History of Waylen Bay
The following history of the Group for the years 1964 to 1989 was compiled by Gordon Johnston and is taken from a booklet published at that time. A PDF of the booklet can be downloaded here.
First Waylen Bay Scout Group POTTED HISTORY OF 1ST WAYLEN BAY SEA SCOUT GROUP Edited by the Group Leader Gordon Johnston The following history of our Group was gleaned from the minutes, letters, bills and accounts of the past 25 years … combined with the memories of leaders and helpers, especially those of Akela, Lyn Ward. Very many thanks to all those who helped, not just with this history, but have worked so hard year after year in order that this Jubilee may be reached. When the Group started cubs were aged – 8 – 11 scouts 11 – 15 senior scouts 15 – 17 … boys only Rovers 17 – 25 There were 100,000 boy scouts in Australia and 9,000,000 in 71 countries throughout the world. 1964 10 July: Because of the long waiting list for entry into Deepwater Point Sea Scouts a meeting was held to investigate the formation of a Group in Mount Pleasant. The Foundation Chairman (from Deepwater Point) was Mr E.Hill, with the following people present at initial meeting:- A. Moffatti. M.Mortimer. T.Johnson. Messrs Webb, Leaver. Halls, Dunlop prospective DSM J. Young and DC W.Osborne apologies from Mr Sheppard. The Mothers’ Club was formed on 29th August 1964, and was to raise most of the money required to set up the Group. In September Lyn Lewis (later to be Mrs Ward) as well as being Akela assisted with the Scouts when they were formed, but is posted to Manjimup by the Education Dept. a Group letter was sent asking for her possible transfer back to our area. The then Town of Melville offered several sites between Bulls Creek (now Bull Creek) and Attadale including Lucky Bay and Old German Jetty. The Annual subs were set at 20/- (or $2) per boy 1965 R.Bond, Chairman or the Swan River Conservation Board said that as river edge sites are at a premium, we must share with another aquatic group as he doesn’t anticipate there being any sites for some time to come. We nearly get a site between Tompkin Park and Cunningham Street, but fail despite a great deal of help from Mr O’Neil the Member of Parliament at the time. The Council decide to keep the foreshore from Cunningham Street to Cranford, in Brentwood, untouched … possibly because of expansion plans being put forward by South Perth Yacht Club at the time. Film shows were held to raise the much needed cash for Group funds. By September the Funds were at £220 … £131 being alotted to the Building Fund. A Rosella Dinner (food supplied by Rosella tinned foods) was held at a charge of 7/6d ($0.76) per head. Regular meetings were by now being held in the RSL Hall. 1966 Application made to erect our building next to the Deepwater Point Group Hall … this was rejected by the Council. Application was then made to the Council on our behalf by Trevor Leaver, and rejected within a month, to build the hall on the vacant land between the Heathcote Hospital and the adjacent South Perth Yacht Club. Waylen Bay site at last spotted. A position in Boans store was booked for selling Xmas raffle tickets. A profit of $179.93 made. A 15ft clinker boat given to the Group was found to be too heavy, so either a motor had to be obtained or it should be sold. By now there are 25 Cubs, but still a waiting list of 41 exists, 28 of whom are over 8 years old. 1967 The Town of Melville becomes a City Fund raising ‘tries’ rose pruning and astonishes everyone by raising $200 … about $2,000 in 1989 money. June; Under Secretary for Lands offered us our present Heathcote Site after discussions with Mr Beaton. Hall plans were costed/ estimated at $10,000. At the Melville Fair the Group had a 5 cent coin throwing into a bucket and a stamp stall. We lost the ballot for the much sought after food stall franchise at Fair. Total funds raised now at $1722.12 Group’s insurance premium £10/4/9d ($21). See 1988 1968 The land, 1/4 acre was re offered to the Council by the Government on the condition that should the hall site no longer be required by the Scout Association, the land would then be surrendered back to