24th May 1908 the 1st Whitby Boy Scouts parading down the High Street.
It was on 15th January 1909 that a fifteen year old Whitby boy wrote into the Whitby Gazette expressing his views about the newly formed Scout Movement. He urges for as quoted in the newspaper: 'now that we have the bright prospect of a new year to look forward to, cannot some Whitby man come upto the mark and do a good turn to his country, His neighbour, Himself by organising troop in Whitby'
The following week.
On the 29th January 1909 A Rev C Willoughby-Poignand wrote in response to the article a week prior he stated that he had formed the 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop at the Institute House in Grape Lane, 2 months Prior to the Whitby Gazette article. Which means the 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop was formed in November 1908.
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| The 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop in January 1909 |
A very active Troop
In Easter 1909 one of the first troop outings was had at Aisleby where they were seen for the first time in their full uniform and were photographed in front of Park Hall, the home of Rev J.H.Richardson.
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| The photograph outside Park Hall. |
Empire day 1909
The Troop paraded through Whitby in celebration of Empire Day 1909 in May, they were inspected and sang the National Anthem on the Peoples Park.
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| The 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop outside Grays shop on Empire Day 1909 |
German Friends
On the 23rd July 1909 it was noted that Masters Philip Lawson and Fred Harrison of the Whitby Troop, cycled to Guisborough and had a pleasant time with the Guisborough Boy Scout Troop who were entertaining the German Boy Scouts on their visit to England.
The Scoutmasters Left another steps up
In September 1909 Scout Master Rev Poignand had left Whitby so the Troop was being led by the Patrol Leaders but an appeal was put out in the Whitby Gazette for a replacement. It is unknown (at the moment) when the troop got a replacement but prospered well. In an article dated July 1910 a Scout Master Rev H.P.Peel who did an excellent job with the troop. They slowly built up a very active committee and the president was the Marquis of Normanby.
The Troop Band
The 1st Whitby Troop started a Marching band in 1910/11 with Bugles and drums.
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| The 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop Band in 1911 |
It was July 1911 when at Windsor Castle among thirty-five thousand Scouts there was fourteen Whitby Boy Scouts and Scout Master Rev H.P.Peel. It was the Kings Review, where the King and Baden Powell inspected the many Scouts present. A truly memorable occasion as many if not all the boys may not have seen outside Whitby.
A productive Camp
A camp was held in early august 1911 on a field lent to the boys by Sir Francis Ley who was the father of the Assistant Scout Master M.A.Ley who ran the bulk of the camp with the help of Sir Leys household who ran the proficiency badge sessions, Mr Robinson (Sir Leys Coachman) took the boys in Hoursmanship, Mrs Morrall (Lady Leys Cook) took the boys in Cooking, Mr Billingham (Sir Leys Chauffeur) took the boys in engineering, Mr Peary (Sir Leys Head Gardener) took the boys in Gardening even Lady Ley ran a session on the Mmbulancemans badge, Tenderfoot badges and second Class badges were focused on also. On the Monday a grand tea was had to celebrate Scout Master Peels and Assistant Scout Master Leys Birthdays, a public review and display was had after the tea, also present at camp was an Assistant Scout Master Gray.
Boy Scouts Vs Church Lads Brigade
From the start of 1911 the Whitby Boy Scouts and Church Lads Brigade were heavily connected by annual physical competitions and tasks in which the 2 Movements were eaqually matched, although it seemed the Church Lads Brigade were better footballers.
1912
The 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop seem to be becoming more known and supported by the local community, a Whist drive was held for Scout funds, a grand total of £1 15s was raised, the Whist drives became an annual event.
There was a camp of 83 Scouts held in Whitby from 1st Colne (Mayors Own) Scout Troop. the 1st Whitby Troop invaded the Camp on one of the Nights and joined in the camping fun.
