2nd Bexhill Scout Troop

DAVID Palmer, of Church Vale Road, was leading the 2nd Bexhill Scout Troop at the time this photograph was taken. The shot is still one of his treasured possessions.
The occasion was an inter-troop night hike across Ashdown Forest in 1950.
David is pictured at the rear, wearing a beret. Also in the rear but wearing a flat cap is Ken Gillham.
David can also pick out Peter Arscott and Dennis Pierce.

SCOUTING must have made an indelible impression on many older Bexhillians; our postbag has been bulging since David Palmer delved into his photo archive.
Roger Gillett, of Holliers Hill, said: "It was a 'wide game' event, held from Buxted to the Broadstone Warren Scout camp in Ashdown Forest in 1951.
"The Scouts were the escaped prisoners and the Rover Scouts were the warders."
Roger could pick out Lionel Banks, Peter Arscott, Ronald Badnam, Brian Wilkes and Tom Edwards.
Harry Saunders e-mailed: "The Scout photograph left to right: Dennis Pierce, Lionel Banks, Roger Gillett Peter Arscott, Ken Gilham St John Ambulance Corps. Far right with map Ronald Bradnam.
Lionel Banks wrote: "This picture was taken in September 1951 at a Boy Scout event between the Bexhill Senior Scouts and the Rover Crew, aided by some Leaders around the Wych Cross area of Ashdown Forest.
"I was an Assistant Scoutmaster with the 1st Bexhill at the time, seen here on the left of the back row, known as ‘Banko’ and retired earlier this year after 63 years in Scouting.
"With me in the picture I remember Dennis Peirce, Roger Gillett, Peter Arscott, Dave Palmer, Dave Phillips, Ken Gilham, Brian Wilkes, Tom Edwards and, on the extreme right back, Ronnie Badnam, who sadly passed away recently."
From Guildford in Surrey, Tom Edwards writes: "I was visiting my mother who is 93 years of age over Easter and saw the old Scout photo.
"This photo was taken at Buxted on the event of a stunt across Crowborough Common - IHQ Camp Site, Ashdown Forest.
"It involved Bexhill Senior Scouts trying to get to the HQ without being caught by any of Bexhill District Rover Crew, who were in the photo.
"Back row: Lionel Banks, Peter Arscott, David Palmer, Ken Gilham and Joe -. Front row: Dennis Peirce, Roger Gillett, David Phillips, Brian Wilkes, Tom Edwards and Ron Badnam."