the CROWN … not to the Council, the Council didn’t like this clause and the offer was initially refused. In order to get a quick start to the building programme. we applied for, and got, a $10,000 loan from Melville Council. Geoff Sheppard was Waylen’s first scout to go to a Jamboree, so he was given a campfire blanket by the Group Committee. Bob a Job week raised $47.61 and Scout a Bout $238 The Mothers’ Club held a Cabaret and Music Hall in the ‘Hole in the Wall’ and made $445.65 profit … about $4,500 at today’s rate! 1969 Group meetings were held at various venues including the RSL Hall in Kintail Rd., Conon Road church hall and a ‘tin shed’ in Brentwood. Many meetings being held on a Saturday morning. Our gear room in the RSL was broken into and the flag stolen. 1970 Planning permission obtained in May from Melville Town Clerk J.E.Ellis, an article appeared in the West Australian stating ‘permission at last!’ September: Land was vested in the care of Melville Council after three years of careful negotiations. Hall construction started in late October. The Shire originally wanted a concrete floor upstairs for fire and safety reasons. Building costs had now risen to $15,000. Vandals broke into the workmens’ shed within 2 weeks of their starting the building and split cement bags and hose pipes. Thanks to much canvasing by Trevor Leaver various steamship companies and local stores sent donations to the funds because we were sea scouts. We are given the six old Ship’s lights and a ship’s binnacle from the Fremantle Harbour works. Fund raising included lucrative scrap iron collecting. Subs still $15 thanks to a $250 grant from Scout Assoc. Building Fund now $3,70O – with Group Funds $5,300 Trevor Leaver retires after 5 years as Group Secretary, a king pin in the formation of the Group and the building of the Hall. In the past 2 or 3 years dozens of letters were sent out by him requesting financial help, he negotiated with the council and with various bodies for the construction of the building, this was then followed by the inevitable many months of chasing the various contractors to put faults right. A truly dedicated helper. Cub meetings held on Saturday afternoons, usually on the beach near the hall site. Patrol leaders course was held at Deepwater Point. The profit from our Group’s stalls at the Melville Fair was $213, 40 boy helpers (and those delivering goods to stalls) were charged $10 admission to run stall! Decision not to support Melville Fair again was taken by the next Group Committee meeting Of the $16.826.48 due to the contractor, $13.826.48 was paid by the Council Town Clerk J.E.Ellis and $3,000 by the Group. A Family car rally/treasure hunt held … very successful The RSL Hall was no longer available on Saturday afternoons for the Cub meetings. The Group Leader’s car was stolen with the Groups records in the back, these were later recovered but no mention is made of the car! 1971 Hall eventually completed in March, at an increased cost of $19.400, the increase being mainly due to the Council’s delays in negotiating a loan on our behalf. Our hall completion ended 6 years of generous support by Applecross RSL and the Congregational Church by allowing the use of their halls rent free. 1st Waylen Bay Sea Scouts’ Memorial Hall was opened on the 19th September by Councillor W.Gribble and dedicated by Pastor L. Austin. A Memorial Plaque was ‘laid’ at the Hall Melville Shire gave a loan for 20 years to augment our 7 years of fundraising ($6.000), as the National Bank had turned us down, despite Scout Association offering to be a guarantor The Shire interest rate on our loan was increased to 7.4% Berger Paints gave us 5 gallons (40 litres for the young ones) of white paint for the Hall decor. The original reticulation was fitted to the site by City of Melville via a 150 ft trench linking the Shire bore, total charge for work and pipes $21. During a bad storm one night, rain was blown under the aluminium side doors and 12 feet (4 metres) across the hall floor Theatre ‘nights out’ for fund raising were deemed ‘undesireable’ and barbecues ‘known’ to attract gambling! These were therefore dropped from the fundraising programme. Year started with 24 cubs, 17 scouts and 5 senior scouts (venturers). 