1st Chilwell Depot Scout Group is based on the former Chilwell Shell Filling Depot near Nottingham, now called Chetwynd Barracks. The Depot was put together by Lord Chetwynd in a very short time at the beginning of the 1st World War to help address the demands for shells for our forces in Europe. On July 1st 1918 it was the scene of what remains the largest ever explosion in the British Isles. There are still people who remember that terrifying moment which resulted in the deaths of 134 workers many of whom were subsequently buried in a mass-grave in nearby Attenborough.
The site became dormant between the Wars but was activated to play a full part in the 2nd World War as Chilwell Ordnance Depot supplying tanks and other equipment to the front, then and in subsequent conflicts. Much of its land has now been put into residential or other use although the core of the site remains.
We cater mainly for the children of members of the Armed Forces, but we also have ‘civvie’ children. So far I have been unable to uncover a great deal about the groups early history, but I believe it was originally formed in 1917, so next year will be our 90th anniversary ! but there do not appear to be any official records prior to 1948. So unless I can prove our original date of 1917, we will celebrate our 60th birthday in 2008.
We do know that the group had at least one illustrious Scout Master, who was
Lt. Colonel Booker who was in charge in 1949.
We have Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers in our group, the committee only consists of my self and the treasurer at the moment, but we are very active in supporting the group.