The great gift
On the 20th March 1913 A Great gift of a spectacular 3ft x 4ft Silk Flag to the 1st Whitby Boy Scout Troop. It was the creation of Miss Barnard and contributed by other Whitby Ladies. It was in the form of a Union Flag with a gold Fleur-de-lys in gold in the middle with the Be Prepared Scroll under, on the reverse side which was dark blue silk with 2 scrolls with as follows "First Whitby Troop" "Boy Scouts". The Flag was presented to Scout Edwin Smithson who represented the Troop by the Marchiness of Normanby, She presented the flag at a ceremony in the Temperance Hall, as she handed the flag over she said "I have great pleasure in presenting these colours to the First Whitby Troop of Boy Scouts. You have every reason to be proud of them, and I hope being Whitby Boys you will always act up to their motto.
Whitby goes to Birmingham
In July 1913 16 Scouts the Scout Master and Assistant from 1st Whitby Troop went to the Scout International Rally at Bingley Hall in Birmingham, at the Rally Exhibition there were all the Scout Proficiency Badges represented by exhibits and where possible there was hands on practical work and demonstrations. the Troop headed to Edgbaston Reservoir when they had been round the exhibition to see the Sea Scout display. The following morning the Troop headed to Perry Hall Park where the Rally took place. HRH Prince Arthur of connaught road into the parade ground to inspect the troops which had come from all over the world, China, Poland, USA and more. The Whitby troop attracted lots of interest owing to there magnificent Flag. After the weekend the Troop were keen to gain lots of badges on their return.
Commissioners October Visit.
The North of England commissioner Anthony Slingsby visited and inspected the masses of Scouts from Whitby which was boasting 150 members. he gave a speech in front of the boys about the Scout law and doing a 'good turn' in the evening Parents and Locals gathered to discuss the possibility in staring Scout Troops in the surrounding Villages, Goathland, Robin Hoods Bay and more , the newly appointed District Commissioner Major-General Sir James Trotter K.C.B Chaired the meeting. unfortunatly after the meeting a Group Meeting was held and the Scout Master Rev Peel resigned and Assistant Scout Master Gray was appointed Scout Master.
1914
In May the 1st Whitby Troop assisted in the fundraising for the blind. The Troop took part in various tasks such as sweeping of yards, taking luggage to the Station and cleaning windows, altogether £2 2s 2d was raised.
on the 22nd of May it was announced that a Troop of a dozen boys was set up in Aislaby and have all been enrolled and a Troop in Sleights was set up.
Monday 2nd November
Assistant Scout Master Ley of 1st Whitby was announced Dead as result of war. he was the youngest son of Sir Francis Ley. he was an officer in the 3rd Buffs who were attached to the 1st Lincolnshire regiment.
In December Vivian Gray (formerly ASM) was made the Scout Master of 1st Whitby as the late SM Leys Replacement.
Baden Powell was due to inspect the 1st Whitby Scouts who formed a Coast watch at the coastguards station as part of the Scout National Service effort but his commitments in London prevented him from doing so.
The Bombardment of Whitby
On 16th December the bombardment of Whitby by enemy forces took place, some Whitby Scouts and a Devon Territorial were injured whilst on Coast watch duty on the Cliffs of Whitby, among the injured was Scout Roy Miller son of Captain Miller was that seriously injured he had to have his leg amputated . Baden Powell got to hear of this and wrote the following in the News Paper,
1915
1st Whitby Scouts got a new home in Khyber Pass. The new Headquarters was opened by the Marchioness of Normanby on the same occasion Assistant Scout Master Robertshaw was presented with the Silver Wolf. A great number of other badges were awarded to the boys. Scout Master Gray was presented with a Silver Wrist watch and the Scout War Service Badge. The Scout Hut was bought by the Boy Scouts with the funds raised by the boys from their various jumble sales, whist drives etc.
In November 1915 the Scouts of Whitby set there sights on a new Ambulance for the Front line now they have their own HQ. The Boy Scout Movement already had an Ambulance fittingly named 'Boy Scouts' operating on the front line due to the demand of hard labour it was failing so a replacement was needed. The Chief Scout Promised a New Ambulance so the Boy Scouts Respond!
A new Scout Master was appointed a Scout Master Rev G.E.C Parry-Okeden in late 1915
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| The Whitby Scout band 1915 |
1916 - 1917
Throughout 1916 and 1917 the Scouts were fundraising as well as carrying on with there war service work.