1300 rose bushes were sprayed for funds. The unacceptable sewerage charge of $3.50pa was contested, so the Shire agreed to pay it for us. New 4m X 5m canvas ridge tent was bought for $31.65 A power/ lighting bill was $5.65, though a further $10.30 was spent on gas mantles … what are they? ask your Gran young one!! Thoughts of starting second Cub pack were muted. 333 dozen lamingtons sold in one drive. Before the official opening, the retaining wall, flagpole and boundary chains were all set in place. It was suggested that the external taps be placed underground. but for reasons unknown this was not done. The letter accompanying our lease said that on renewal after 20 years (1991) the ·Council would not apply hardship as far os a youth organisation is concerned as long as the rent has been paid regularly. The white sign ‘1st Waylen Bay Sea Scouts’ is actually made of aluminium letters and was supplied and fitted at a cost of $51. 1972 Mothers’ Club still strong in its connection with the Group. A Patrol dinghy was named ‘Trevor Leaver’ An attempt to increase the annual fees to $20 was strongly defeated at the Group Committee. A new $1,800 motor car was raffled for funds, 1500 tickets being sold at $2 each. One fund raising idea was to have a ‘Venture Queen’ The cubs went on a treasure hunt/ hike at Araluen As the WA Headquarters deficit had risen from $2,000 in 1969 to $12,000 by 1972, help is sought from all Groups. Another burglary, this time $51 worth of goods taken. The Group gets 42 second hand stacking chairs from the Applecross Hall thanks to Melville Council. We did very well at the District Camping Competition, this involved the cooking of various kinds of meals. 1973 The Council were approached to re-negotiate the loan on the Hall, being asked to class us a Welfare Group. The Group pays first 10% of principal and an annual rental set at 50% of first years interest ie $518 pa, paying this for the next 20 years. Rose pruning raises $400. Rose spraying done for 30c. Waste paper collecting raised $26.22 – conservation lived 16 years ago! Soap box Derby held by Melville District at Point Walter had 4 entrants from each Group. This encouraged similar functions such as a wheelbarrow race, or design and build a chariot with some given equipment and be first past the past. Mothers’ Club now becomes defunct, Bank account with the National Bank of AustralASIA closed. 1974 Scouts go into recess from March due to lack of leaders. Trek a bout (then called Scout a bout) raised $212 First weekend camp held at the Hall. The scouts stopped a Heathcote inmate from his attempted suicide by rescuing him from drowning. $60 raised by the Bob a Job week. Venturers started to learn judo and scuba diving. Rose pruning raised $500. 1975 Annual Fees go up to $20, with weekly subs at 20 cents The Scout Association asked Melville District to collect 25,000lbs (11,000 kilos) of rags for fund raising, Melville were not happy!! Apple sales raised a dollar profit per bag with apples sold for $2.50. 120 bags sold. Social night included films and a light supper. JOTA going strong. Regular Bingo sessions held in the Mayfair Theatre for fund raising. Boat maintenance cost $32.36 for the year. Peter Sheppard donated a Pelican training boat to the Group. One of the best Cubilees for years was held. Application made to Melville Shire to install a rail and cradle boat slip way onto the Swan from the hall – rejected. 1976 Akela has 3 warranted assistants. The scouts are led by a Scouter and 3 Rovers. Lindsay Sheppard became the Group’s first International Scout when he attended the Jamboree in Japan. The Group won the Como Sailing Regatta. The new 14ft skiff is now operational. A request was made for curtains to be donated to the Hall to ensure privacy. No one offered new ones, but second hand were given. It was confirmed that if annual subs. were made payable as a donation to the Scout Memorial Hall maintenance fund then a receipt could be issued which was tax deductible. The Cubs went to Bibra Lake for a picnic, the Scouts joined them as part of their bike hike outing. Scouts had an Easter Camp. The continued success of JOTA encouraged the Group to form it’s own Radio Club.There was a raf t ‘drift’ for the group. Timber was donated by Dr Baron-Hay. Apple drive doubled sales to 240 bags, again at $3.50 A letter was sent to Applecross Primary requesting new cub and scout members. 