions!

Group activities included gymnastics and table tennis, as well as traditional Scouting skills such as knotting, estimating, signalling, and tracking.

In 1966, the group camped at Cargo during the World Cup. The local residents invited the Scouts into their homes to watch the match. On Sunday, the group attended the village church, and the congregation was so pleased to see the church full that they bought ice creams for all the boys.

On the 8th of June 1956, Frederick (Fred) Forster, a bricklayer and council area foreman, became Scoutmaster. The son of Robert Forster, Fred was a major influence on the group’s leaders and members and was a highly respected member of the community.

Fred’s warranted service began in January 1953 as an Assistant Scout Leader. His dedication was recognized with numerous awards, including:

• The Long Service Decoration (1976)
• The Medal of Merit (1990)
• The Bar to the Long Service Decoration (1992)
• The Bar to the Medal of Merit (1997)
• The Chief Scout's Long Service Award (1999)
• Honorary Scouter (2003)
• The Silver Acorn Award (2004)

Using the patrol system, Fred nurtured generation after generation of self-confident Scouts, who continue to show him their respect to this day.

In the late 1960s, the group moved to an NCB-owned building next to Lambton Nursing Home. Around the same time, Scouting introduced structural changes to Scout groups, and Fred Forster became Group Scout Leader (GSL).

Fred was supported by the group’s first committee, which included dedicated individuals such as Alan Nicholson, Hugh Ridley, Sid Mathews, Wilf Keating, and Jim Jordan. Together, they helped fundraise through events like dances and beetle drives. Leadership within the group flourished, with figures such as Neil Smith, Carol Forster, Kevin Brown, Michael Bass, and Martin Ridley playing key roles.

Camping thrived, with Scouts enjoying trips to locations such as Walk, Brothers Water, Finthswaite, Loughrigg Tarn, Abbotsford, Derbyshire, Selkirk, and Jersey. These camps, along with other adventures, created unforgettable experiences for the Scouts. From traveling to camp on the back of George Vardy's wagon to the traditional camp court at the end, the entire experience was truly special.

In 1974, the Venture Scout section for 16- to 20-year-olds was first registered at 1st Burnmoor. In 1976, it became the first section of The Scout Association to open up to female participants.

Over the years, Ventures created the group magazine VOMIT (Ventures’ Official Magazine In Type). Some of the original copies remain with the group - and make for a fantastic read.

When the NCB Hall had its lead stolen from the roof, Alan Nicholson convinced the group that it was time to build their own HQ. Local people and businesses raised money through Scout dances, Beetle Drives, and by selling bacon sandwiches from a caravan by the Burnside Club, cooked by May Mathews and Marjorie Forster.

The group then purchased land from the NCB for £400. George Vardy, who had taken the group to camp for many years free of charge, provided JCBs and equipment. Local tradesmen, laborers, Scouts, and committee members all volunteered their time to help build the hall we have today.

Those who were involved in the build:

• Alan Nicholson  - Labourer
• Arthur Hutton - Brick Layer
• Don Laverick  - Labourer
• Eric Bates - Joiner
• Fred Forster - GSL & Brick Layer
• Geoff Hann - Labourer
• George Vardy Snr - Ground Works
• George Vardy Jnr - Ground Works
• Harry Harvey - Electrician
• Harry Rutland - Brick Layer
• Hugh Ridley - Committee
• Jimmy Jordan Snr - Brick Layer
• Jimmy Jordan Jnr - Joiner
• John Bedlington - Labourer
• John Harrigan - Brick Layer
• Les Ridley - Labourer
• Mike Anderson - Labourer
• Neil Smith - Labourer
• Ron Newland - Labourer
• Sid Mathews - Committee
• Stephen Ridley - Labourer
• Wilf Keating - Committee

(please get in touch with any names that should be added to the list)

The work was hard and long, but then disaster struck. While waiting for the roofers, strong gales came and blew over the gables and roof trusses. Men cried. How could they continue? But they found both the money and the strength to finish what they had started. The sight of the devastation moved local people, making them even more willing to help and fundraise.

A newspaper report stated that the hall was ready to open in 1975. In the accompanying picture, the leaders featured are Fred Forster, Neil Smith, and John Bedlington, along with Cub Scouts Ian Smith and Mark Blunt.

Finally, in 1975, the hall was completed, and County Secretary Mary Vasey officially opened it. The 1st Burnmoor headquarters was named Robert Forster House in honor of its former Group Scoutmaster.  

In celebration of the Scout Hall’s 50th anniversary, in February 2025, we invited those who were involved in its construction to see how things have changed over the years. Allan, Stephen, and Steph welcomed Anne and Ron Newland, John Harrigan, and John Bedlington. Anne’s father, Jimmy Jordan, and her grandfather, also named Jimmy, played a significant role in the hall’s construction, with Ron working as a laborer on-site for Jimmy. John Harrigan contributed to the rebuild after the New Year’s Eve storm damage that brought down the roof trusses. John Bedlington, who was the Venture Scout Leader at the time, recalled how hard the Venture Scouts worked on the construction site.

Our Young People had prepared some questions for the visit:

How many people were involved in building the hall?

Over 100 people, mostly volunteers. The whole village got involved, making it a massive community effort. Locals often stopped by to offer cups of tea to those working on the build.

Was it hard building the hall?

Yes. The site started as a field full of rubble, bricks, and old greenhouses from the former allotments, all of which had to be cleared by volunteers. Fred even convinced some council workers to contribute their time. Carrying bricks during construction was particularly hard work.

How long did it take to build?

Over two years, as much of the work was done by volunteers.

What materials were used?

The bricks were produced and supplied by Lumley Brickworks, which was located where Woodstone Village now stands. The bricks were made from local clay, and Gordon Walker from the brickworks arranged a special price.

How were the funds raised?

Beetle drives were held as often as twice a week, generating most of the funds. Other fundraising efforts included a sponsored walk, Bob-a-Job Week, and donations of materials—including new roof trusses after the roof was blown down.

Where did the group go camping?

Raby Park was a regular camp location, with swimming in the ponds. Other destinations included Hexham, Cleadon, and Moor House.

What activities did the Scouts do in the 1970s?

Wide games were a regular activity, along with plenty of hiking. Sometimes, Scouts would navigate from point A to B using only a map, often taking the most direct route—even if it meant jumping through people’s gardens!

On the 27th of November 1988, Allan Forster followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, becoming the Group Scout Leader (GSL). His dedication was recognized with the Award of Merit in 2013 and the Chief Scout's 30 Years' Service Award in 2015.

In 1997, the group acquired a new marquee, which is still in use at camps today.

In 1999, the group celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland.

Group membership numbers from the annual census:

Group membership numbers from the annual census:

2013: The land adjoining the Scout Hall’s grounds is leased from Durham Council for the group and clearance begins.

Group membership numbers from the annual census:

2022: An extension to the hall is built adding access for all, a large lobby area, new toilets, and a meeting room.

2024-2025: Following the award of a Youth Investment Fund grant, the group is going through the biggest change since the opening of the hall in 1975, the grant funded the complete refurbishment of the Scout Hall, including installing solar panels, ground source heating and so much more making the hall modern and super energy efficient. On to of the hall refurbishment, the grounds are being overhauled with a new climbing wall, caving system, footpaths and much more.

With Special thanks to Paul Robson From All Things Bournmoor for researching the history of the group, see what else Paul managed to uncover in his latest copy of 1st Burnmoor Scouts: A History