Boy scouts rally (1910)

Post date: Mar 09, 2012 11:27:15 AM

Extract from Parish magazine of December 1910

SCOUTS RALLY AT MAIDSTONE.—Boy Scouts from all parts of Kent mustered at Mote Park on November 5th, to meet the Chief Scout, Lieut-General Sir Robert Baden-Powell. The total number of Scouts was over 900, and represented all parts of the County. Both Wateringbury Troops of Scouts, the 1st with their Drum and Fife Band, and the 2nd with their trek-cart (presented to them by General Sir George Wolseley, K.C.B.) were present, only one member being absent.

The Wateringbury Band under Scoutmaster Edgar A. Smith headed the procession of Boy Scouts through the Streets of Maidstone. Both Troops gave a display before Baden-Powell, the 1st Troop doing some single-stick drill, and the 2nd Troop, under Scoutmaster A. Reader, making use of their cart as an ambulance cart. Assistant Scoutmaster E. Cartwright (1st Troop) received his badge as a King's Scout from Baden-Powell.

At the conclusion of the Rally, which was quite a picturesque ceremonial, the Chief Scout addressed those present in the first place, and afterwards the Scoutmaster in particular. The Chief spoke very highly of the work of the Scoutmasters of Kent, telling them to go on in the same way, only get more men to join -as Scoutmasters. General Sir George Wolseley, K.C.B., Scout Commissioner for the Maidstone District, was in command, and voiced the thanks of the Boy Scouts to the Chief Scout for coming to inspect the Scouts of Kent, and to Sir Marcus Samuel for letting them use his park.

As the Wateringbury Troops were starting to march home they were invited by Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Day (of Maidstone) to tea. Needless to say, such a kind and unexpected invitation was not refused. Mr. and Mrs. Day will be reckoned amongst the Wateringbury Boy Scouts' friends.—Communicated.

The first Scout camp on Brownsea Island took place in 1907 and "Scouting for boys" was published in 1908.

Sir George Wolseley lived at The Thatched House in Wateringbury and there are many references to him on this site which can be found by using the "search this site" box. Main references are at A Wateringbury Angel 

and May Day(1909).

The web-site of the Wateringbury Scouts can be found at  www.wateringbury-scouts.org.uk