Scouts score a century

3:52pm Thursday 26th June 2008

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THE 1st Devizes Scouts, the second oldest Scout troop in the world, is celebrating its centenary this year with 12 months of special events for its young members.

It was founded in June 1908 by Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Steele, one of the valiant defenders of the British outpost of Mafeking during the Boer War.

Col Steele was a medical officer in the Wiltshire Regiment.

The commander of the outpost was General Robert Baden-Powell, who became a national hero for leading the defence.

In 1907 Lord Baden-Powell made history when he took a group of boys on an expedition to Brownsea Island, off the Hampshire coast, so founding the Boy Scout movement.

He instilled in them the kind of survival skills that had inspired the defenders of Mafeking and are still the basis for front-line squads like the SAS.

Col Steele picked up the idea from his friend and erstwhile commander and it was discussed at a meeting in the quaint Tower Room at Hillworth Cottage in Hillworth Road, owned by another local worthy, Captain Gundry.

As a result of that meeting, it was agreed to set up the Scout troop and Captain Gundry even donated a plot of land in Southbroom Road to build a Scout hall.

Scouting in Devizes, as over the rest of the world, proved immensely popular.

The first camp was held at Lockeridge in August 1909 and in March of the following year the great man himself, Lord Baden Powell, visited the town to see how the troop was getting on.

It was while the troop was at camp in Savernake Forest in August 1914 that the First World War broke out and members of the troop subsequently died during the hostilities. Meanwhile, the troop carried on, run by patrol leaders and volunteer helpers.

With peace came the completion of the Scout Hall and it was formally opened by Lord Methuen on July 14 1920. The gold key used for the ceremony still exists among the Scouts' memorabilia.

Scouting by this time was hugely popular and Scouts excelled in many activities and sports.

In 1948 a group of Venture Scouts under the direction of Scout leader Olly Brown, fed up with paddling their canoes up and down the Kennet and Avon Canal, took up the challenge to canoe to London.

They completed their journey in a little over 80 hours and unwittingly began the Devizes to Westminster canoe race that celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.

By 1968 the Scout Hall was looking a little run-down and Mr Brown led a group of volunteers to improve and redecorate the interior.

More improvements and upgrades are planned for the current year. There will be several open days in the next 12 months and reminiscences from former Scouts will be welcome.