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!
