Dave Hunt is still around, and Scouting in Brighton. The others I don't know.

I'm now living in Australia and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

I was in the 4th Brighton just down the road at St Augustines. I think I was at school with Peter Whitcomb?

Hello Geoffrey Sorry, don't remember you. I went to Hertford Road School and later Varndean Grammar. There was another Peter Whitcomb, spelt with an 'e' on the end who was a decent runner for B&H Athletic Club. He's still around. By the way, I have heard that Dave Hunt has part-written a book on Brighton Scouting, due to be published any time now.

I spent many happy years with the 1st North Brighton Troop, HQ at St Mathias, Ditchling Rd. We had a good band and lead many parades through Brighton in 1940-45. Is anyone with this memory?

Do any of you scouts remember my brother David Cruttenden. He has passed now, but I remember him going to Cowfold in the 1950s. Those Varndean boys should contact the rest - there is a worldwide active group online - email me for details. LindaBB@Gmail.com

I was in the 7th Brighton Cubs and Scouts - probably from '59 through '62 or '63. Dave Hunt, Alec Gaskin and "Skip" Carr were our leaders. We also on occasion had another scout leader show up. He was into amateur dramatics and I believe was a teacher at Stanford Road School. I think his name was Smithers - but I can't be sure - and I think I've seen his face from time to time in the odd movie. We had four patrols at the time, Eagles (headed by Steve Waller and seconded by Sammy Lewis), Falcons, Bulldogs and Panthers. I remember some of the names because a lot of the Scouts were also in school with me: Colin Burtenshaw, Melvin Wooten, Roger Wolverston, John Green, Paul Amey (aka "Plum"), Mick Woolford, Sammy Lewis and Steve Waller (always referred to as "Stevie Ba" by Sammy Lewis), Stephen Kuc (joined the Parachute regiment after he left school as I recall), Chris and Geoff Spain (twins). Great to hear that Dave Hunt is still going strong and that he received a Scouting award fairly recently. I think Dave saved my life - or came close to it. One summer camp at Fletching, Sussex, I took a hand axe out of the base of a tree and a huge wasps nest swarmed over me. I think I got about 40 stings or a bit less. Dave threw water over me getting stung himself a few times. He also had some bags of crystals (Blue-Bag as we knew it at the time) that I was able to spread over my legs and torso to make the swellings and the pain subside. Those were the days!

This is interesting to read, thank you for writing it. I was in the cubs (with Mr David Smithers) from around 1950, and remained in the scouts until my late teens (while at Varndean). Here are a few other names I am recalling as I am now writing some memories of my childhood for my kids and grandchildren. The leaders I remember are Mr Jim Reeves, Mr Harry W Dawes and his niece (Olive?), plus Hayden Carr and David Hunt. Other friends that have come to mind are listed below. Does anyone remember the 60th anniversary event at Stanford Ave church, in 1967? I am remembering Ian Sopp, Johnny Durrant, Tony Stevens, Allan Morgan, Johnny Lyle, Muff Potter, Geoff Baker, Ronny Hill (brother Pat?) David Beal. There may be more, Peter Lynn maybe. I have a few photos of those times.

I was a scout in the Brighton District in the 1950s, but not with the 7th, living near Western Road I was initially in the 35th Brighton Group. I am afraid that I don't recognise any of the names but here are a few of the leaders' names that spring to mind: Sparks Haver who was D.C for Brighton East sadly now passed on, Dick Burtenshaw who was G.S.L for the 10th Brighton in the late 60s, Reg Miller who was Scout Master for the 35th Brighton, John Townley who was Cub Master for the 35th, and Laurie Skinner who when I last had contact with him was G.S.L for the 29th Brighton. If any of you ex Scouts recognise any of these names then please feel free to contact me. I have not lived in the Brighton area now for over fifty years but always manage to get down there about twice a year.

Thanks for the recent posting from Keith Brown. Some of these names I remember too: Ian Sopp, Ron Hill and Muff Potter, and of course Jim Reeves and Hayden (Skip) Carr. Ron Hill's brother was Paddy as I recall. It would be great if you could post one of your photos, as some of us are still in the area or keep in touch with this website.

Peter Whitcomb - I believe I was at the Downs School with you. Seems like yesterday sometimes!! Phil

Hi Guys, as with Alan Morgan, I remember the storm at Wooton, Isle of Wight, and have pics of the Cafe we used to visit listening to Elvis Presley singing 'All Shook Up' on the Juke Box. We were in the 7th Brighton, but have to say, Great site! Keep it moving - lots of us still around - Thank God!

Yes I well remember being in the 7th. Jeff and I were patrol leaders of Eagles and Panthers in the early 60s. I really enjoyed my time there and still bore people with it! I especially enjoyed baking bread in camp ovens (biscuit tins and mud). The bread came out like bricks but it was fun. And there was the time we skinned a rabbit - spooky!

Hiya Keith Brown, I remember you and am amazed at your recollection of all the guys at 7th Brighton. Do you also recall the minister at the time Reverend Boggis? Was surprised you picked up on David Beale, he was quite a character and he and I had same girlfriend at the time - Ann Underwood

My first try on a computer and wow, the faces of my youth. I too was in the 7th from cubs to scouts. I did my 1st class hike with Dave Stanistreet in 66. It didn't stop raining all weekend. Dave Hunt, John Burt, Hayden Carr. Just a few deserving people to give credit for their devotion.

Hi to Phill Allsop. I think I lived next door to you at the Sharps in Springfeild Rd. before moving to Southdown Ave. I've been living in Australia since 1976. Time flies. I remember all the names and faces. I'm a couple of years younger than you. Adrian Davis, Qld Australia.

To Phil Allsop - sorry I didn't go to the Downs School. I went to Hertford Road then on to Varndean. Of recent interest was a little get-together meal of 20 people at the Chalk Pit, Offham, following a plaque dedication in Denton. Organised by David Hunt, those attending in the evening were Alec Gaskin and his wife; Sam Lewis and his wife; Peter (Chalkie) Wright and his wife; Tony and Archie Heath; and myself and wife. A great evening and a great meal!

From memory the 7th Brighton used to meet on a Tuesday evening and alternate between the church hall in Stanford Avenue and the hall at Downs Primary School. Perhaps that is where Phillip Allsop remembers Peter from. Adrian, I too am now living in Queensland, and while Phil Allsop's name is familiar, I cannot say that I remember yours!

Adrian Davis: I have been trying to make contact with you for ages now having lost your phone number and address. Lots to talk about - please contact.

To Adrian Davis Sorry it's taken so long to reply! Your name is very familiar So...you lived at the Sharps? I remember Philip Sharp and his parents. Philip had an older brother Christopher (studied Chemistry at university), an older sister, Elaine, and a younger sister Janine. I was in Queensland in July giving a keynote lecture at the Healthy Cities Conference that was held at Noosa. Time flies indeed. I'll be in Geelong and Melbourne this June speaking at the 2012 Conference. If you are a couple of years younger than me, perhaps you know one or both of my cousins, Robin and Ian Davey? They were always at 71 Springfield. Thanks so much for jogging my memory. You lived just around the corner from me on Southdown. Was your Dad a school teacher? And do you have red hair - or was that your brother - assuming that my memory is working correctly? I also seem to remember your mother having blond hair. Best regards - and thanks for making contact Phil

To Adrian Davis - I sent you a note yesterday which I hope will appear on this page. I do indeed remember you and your brother. Contact me anytime at pallsopp42@gmail.com