About us

We’ve been bringing fun, friendship, and outdoor adventure to the young people of Bassett since 1914 - that’s over a century of campfires, muddy boots, and unforgettable memories.

We run Squirrels (4-5), Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10½), and Scouts (10½-14) from our woodland HQ just off Vermont Close in Bassett, Southampton. Whether it’s den building, hiking, night hikes, or learning to cook (questionably) over a fire, there’s always something new to try and a badge to earn!

We're a registered charity (No. 302300) in England and Wales, proudly run by a small but mighty team of volunteers. No one gets paid - we do it for the joy, the chaos, and the chance to watch young people grow in confidence, skill, and teamwork.

We’re part of Southampton City District Scouts, and open to all young people who want to try new things, make new friends, and get stuck in - rain or shine.

Over the years, we’ve survived everything from break-ins and falling trees to lost records and time capsules, but the adventure never stops. We're still here, stronger (and slightly muddier) than ever!

If you’re looking for somewhere your child can have fun, feel safe, and learn skills for life - or if you fancy getting involved yourself - we’d love to welcome you to the 7th Bassett Scout family.

Our Trustee Board

Behind the tents, toasting marshmallows, and badge-filled adventures, there’s a small team making sure everything runs smoothly - and safely. Say hello to our Trustees!

The Trustee Board is responsible for the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout Group ticking. That includes looking after our building, making sure we’re spending money wisely, keeping young people safe, and supporting our amazing volunteer leaders.

Our current trustees are:

• Fiona Hyett - Chair of Trustees

• Sam Chapman - Trustee and Group Lead Volunteer

• Gail Langton - Trustee 

• Sally Crichton - Trustee

• Sarah Granger - Trustee

Together, they bring experience, care, and a lot of love for Scouting to the Group. If you ever want to know more about how we run things or how you can help support the Group, they’re always happy to chat.

Scouting in Bassett for Over 100 Years

The 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout Group has been delivering adventure, life skills and community spirit to young people since 1914 - making us one of Southampton’s oldest Scout Groups.

🌱 Our Beginnings

We were founded in 1914, just seven years after Scouting began, and initially based at The Firs - a large house on Winchester Road. At the time, The Firs had just been established as the Mark V Toc H Centre, one of the first in the country.

Toc H (short for Talbot House) was a Christian movement created during World War One to offer rest and reflection to soldiers. The Southampton centre, donated by Walter Southwell Jones in memory of his son killed in France, opened in 1924 and became a hub for community and youth support. Our Group shared this space in its early days, shaped by the values of service, fellowship and resilience. The house was eventually demolished in 1978 and replaced by Talbot Close.

⛺ Milestones Through the Years

Since those early days, we’ve grown, moved, rebuilt—and above all, kept the Scouting spirit alive through every challenge. A few highlights from our long history:

• 1914 - 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout group is formed

• 1916 - Officially registered with Gilwell, marking our foundation year for anniversaries

• 1946 - Joined the Southampton Central District

• 1981 - Moved into our current woodland HQ off Vermont Close

• 1982 - Lost Queen’s Scout, John Sephton during the Falklands Conflict. The John Sephton Award was created in his memory

• 1982 - Celebrated 75 years of registration with a special badge

• 1998 - Scouts buried a time capsule to be reopened in 2025

• 2006 - Our HQ was vandalised and historical items were sadly lost

• 2007 - A tree fell through our HQ roof, causing major damage. Repairs were completed and safety works carried out

• 2010 - Became part of the newly created Southampton City District

• 2016 - Celebrated 100 years since registration with a centenary badge and HQ celebration

• 2020 - Despite COVID-19 lockdowns, our volunteers developed the HQ site. Our GSL Gail Langton was awarded the Silver Wolf

🧭 Still Discovering

Some of our records were lost due to vandalism and time, but we’re working to rebuild them. If you or someone you know was once part of 7th Bassett—or has photos, documents, or stories to share—we’d love to hear from you!

🏕️ Our Legacy

From smoky campfires and muddy boots to modern adventures and digital badges, one thing has never changed: 7th Bassett is a place where young people grow in confidence, build friendships, and have a whole lot of fun.

We’re proud of our past, excited about our future, and always ready for the next adventure.