100 years of Scouting in Irthlingborough book launch - Friday 4^th December 2009

The history of 1^st Irthlingborough

Soon after Baden Powell published his World's Best Seller "Scouting for Boys" in fortnightly parts in 1907, word soon spread and latterly that year and more formally in 1908, the young people of Irthlingborough responded to the challenge and Scouting was born locally.

The first person to be involved was a Mr.William Bromage who brought home the magazine - and it all started from there.

He emigrated to Canada, survived the trenches having joined up with the Canadians and was listed on the First World War Roll of Honour. Jesse Berwick became the first Warranted Scout Master in 1910 and along with George Downing, they developed a formidable Troop. Distinctions included a Gymnastic Display in 1912 at Franklins Gardens in front of the Prince Alexander of Teck (Brother of Queen Mary).

Scouts mounted guard on the downed plane in the 1910 Daily Mail Air Race to Scotland - which landed in Marsh Lane - the Scouts conducting the pilot to the Horseshoe Inn to be entertained for supper by Doctor Robb - an early Scout Supporter.

The first camp was held at Nassington in 1910 and the Troop members were among the first to answer the Nation's Call in 1914 and join up to fight for King and Country.

Great toll was taken of the Scouts and we remember them on a Memorial in the Cemetery - erected on the grave of the only Scout to die of wounds in the UK - the late Arthur Thompson.

During the First World War - on Easter Sunday 1916 , over 100 youngsters marched - along with the Trek cart to enjoy a day's activities and a cook-out at Brigstock Woods. This original Trek Cart - made by Allin's - the Undertakers - and given to the Scouts by Perkins and Bird Ltd. in 1916. This was lovingly restored for us free of charge by David Watts of Wattsons (Thrapston) in 2004.

Camping using tents was not allowed in 1914-1918 owing to the Zeppelin Threat - so a Barn at Wilby became the next best thing later in those war years.

The Great War ended with a Roll of Honour being produced with congratulations to those who safely returned, some well, most scarred, some gassed and as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The 1920's were golden years for local Scouting with Irthlingborough becoming it's own District with Jesse Berwick as Commissioner.

Rovers thrived and Kings Scout Harold Bugby was a prominent member of this Troop. He later went on to kindly donate the present building by Trust in perpetuity for Scouts in Irthlingborough.

Scouting came of age in 1928 and a Jamboree was held at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead. Irthlingborough Scouts presented the Founder with a pair of 'EXPRESS' boots made at Wearra Shoes Ltd. by Harold Bugby.

Scouting also spread to the Churches in Irthlingborough with the Salvation Army having a Group under the command of Mr. Drage and St. Peters started Cubs and Scouts by the patronage of Mrs. Frith, wife of the Rector of the day.

The Second World War caused a problem for Scouting as almost all the adult men were called up either for National Service or essential War work. Scouting continued but at a low-ebb. Thanks to Founder Scout Jim Horner - well known for his boat-hire business! - the Bell Tents (one of which still survives today) and of course the Trek Cart were well looked after during those dark wartime days.

1948 brought back men fresh from the Forces wishing to give the youngsters of the Town a better life and the '48 Troop was born from the ashes of the orriginal group.

Sufficient to provide a great inspiration to other Scouts, 1951 produced another Kings Scout - Jim Compton - still Scouting today in Australia. He represented us at the post-war Jamboree at Bad Ischl in Switzerland.

Frank Dennett (Skip) became Group Scout Leader and was honoured with the Medal of Merit on his retirement.

Edward Ager became the first Queens Scout in the late 1950's giving impetus to the Troop of the day .This era gave more stability with lots of camping and then in the 60's, the change of Uniform and Programme meant great strides forward up until the present day .Pierre Perkins headed the list of Queens Scouts for that era and was joined by many more to get that prestigious Award and march at Windsor Castle in front of HM the Queen.

Irthlingborough has since produced many Queens Scouts since the 1970's, headed by Andy Hunt. Other members have joined the Chief Scouts Working Party, gained the Explorer Belt and there have been numerous Long Service and Merit Award winners in recent years. With the help and support of many donors the Group has managed to refurbish the HQ on three separate occasions since the 1960's and most recently giving a 21st century appeal to the present young people.