A fond farewell and heartfelt thanks to Gordon – Warden of The Fort for over 60 Years

It is with immense gratitude and admiration that we announce the retirement of Gordon, our long-standing and much-loved Warden of the South London Scout Centre (affectionately known by generations of Scouts and the local community as The Fort).

Gordon’s retirement marks the end of a truly extraordinary chapter in our history. For over 60 years, he has been the constant, steadfast presence at the Fort — welcoming groups, maintaining the grounds, responding to challenges, fixing taps, clearing leaves, unlocking gates, and quietly enabling thousands upon thousands of young people to experience the adventure, learning, and friendship that only Scouting and The Fort can offer.

But Gordon has done far more than just keep things running. He has shaped the Fort, physically and culturally, into the centre of activity, warmth, and opportunity that it is today.

A Fort reimagined: From military outpost to Scout Centre

The Fort itself has a unique and rich history. Built in the 1890s as a military base and part of London’s outer defence network, the site was designed to repel foreign invasion and train soldiers for the defence of the capital. By the 1950s, the site had fallen into disuse having been requisitioned from the Government for Army use during World War II.

In 1959, under the leadership of Greater London South’s first County Commissioner, Bill Hall, the site was secured for use by Scouts. It was a bold and visionary move and one that required hard work, imagination, and determination to realise its potential.

Bill Hall appointed Gordon, a young man with a passion for Scouting and a practical mindset, as The Fort’s second Warden, a volunteer role that would go on to define his life and transform the lives of countless others.

A life of service and a legacy that lasts

For more than six decades, Gordon has given more than just his time. He has given his heart, his hands, his humour, and his wisdom. He has built fences, repaired roofs, furnished sleeping accommodation, welcomed campers, supported volunteers, and above all, made people feel at home.

Tens of thousands of people, young and old, have pitched tents, cooked over fires, and taken their first steps into leadership on this site, and all under Gordon’s quiet supervision. His presence, encyclopaedic knowledge of the Fort, and tireless commitment have made him not only a keeper of the grounds and buildings, but a mentor, and friend to many, he really has been part of the South London Scout Centre since it began.

A record-breaking contribution to Scouting

We are proud, and genuinely humbled, to say that Gordon is almost certainly the longest-serving volunteer Scout Centre Warden in the World. His six decades of service span multiple generations of Scouts and volunteers. He has worked with every County Commissioner since our Scout County’s formation, and his name is etched into the story of The Fort as deeply as any landmark.

Looking to the future

As we celebrate Gordon’s remarkable legacy, we also look ahead to The Fort’s exciting next chapter. A new team of dedicated staff will now take up the mantle, following in Gordon’s footsteps and becoming the next custodians of this unique site, on behalf of our County Board of Trustees. We look forward to welcoming them warmly and know you will join us in wishing them every success. We are confident they will honour the spirit of care, commitment, and community that Gordon has embodied over the years.

We want to take this moment to thank and appreciate all our centre users, including everyone in our Scouting community (both near and far), community groups, schools, community members, and families. Your continued support is vital as we work together to ensure the Fort goes from strength to strength, growing ever more vibrant and impactful.

Looking ahead, we are committed to delivering the ambitious plans for development set out in our Planning for the Future vision. With these, we aim to build a centre fit for adventure for the next 50 years - one that inspires new generations of Scouts and community users and continues to be a place where unforgettable memories are made.

A heartfelt thank you

we simply cannot thank you enough. Your lifetime of service, your loyalty to South London Scouts, the Scout Movement, and your unwavering dedication have made the South London Scout Centre what it is today.

Though you are retiring from your formal role as our volunteer Centre Manager, your legacy lives on — in every tree planted, every skill taught, and every memory made at the Fort.

Thank you, from all of us.

With deepest appreciation,