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Centenary of one of longest-serving scouting troops

11/10/2008

NOT many people may be aware of it, but a Rochdale organisation has a well-founded claim to be the longest continuous serving group of its type in the world.

The First Rochdale Scout Group was formed in 1908, less than a year after Robert Baden-Powell set up the Boy Scout Movement.

The group has always been referred to by its literal form rather than the numerical way used by other Rochdale scout groups, such as the 7thA 15th, 27th and 37th.

Like other Rochdale Scout groups, the First grew from their local communities, in this case the terraces of Wardleworth.

The first reference to the First Rochdale came in the Observer in December 1909 in a report on their first anniversary and Christmas celebrations.

The balance sheet showed an expenditure of £12 and a balance of 1s 6d.

In 1958 First Rochdale celebrated its golden anniversary – and plans are now well in hand to mark the centenary.

A centenary dinner and dance is being held on Friday 24 October at the Masonic Hall in Richard Street and tickets are available from Brenda Hindley, 39 Oak Street, Shawforth.

Any old scouts who would like a trip down Memory Lane at the Rover Reunion should contact Ivor Beswick at 38 War Office Road, Bamford, to be put on the mailing list.

First Rochdale did indeed have many ‘firsts’ during their long history which, of course, still goes on to this day.

As far as uniforms were concerned, First Rochdale was proud to retain its distinctive style of green shirts, navy blue corduroy trousers and brown neckerchiefs.

They were the last Rochdale Scout troop to keep the traditional wide-brimmed hat until they were discarded by a national change which brought in long trousers and green shirts for all.

During its history First Rochdale members achieved some of the highest honours the Scouting Movement bestows in terms of bravery, proficiency and leadership.

In the 1940s, for instance, Peter Bull was awarded the Cornwell badge – the scouts’ equivalent of the Victoria Cross – for his fortitude in the face of a paralysing illness.

In 1966 Lesley Howarth was awarded the Gilt Cross for his part in rescuing a baby from the Rochdale Canal at Dicken Green and on two occasions the First have had six Queen’s Scouts simultaneously. Most scout troops were lucky to have more than two at one time.

They were also well-served by leaders, too.

The Silver Wolf and Silver Acorn was awarded to George Mainwaring, long-serving group scout master and to Florence Darlington, who was group secretary for more than 40 years and after whom the present George Street headquarters is named.

The First Rochdale Rover Crew (young men aged 18 to 24) held a high profile in Rochdale Scouting during the 1950s and 60s under the leadership of Bill Lee, a former Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Marine Commandos.