The Box Hill Reporter noted on 22 January 1926 that at the monthly meeting of the Surrey Hills Progress Association the Secretary reported that “the ground had been purchased for the Boy Scout Hall, that plans had been prepared, and accepted by the building committee. As soon as the timber was available the work would be proceeded with. The Boy Scout Hall movement has been taken up by the association to try to secure a permanent meeting place for the boys of the district. Up till now they have no fixed place, nor have they had a qualified scout master. Mr. Bert Chenu, one of the committee, has been appointed to that position, and is carrying out his duties energetically. Having raised enough money to purchase the land (situated in Robinson's road, Surrey-Hills near the Drill Hall) the association's committee is now about to erect the building by means of properly organised working bees.” The Association organised markets, card evenings and dances to raise necessary funds. The volunteer labour included the parents of boys who had become scouts, led by builder Robert Hayes of 186 Union Road and his son, who was also a builder. Early ownership is unclear as it is believed that it was not purchased by the scouting movement until 1955. The hall was used by other groups as well as the scouts. Benmont Kindergarten operated on the site from c1930. This is confirmed by oral testimony, Sands & McDougall entries and the Alan Hold property register (part of the SHNC Heritage Collection.) It was also used as a ballet school and for local dances. The hall was situated on a small block of land, just 410 sq m, and in late 2019 it was put up for sale by Scouts Victoria. Most recently home to 1st Boroondara Scout Group and previously 11th Camberwell Scouts, it was sold for something near $1.3M. During May 2020 the modest hall was demolished. Items of significance were removed before the sale by Scout Heritage. A black and white photograph of a building with a small sign identifying it as 11th Camberwell Central Scout Group.robinson road, surrey hills, scout halls, scouts, buildings, structures and establishments, (mr) robert hayes, union road, builders, surrey hills progress association, benmont kindergarten, dances, ballet schools

Gunyah (aka The Surrey Hall) used in 1889 and after that for Masonic Lodge functions until they built the Emulation Hall in Rochester Road for local functions. There were many local dances both at Surrey Hall in mid 1930s, 1934 and 1935. Also on Saturday night at the Holy Redeemer. Foreword by the Honorable Wendy Baden-Powell.(Lord Baden-Powell's grand-daughter. Dedicated to Mr Jim Richards who followed in the great footsteps of "Rainbow" Simpson. History of scouting in Canterbury beginning with 1st Canterbury Scout Group. Includes many references to local Surrey Hills people.History of scouting in Canterbury beginning with 1st Canterbury Scout Group. Includes many references to local Surrey Hills people.Title Page: (signed by the author) James Nicolas17th camberwell, st paul's anglican church troop, surrey hall, gunyah, rainbow simpson, (mr) toby rechner, (m r) jim willis, (mr) jim richards, (mr) john wilson, (mr) c hammond, (mr) k smith, (mr) d hadaway, (mr) j mason, (mr) - fawcatt, (mr) g burmeister, (mr) george thomas, (mr) charles p middleton, (mr) w mccallum, (mr) h wilks, (mr) robert macfarlane, (mr) john moffat, (mr) gary everitt, (mr) peter milburn, (mr) bruce manks, (mr) wilfred o darby, (mr) - buscombe, (mr) - buchanan, (mr) j sinclair, (mr) f edwards, (mr) ray underwood, (mr) jack sinclair, (mr) don pittard, (mr) don webster, (mr) gerard van veenendaal

Original has been given to Box Hill Historical Society. Celebration in about 1912 in the Surrey Hall. May have been a Festival of Nations or part of the Empire Day Celebration held each year on or about 24th May. Photograph by W.V.Hill (1854-1940) who was a leader in the 1st Surrey Hills Scout troop and who may be in this photo (compare SHP0991). William Valentine Hill, clerk, lived in (10) Pembroke Street, Surrey Hills in the early years of the 20th century. Post WW1 he moved to 27 Broughton Road, Surrey Hills and later to Spencer Street, Camberwell.William Valentine Hill was a keen photographer There are many copies of his photos in this collection, donated by his nephew, William (Bill) Dempsey. His work is significant in documenting the early history of the scouts in this area and the social life of the congregation of the Wyclif Congregational Church in Norfolk Road.A black and white photograph of a large group of people gathered in a hall decorated with flags and lanterns. Some people are wearing Scout hats and uniforms.scouts, 1st surrey hills scouts, festivals and celebrations, empire day, clothing and dress, 1912, uniforms, (mr) w v hill, (mr) william valentine hill, festival of all nations