150 tickets sold at $6 ($2 profit) for an Old Time Music Hall at St Michael’s Church in Gunbower St. New scouter again required, advertised in South Perth Yacht Club without success. ‘Scout a bout’ raised $159. A suitable rescue boat was thought to be a requirement of the Group, a 10ft aluminium boat with a 1OHP motor was suggested. A canoe ‘hike’ was held. Fundraising sold Jaycee calendars for $2.50, we kept $1 Group then sold wine bottled by ourselves under our own label, but selling methods not liked by all parents. Family car rally organised – again very successful. We were given our own call sign for JOTA, this was organised by Cliff Warden. Lyn Ward got her good service award 1977 Levy set at $27 pa. Mr Croft was thanked [or his many years as Group auditor. There were 8 boats, the ‘Trevor Leaver’, ‘Lyn Ward’, ‘Ian Passmore’ – 19ft timber sharpie, ‘PJ’ 9ft Pelican, 14ft sailing dinghy, the ‘Falcon’ a 10ft plywood dinghy with oars, 16ft fibreglass lifeboat with oars and a 10ft by 6ft aluminium raft. ‘Sail a thon’ had a squall arise quickly, the boats were called in. Hours later, they were still in the water where they had been left, the crews unable to drag them out in time. South Perth was approached for permission to use their facilities in sudden bad weather – this was granted. Hall insurance cover raised to $30,000 A break-in on 26th March, resulted in slight damage to the Hall ($89), but 2 outboard motors (one new and the other not ours), lifejackets, tents and a flag were stolen. The 3 thieves (boys) were caught within a month by PC Wilcox – and most of the gear recovered, but boys paid $100 each for damages – as neither motor now worked and locks had been forced. The search for a new leader was now aimed at the Youth Committee and Melville Service Club. Group asked to do a Rheumatism Council door-knock Applecross Scouts used the hall, with leader Dr Holiday Scout Association got letter from tax office that levy is no longer a tax deduction when given to our hall. Outside of the hall is grassed by the scouts New 10 HP Johnson motor was bought for $620 Orange sales with 40 per bag sold for $2. Stocks came from Lower Chittering. Sir Wallace Kyle came to present the Annual sailing trophies and prizes Fully rigged VJ donated to the group. 1978 The Group won the Master Mariners. His Excellency Sir Wallace Kyle again presented the prizes. Ray Nash presented with a ‘Thanks badge’ for all his work Heathcote said we could join onto their bore for any reticulation that we may envisage. The Council said for $240 we could join onto their new one. Cheese and wine party held, with slides and a cine film of recent Group activities. Flying fox to be erected at Applecross Primary School Fair for the first time – charge 20 cents per trip. Graham Mackie arranged a memorable Quiz Night, took $800 and made a profit of $300. A raffle was held with a prize of $40 shopping per week for 52 weeks. 1979 A family social night out held at the Pagoda Restaurant 4th Asia-Pacific Jamboree was held in Perry Lakes, Perth 1980 150 paving slabs laid around hall by scouts and their fathers. The Rovers painted the inside and outside of the hall.Trees for shade were planted near the lawn and retainer sleepers laid. Mr Cook of Floreat Park gave the group a 12 ft rowing boat and Mr Hollick gave a 16ft Hornet. 1981 The main Fund raising was a Liptons Tea drive. The tea sold for $1.90 per cannister (bought for $1.10 from Liptons) 1982 Neill Gardiner starts as main driving force behind boat refurbishing and waterskills. Cricket calendars sold for fund raising 1983 Parents reminded that regulation footwear is black or brown LEATHER shoes. Soap box Derby again on Honour Rd. Point Walter. Scouts temporarily stopped due to lack of Leaders, advert put in ‘West Australian’ and ‘Melville Times’. Sparks came out of the kitchen water heater when turned on. Rewire was necessary. Paper collecting paid $22 per ton, when bundled. Bottle collection was given to Coca Cola Company because they gave us 15 cents, instead of the normal 11 cents for anyone’s bottles. Nick Loades becomes assistant scout leader 6 scout patrols – eagles, dugites, condor, hawks, tigers and ospreys. Waylen Bay cubs billett a pack from the country for the Cubilee. 