Believe it or not KD6 can trace it`s roots back to 1912 when it was first reported to have been disbanded, although it is not known whether this referred to a troop in Franche. In may 1914 Kidderminster Shuttle first reported that a Troop had been formed in Franche, and at the time the headquarters was said to be in Mouse Lane. However the troop was disbanded once again in 1925 and for some years what was then a village did without a Scout Group.
The Early Years
It was in September 1934 KD6 Franche was first registered at the Scout headquarters under registration number no. 16603. To start with the headquarters was in a loft, in an outbuilding in the yard at Sunnyside flats. The cubs would meet in the village hall across the road. Throughout the following war years Scouting at KD6 actually continued under Scout Master Norman Jones.
The Middle Years.
In July 1950 the then Scout Master Tony Howell resigned and was replaced by Alf Right. At the time the Cubs were being run by Miss Betsy Armitage. In a special meeting in September 1957 it was decided with an ever growing troop and the headquarters at Sunnyside having become so cramped the group would aim to obtain the necessary land and build a hut as quickly as possible.
After much fundraising and countless meetings it was decided in August 1962 that the Headquarters should be placed with a local trust for the benefit of local Scouts and guides. The total cost of the building was £2000, and the official opening took place on 25th September 1963. The hut still stands on it`s site today and has seen many a young Cub and Scout pass through the doors.
The opening of the Headquarters saw an increase in numbers. 1966 saw the completion of an extension to the hut, and by March 1972 the Final extension was reported completed. In 1974 due to the number of cubs wishing to join it was decide to run two cub packs, one meeting on a Monday, the other on a Friday. The Friday pack were known as the Tomahawks between 1975 and 1977. The first Group Bonfire was held in 1976 where a massive 258 tickets were sold.
The Later Years
In September of 1979 it was decided to hold a competition to design a group badge. S.Morris produced the badge which has become well known in and around Kidderminster. “Fresne” is said to be Anglo Saxon for Franche, and depicts an Ash leaf, the tree of the area from years back.