5th Dronfield (HillTop) Scout Group situated at the southern side of Dronfield in northeast Derbyshire was formed in 1967 and was incorporated into the Scout District of Chesterfield. Its founder Group Scout Leader was Gordon Senior.

Dronfield was going through something of a transformation during this period when a large influx of newcomers to the area created a rise in house building and increase in the population level. Hill Top was no exception with a major development to the south side of Dronfield.

Scouting at Hill Top was initially conducted in the Hill Top United Reform Church Hall on Hill Top Road, with a healthy Cub Scout Pack and Scout Troop.

During the rebuild of Hilltop Mission Church Hall, 5th Dronfield moved into an old wooden hut occupied by the Guides on a site named "Guideacre". Miss Lucas, a local benefactor, gave this land in trust to the Girl Guide Association. Guiding and Scouting have remained there ever since.

In 1974 Dronfield became a District in its own right.

1978 William Panton took over as Group Scout Leader and Bill still involves himself with the Group Executive to this day as a 'life member'.

At about this time, a plan was formulated between Guiding and Scouting at Hill Top to instigate a major fund raising drive, in order to rebuild 'Guideacre'. This body was to be known as the "158 Association" and was actively chaired by the late Norman Jones. The "158 Association" name was derived from the incumbent youth groups meeting there - 1st Dronfield Brownies, 5th Dronfield Scout Group and 8th Dronfield Girl Guides.

On the 20th September 1986 the new 'Guideacre' was formerly opened with all due pomp and ceremony, and which many friends, and members past and present attended.

The newly announced junior age group allowed 5th Dronfield to introduce Beaver Scouts to the group in 1983.

In 1984 Bill Panton resigned as GSL and was replaced by Stew Stenton, who remained in the post until his own retirement in 2003.

An Explorer Scout Unit was formed in 2001 when Scouting underwent a major modernisation, but which sadly closed and transferred to a District Unit due to leadership shortages.

As with many other Scout Groups, 5th have enjoyed many successes over its history including a number a Queens Scout Awards, attendees at World Scout Jamoborees, as well as actively participating in District competitions and International Camps at 'Peak' and at 'Sherwood' to name but a few.

In 2005 the group introduced girls into the Troop in readiness for the Association change to co-ed in 2007.

5th Dronfield Scout Group enjoys its independence at Hill Top Dronfield, but works together in partnership with the Girl Guide Association in maintaining its unique joint headquarters for the benefit of the young people in the area.

Anyone wishing to know more about 5th Dronfield or may like to involve themselves in an adult capacity as a leader or helper, is invited to contact any of the leaders listed via email.