1984 Scoutabout (now Trek-a-bout) had 19 cubs and 14 scouts complete the 40 km. Lyn Ward gets her long service award … for 20 years. 1985 Subs now $15 per term (3 terms) or $40 per year. Len Warren asked if he could reform Venturer Unit. Mars bars donated 10 cents for every wrapper collected. Waylen Bay Scouts won the rowing Challenge. They rowed from Applecross Jetty to Nedlands in a record breaking 15 mins 41 seconds, won a $50 prize from 1st Mosman Bay and had 2 pictures on front of the Melville Gazette. $180 was obtained from Headquarters for a fuel tank that went missing from our boat during the 7th Australian Venture. A garage sale raised $366. Crestcat donated by Kim Stedman, brought up from Mandurah Scouts held Firework Display on the Melville Reserve Cubilee held at Perry Lakes The ever faithful lamington drive raises $250 Margaret Ross gave $40 towards a rowing competition 1986 At Founder’s Day celebration, Peter Shack MP donated a new National Flag to the Group. Tender put into Telecom for delivery of Yellow Pages Neville Thorpe became District Commissioner, taking over from Owen Sollis. Len Warren gets his Venturer warrant Venturers Unit formed with 10 members. Scouts numbers go up to 10 from 6 For the second time in 3 years, the cubs got the most money in Perth for Trek-a-bout … a magnificent $519. After a great deal of bargaining, and arguing a new cycle path was constructed between the hall and the beach, originally it was suggested it should go between the hall and the Heathcote slope, to reduce any problems of the path being difficult to cross with boats. This would have been too expensive with the necessary retaining walls. New fire extinguishers bought for boot shed and hall. 1987 Fees set at $13 per term (now 4 terms per year) or $46 per year. Nick Loades retires from his ‘temporary stand-in’ post (lasted 4 years) as Group Leader. Heathcote Hospital confirm the sale of their land does not include our Hall as we are under Melvilles jurisdiction. Venturers won their section of the Master Mariners’ Shield 1988 Scout Bicent camp at Troy Park, cubs had theirs in the Araluen centre Khaki trainers now Nationally acceptable footwear. The fire extinguishers were emptied at a party held in the hall when it was hired for the day. The venturers again win the Master Mariners Shield. Val Warren (venturers), & David Maynier (cubs) got their warrants. Venturer Jeremy Beck becomes our first Queen’s Scout. Rovers hold Australia Day Dawn Service on the lawn at the Hall starting at 5.00am, followed by a chicken and champagne breakfast. Jim Lloyd had a fundraising dung dig at Toodyay, made a lot of money for the Group, but wrote off his car in the process 10 scouts and 3 venturers went on a boating weekend, as intensive training for their charge certificates. Photographs of the Group along with names of all the members and committees were placed in the sealed ‘time capsule’ at Melville centre. To be opened in 100 years. The venturers won many classes in their first bush baja Groups insurance premium now $684. The three sections of the Group won 5 out of the 6 major prizes in the WA Branch Trek a bout for ’87 and ’88. 1989 The venturers pipped at the post on the hat trick for the Master Mariners, by 4 points. The second cub pack started 3rd May in order to clear the 28 on the waiting list. The meetings are held on Wednesday nights with the Scouts moving to a Thursday night. Venturers Bush Baja car – ‘agent orange’ – is written off a couple of times, has 2 radiators wrecked and a driver destroys a roo bar!! Still Dave Gardiner and Jeremy Beck get the prize for best overall drivers score, and best Venturers result. 1ST WAYLEN BAY SEA SCOUT OFFICIALS 1964 – 89
================== |