The SSGMC (Surrey Scout and Guide Mountaineering Club) began life in 1967 when a small number of Scouting and Guiding friends got together to pursue an idea- the formation of a club for those involved in the two movements with an interest in mountaineering. The inaugural meeting was held at 3rd Ashtead Scout Hall and it was from there that it all began. The club was set up for people in the scouting and guiding movements with an interest in mountaineering. The aims were to “provide the opportunity for interested members of the scout and guide movements to enjoy mountaineering activities” and to “actively encourage them in standards of safety and leadership”. The members were primarily from scouting in Surrey and guiding in Croydon, Surrey East, Surrey West and Greater London West.
The club has enjoyed mountaineering trips in all the national parks such as the Lake District, Peak District, Scotland, Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons. For many years, there was a monthly weekend Away Meet and a monthly Home Meet. The Home Meets have included photographic competitions, quizzes, equipment evenings and talks by the members of their mountaineering trips home and abroad.
The club continues to enjoy an active programme with a focus on biannual Away Meets to the mountains in January and October, local day walks in the Surrey Hills and regular monthly Home Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Wheatsheaf Ewell.