Why Air Scouts?

The World Scout Movement began in the UK in 1907 with the aim of promoting the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

In 1927 suggestions were put forward to have an Air Scout Branch. These were not accepted, however incentivised by the Second World War the Scout Association approved the principle of a fully recognised Air Scout branch. This materialised shortly after the Government formed the ATC (Air Training Corps) which had an minimum age of 16. The Air Scouts was launched for air minded youngsters who were too young.

In October 1950 a scheme was introduced for Air Scout Troops to be granted Air Ministry recognition provided certain conditions were met. Recognised troops were permitted to wear a special badge and to have the opportunity of flying experience in service aircraft.

Recognised troops must undergo an RAF inspection every 18 months. The 8th/14th Epsom Air Scouts had their last inspection in July 2010 which they passed with flying colours.

Why 8th/14th?

The 1st Epsom Scouts affiliated to St Barnabas was formed by 1909, however along with the rest of the country, when war broke out on 4 August 1914, most scoutmasters joined up therefore all Epsom Boy Scout Troops were disbanded.

In 1918 an Epsom Scout Group was formed (St Barnabas), but was registered with the District Scoutmaster from Sutton, so the Troop became the 22nd Sutton (St Barnabas Epsom) Boy Scout Troop.

The Epsom and District Association reformed on 27 Sept 1922, so the 22nd Sutton reverted to 1st Epsom.

At this time the 4th Epsom (St Joseph's) Scouts existed. St Josephs was a Catholic Church and therefore the troop catered for Catholic scouts. In 1927, the low birth rates from during the war affected the numbers of all Epsom Troops and the Scout Troop was put into abeyance.

In 1931 The St Barnabas Scouts were reformed. Because the rules now stated that scout troop numbers could not be re-used, the Troop became the 8th Epsom rather than reverting back to 1st Epsom.

The St. Joseph's Scout Troop was not reformed until 1940 and continued until 1962 when the then leader's health failed.

In 1965, the 14th Epsom were reformed, but this time as Air Scouts. The Concorde Hall was opened in 1969 and Royal Air Force Recognition was granted (Group No 5) in September 1973.

It was in 1985 that due to the lack of a Group Scout Leader. the 8th Epsom (St Barnabas) and the 14th Epsom (St. Joseph's) Troops merged to become the 8th/14th Epsom Air Scouts and the rest, as they say, is History!