History

Strangely, the 28th Hammersmith Scout Group has never actually met as group in Hammersmith since its formation in 1922. Our base as always been in Shepherd’s Bush, although over the years it has moved around the area.

The 28th Hammersmith Cub Scout Pack was first registered in January 1922 at St Andrews Scottish Presbyterian Church on Greenside Road in Shepherd’s Bush, followed by the Scout Troop in July 1922. Folklore (we’re a bit hazy on the details) that the inspiration for the group came from a Mr McDonald, who was either the Vicar or organist of the church at the time.

In recognition of this, the group decided to adopt his family tartan for its neckerchief. Therefore, the original group neckerchief was the McDonald tartan, although it was only in the last 10 years that the group switched to the Cameron tartan (which is cheaper!).

The name of the group at its inception was 28th Hammersmith (St Andrews) and it was registered as a church sponsored group.

The group continued to meet at St Andrew’s until the outbreak of World War II – we don’t know when it stopped but we do know that the group was closed from 1947 to 1949 before re-registering in 1950.

In 1961, St Andrew’s was sold to the Polish Catholic Church and the group lost its sponsor. Subsequently, in April 1961, the group was reregistered as an Open group, and moved its meeting place to Westville School (now known as Greenside School).