Scouting personalities
How Scouting Began....
Our collection contains every edition and impression of "Scouting
for Boys", except the original Fortnightly Parts, which we have
in reproduction only. We have a copy of nearly every book that B-P
wrote, including the exceedingly rare "Sketches in Mafeking and
East Africa", of which only two other copies are known to exist.
The ninth scout law "to be thrifty" saw the creation of
Sock tops. These were knitted by hand using the colours of the Troup
Scarf and were placed over the top of school socks. In 1920, the uniform
was pretty much in the pattern we see today but was made in a much
heavier woollen fabric.
The name of our cottage is Sithen Brownsea (Sithen is old english
for 'since' and Brownsea is the place of the first camp run by Lord
Baden-Powell in 1907).
The Thumbstick is a forgotten piece of equipment but every adult
leader and Rover Scout carried them until the early 70’s…
It was a parade item and was used as an aid to walking a stiff incline;
it doubled as a tentpole for the hike tent at night and it was held
by the Scout leader at investitures. The owner’s career was outlined
in the small plaques he attached to his stick.
Scouting has made such a difference in the lives of the boys and
girls, parents and supporters, leaders and helpers etc that have been
involved in the Movement. Some of the more famous members are .. Harold
Holt (Former Prime Minister of Australia), Dick Smith (Adventurer
and Businessman), Peter Garrett (Singer and Social Activitist), Phillip
Adams (Writer and Film-maker), Bert Newton (Television comedian and
compere), Tim Macartney-Snape (Mount Everest Climber).
