1926 – 2026
In 1926, Harold Vernon founded our Scout Troop at Wesley Street Methodist Church. A century on, we still meet at Wesley Street, and 2026 is our centenary year.
22 March 2026 marked 100 years since 1st Hazel Grove was registered with the Boy Scouts’ Association. During 1925, Harold Vernon, known as “Chief”, trained a group of boys to be Patrol Leaders, and the new Troop was registered with four patrols: Hawk, Peewit, Owl and Buffalo.
A century later we are two Beaver Colonies, two Cub Packs, a Scout Troop and an Explorer Unit, based at the Methodist Church on Wesley Street and run entirely by volunteers. 2026 is our centenary year, and below are some of the ways we are marking it.
Camps, trips and keepsakes to mark 100 years of 1st Hazel Grove, for members past and present.
19–21 June 2026
Our Centenary Family Camp took place at Linnet Clough Campsite, Mellor, on 19–21 June 2026. It was open to all members of the group and their families, from infants to grandparents.
The event details and weekend programme are kept online as a record.
To mark the centenary, each section has a special camp or trip:
Our centenary includes a special centenary badge for current members, along with other centenary memorabilia. If your child is a member, their section leader can tell you more.
Our centenary programme includes a church parade, open to members past and present. Whether you were a Beaver in the 2010s or a Scout in the 1970s, you are part of our story.
If you are a former member and would like to hear our centenary news, get in touch.
Our history, written by Michael Vernon, follows the group from the first troop at Wesley Street in 1916 through camps, wars, jubilees and new sections, illustrated with old photographs.
1925
Harold Vernon trains a group of boys to be Patrol Leaders.
22 March 1926
The Troop is registered with the Boy Scouts’ Association as group number 4871.
1928
A Wolf Cub Pack is formed.
1976
The group celebrates its Golden Jubilee, with a pantomime, open nights, a Gang Show and a Thanksgiving Service and Parade.
1986
Beech Beaver Colony starts, followed by Sycamore Colony in 1996.
2026
Our centenary year: 100 years since the Troop was registered.
If you were a member, leader or supporter at any point in our hundred years, we would love to hear from you. A tale from camp, a photo of your investiture, or a memory of a leader who made a difference: it all helps tell our story.
