Bobby was in Cubs too!

This document was found by Bob among the papers left by Lily Sarah Griffin. Amazing to think she had managed to keep such a document considering the upheaval of the War Years and later emigration to NZ in 1952.

Bob says . . .

Fancy me still having my cub report  -  it was among Nana Griffin's effects

The first date, 1936, was when I was enrolled. I was 8 in May that year.  Early that year I was also in Brompton Chest Hospital (in west London)

 having part of my left lung cut out.

In 1938, Alf and Lily moved with their children to Elm Park. Cub career ended. At that time preparations were being made for war against Hitler. In  June, 1940, evacuated to Banbury with Peter and Sheila.

The only badge I clearly remember is the Woodwork one. With advice from  Grandad Baker and Uncle Ernie, both good carpenters,  I made an egg tray (plywood with 12 holes cut in it). I can remember doing the sanding!

After my surgery, doctors recommended lots of  exercise to help my lung and I was in the cubs football team that played other cubs on Wanstead flats (a bus

ride from home in Friars Rd) every Saturday.  My cousin Denis, also living in Friars Rd. was my mentor to get into cubs. He served in navy and survived

the war.  My other cousin, Donald Baker, a big fellow, who lived opposite our house, was a King Scout.  He also was in the navy and was lost when the Japs sank

his battleship off Singapore.

The big thing while in  the cubs was taking part in the 'Scouts Gang Show' in our local hall.  These were done nationwide to raise funds by a guy named

Ralph Reader who did the first one in the West End which became a template  for local scouts to follow.