Many Ballymacarratt folk of the immediate post-war years still recall the wee Scout Hall in Tamar Street with great affection. That it still evokes this lingering nostalgia stems from the fact that it was something more than a good Scout Hall- it was also a little oasis for much pleasant social activity in the area. The 28th Hall had its origins back in 1927 when the Rover Scouts of the Group transported it, sectionally, from Carrickfergus, where it had been an Army Officers’ mess Hut. They re-erected it on the site off Dee Street and there it served both Scouting and the local community for the next 37 years. In its latter years the very ordinary outside appearance belied a cheerful and tastefully decorated interior. It existed in this way by the tireless efforts of many of the 28th members. Much of their spare time, and often holidays, was given over to maintenance, decoration and modernising.

Their work- in the days when grant-aid was minimal- required lots of fundraising and their place thus became the Mecca for all sorts of events and occasions. One of these was ‘The Blue and White Social Club’ (taken from the colours of their Group Scarf!)- a Saturday night dance that ran for many years and had ‘full houses’ every week. This popular wee ‘hop’ was an exclusive members only affair with the patrons ‘Moonlight Sauntering’ and ‘Quick-Stepping’ to the music of the resident band- an accordionist and a drummer! A special feature every week would be the ‘round-the-world’ medley with the dancers trying their hand at everything from the Lambeth Walk through the Canadian Barn Dance to the Tango. At the interval, with cups of tea served all round, volunteers would do their party pieces in the cabaret spot. These could be anything from budding Bing Crosby’s to impressions of Pop-Eye! The Dance floor for their Blue and White Nights was prepared with a liberal coating of grated candle wax and powdered French chalk and the ceiling lights were replaced with rose-tinted bulbs. In this cosy atmosphere many romances flourished!

At ‘set times’ the Scout hall really ‘went to town’ with its special socials. These took place at such times as St.Patrick’s Night and New Year’s Eve. On these occasions a special ‘sit-down supper would be served on damask covered tables and laid on by hired caterers. The trestle tables would be afterwards stowed away to allow the dancing and games to proceed. On New Year’s Eve, at the sound of the bells the revellers, headed by the accordionist, would go out in a long gaggle and march up and down Tamar Street and then return to the Hall to continue in the festivities. This happy, trouble-free fun was always enjoyed by the neighbours and was always without the need for alcohol.

But dancing and socials was not all this wee Scout Hall catered for. For a long time there were the mid-week Beatle Drives. These were occasions when old friends met for gossip and good craic with the cuppa and sandwiches led on by the Parents Committee. Jumble sales were also a regular feature at that time and were always well noted, with long queues forming long before opening time. The big main entrance door would be nailed to the floor in such a way as to restrict the first mad rush of customers and the more burly members of 28th would be in attendance to keep order! But along with all this fundraising and social activity, good Scouting was always provided for the boys and young men using the 28th Scout Hall. Parents Nights were an annual feature which saw these Scouts display their talents in a review of their year’s work. These were also nice social occasions on which parents and friends were able to meet the Leaders and join in a night of fun and games. These Parents Nights often included short stage shows which led later to the full-blown Blue and White Gang Shows. These 28th musical reviews, on the Ralph Reader model, attracted full houses in Dee Street Hall and further afield and are still remembered by many in Ballymacarratt.

Like many excellent youth organisations of the period, the 28th served the area well. But all good things come to an end! The little Scout Hall in Tamar Street- the scene of so many happy occasions and a survivor of German bombers- finally succumbed to the local vandals who burned it down in 1964. So if you ever danced the night away in the ‘wee hall’ or ‘Beetle-Drived’ there, or sung along at their shows, or been involved in any way with 28th Scout Hall you will remember the place fondly.Hopefully these brief reflective jottings will have revived a few memories.

Ernie Sharp

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