Mornington Scout Troop  

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The Mornington Scout Troop was formed in July, 1921, by the Church of England Vicar, the Ven. Archdeacon G.E. Aickin, using the Sunday School Hall of St Peters, as its Headquarters.

As the troop grew stronger, new Headquarters were found, in the loft of a stable at the rear of Mr Male’s butcher shop. What added to the atmosphere of this location was that access was by way of a ladder.

Edward Sheedy, and his son Cyril, were both involved in the scouting movement – Edward as a swimming instructor and examiner, and Cyril as a Scout Leader.

1931 was an important year for scouting on the Mornington Peninsula. The Mornington Scouting County received a gift of 80 acres of bushland at Mt Martha, from Mrs Rose Pitt and her family, in remembrance of her father, Joseph Harris.

In presenting the Title Deed to the land to the Reverend E.I. Green, President of the Mornington Scout County Council, Mr Howard Pitt said that "it was the hope of his wife and himself that the Scouts of the County would benefit by their common use of the estate, and that, among other things, Scouting would prevent the boys from becoming irreligious or communistic."

The First Mornington Troop provided part of the Guard of Honour at the unveiling of the Mornington War Memorial, and this opportunity was also taken for Cyril Sheedy to unveil the sword and plaque in front of the Returned Servicemen’s Club Room, on behalf of General "Pompey" Elliott.

In 1927, Cyril Sheedy was awarded the Silver Cross for his part in a rescue off the Shire Hall Beach.

In 1934, the Victorian Scout Magazine reported the death of Cyril John Sheedy. The article expressed "great regret at the death of Cyril Sheedy on Sunday 9th September, in hospital. Cut down in his early youth, leaves behind him a fine record of service to his younger brothers. During a long and weary illness, his Scout spirit always smiled through."

Source: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~azza2992/history_early-years.html