Scouts have been enrolled in the 1st Langton Matravers Scout troop for the first time since it had to close in 2018 due to a lack of adult volunteers.
Scouting started in Langton Matravers in Dorset in 1930 and a purpose built hut in Durnford Drove was opened in 1954 by theatre producer Ralph Reader who was famous for staging Scouting Gang Shows.
Keeping the tradion alive – The 1st Langton Matravers Scout troop after the enrolment ceremony on Wednesday 5th March 2025
This is the 1st Langton Matravers Scout troop around 1953, with names including the Scoutmaster Mr Faggetter, Rodney Manuel, Michael Glassock, Terry Roddick, Fred Evans, Peter Steel, Trev Haysom, John Harris, Ray Harris, Maurice(?) Bower, and David Faggetter
Chance to be a Scout
Although Rainbows and Brownies, which are part of the Guiding movement, have continued to use the hut, as well as Explorers, which used to be called Venture Scouts, anyone wanting to be a Scout had to join a troop in Swanage or Wareham.
Now the 1st Langton Matravers Scout troop has been resurrected to give more young people in Purbeck the chance to be part of the Scouting movement.
First to be enrolled was the Fox patrol
The Raven patrol recite The Scout Promise
Eagle patrol are enrolled with the troop flag
“Plenty of demand from young people”
Scout group lead volunteer Linda Buckley said:
“There is plenty of demand from young people to join beavers, cubs and scouts but the groups can only operate if we have adults who are willing to volunteer as leaders.
“This purpose built hall is ideal, so we could open other units like cubs or beavers here if we had the adults to help run them.
“Fortunately, a new Scout leader moved from Winchester to Purbeck and luckily she was willing to restart the group in Langton Matravers.
“This means we now have Scout groups in Swanage, Wareham and Langton. It has also meant that Cubs from Corfe Castle have been able to move on up to Scouts, freeing up more space for Beavers to move to Cubs.
“What we would like to do now is re-establish our links with the local community in Langton Matravers, helping out with local events and inviting organisations to come along to our meetings.”
Scout group lead volunteer Linda Buckley keeping an eye on the pancake making
New Scout leader Sophie Beesley has made it possible to open a new troop
“Grow and develop skills”
The new Scout leader Sophie Beesley has more than 13 years experience holding various roles in the Scouting movement in the Winchester area.
She is supported by parents, as well as the 4th Swanage Scout troop, plus three young leaders from the Explorer Unit in Langton Matravers.
1st Langton Matravers Scout group leader Sophie Beesley said:
“We moved down here in August 2025 and I wanted my son to continue in Scouts, so I volunteered to make that possible – and it’s also created the opportunity for other children as well.
“For kids that are often amazing after-school clubs, but Scouts covers so many other different activities. You can be outdoorsy, arty, or community focussed and you’ll have fun at Scouts.
“It also gives kids the opportunity to grow and develop skills while enjoying themselves.”
The 1st Langton Matravers Scout troop was formed in 1930 and although it was suspended during the war years, it restarted in 1948. The date of this photo outside St George’s Church is unknown
The purpose built hut was opened in 1954 by Ralph Reader and his son Bob (pictured at the microphone) reopened the hall when it was rebuilt in 1996
Can anyone put names to these faces from 1996!?
Camping on the Lulworth Estate
The new Langton Matravers Scout troop is now set to have its first joint camp with Swanage Scout group in May 2025 at Bowling Green Wood on the Lulworth Estate.
Later in 2025 they will be fundraising to attend the Nordic Jamboree in Denmark in July 2026.
Pancake making – a popular activity!
Wareham and Isle of Purbeck district lead volunteer Lewis Banyard (right) gets shown how to create a perfect pancake!
“Everyone has got something to give”
Visiting the new troop for the first time was Wareham and Isle of Purbeck district lead volunteer Lewis Banyard. He said:
“Personally I’ve grown up through the Scouting movement, joining as a Cub when I was eight, and I’ve never left!
“It really builds skills for life including social skills, outdoor adventure and, as you can see here tonight, cooking! So it’s great news to see a new Scout group opening in Purbeck.
“If there’s any adults who are thinking of getting involved – maybe they used to be a Scout or Guide and would like to rejoin – then I’d encourage them to get in touch.
“People from all walks of life are welcome – everyone has got something to give. Even if you can only offer one day a year then do feel free to contact us
“You definitely don’t have to be Bear Grylls to volunteer!”
The purpose built HQ on the corner of the High Street and Durnford Drove in Langton Matravers
A plaque on the building marks its opening by Ralph Reader CBE
A second plaque to mark the HQ’s refurbishment in 1995-6
Further information
- Find out more about the Wareham and Isle of Purbeck District Scouts