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| The Whitby Scout band 1917 |
Working in the Fields, 1918
In response to the Governments appeal for more workers in the fields the 1st Whitby Boys took on this work and at least 8 members of the Troop left Whitby for 5 weeks to work in Yorkshires Flax Fields which were in Sherburn-in-Elmet. A further 12 Scouts from Whitby County School Scout Troop joined them for a fortnight. there were 300 Boy Scouts and Cadets at the Sherburn-in-Elmet Flax Camp, the boys were organised into Patrols and certificates were awarded for the most productive Patrol each week. Whitby Scouts were also stationed at Bramham and Shipton on the Flax Field there.
A whistdrive was held at Bothams cafe on Baxtergate in aid of Whitby Scouting funds, about 20 tables were engaged in playing. The use of Bothams Cafe was going to be a regular base for the annual Whist Drives.
1919
On a Saturday in June 1919 the 1st and 2nd Whitby Troops, the 1st Loftus Troop and the 1st Liverton troop attended a Scouting Memorial service at St Michaels church. it was noted that 2500 of the Scouts who had been with the forces had been decorated for war service and 10,000 had made the supreme sacrifice.
On Saturday 27th September a thousand Boy Scouts from across North Riding which included Whitby attended a Rally that Baden Powell and Sir Hugh Bell (was Lord Lieutenant of North Riding of Yorkshire) inspected the Scouts and a Whitby Scout R. Miller (Mentioned in the Above Paragraphs) was presented to the Chief Scout and was Complemented by him.
The First World Jamboree
In August 1920 8 members of the Whitby Boy Scout Local Association traveled down to London to attend the World Scout Jamboree at Olympia. Scout Master R. Miller was in charge of the Party of Assistant Scout Master W. Mothersdale, F. Kendall, E, Mothersdale, J, K, Shaw, F, Gandy and M, Ross who were all members of either 1st and 2nd Whitby Troops and they were part of the North Riding Contingent of 200 Members, when they arrived at Olympia they met up with a Scout Master P. Robertshaw of Kew who was an assistant Scout Master at Whitby in 1915. Among the British Scouts there were Scouts from across the World - Jamaica, Gibraltar, Malta, Holland to name a few. An impressive opening ceremony was held with the 9th Middlesbrough Troop Band in the centre. after the raising of the Union Flag and the Scout Colours the scouts stood fast again at the Salute for the raising of the flag of Holland to celebrate the Queen of Hollands Birthday and the 400 strong Dutch contingent sang their national anthem. In the halls on the Jamboree site various different exhibitions, demonstrations and international contests were taking place of which Boys from the North Riding contingent won 2 of the boxing contests. The Whitby boys returned home 4 days later a most happy group of lads.
An influx of members
An impressive ceremony was held in January 1921 at the Church House where over 50 new Scouts were enrolled and presented with their Tenderfoot Badges. Major General Sir J.K. Trotter Commissioner performed the Enrollment ceremony, After this W. Mothersdale and F. Kendall received their Warrants as Assistant Scout Masters.
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| An early felt Tenderfoot Badge. |
A special award
The medal of Merit was presented to Miss Greenwell who was the Secretary of the Whitby Boy Scout Local Association in recognition of the important services rendered during the war in assisting to keep the Whitby Boy Scout Movement alive when it was left with practically no men to help. this was presented in the February of 1921
The big dance
The 1st Whitby Troop held a dance in the Spa for Christmas 1921. About 100 couples attended, the hall was decorated with material left up from the Whitby Friendship Rowing club dance. The music was supplied by a local Mr A. Clarkes' Orchestra.
1922 - 1923
Throughout 1922 and 1923 there was numerous social events and fundraisers held to support local Scouting, they were always well attended.
Something for the Younger Brothers
A Wolf Cub Pack was formed at 1st Whitby, under the leadership of Miss A. Cameron and Miss E. Milburn.
International Affairs
The Whitby boys are becoming seasoned travelers as in August 1924 a contingent of Scouts from Whitby Local Association traveled down to Wembley for 10 days to take part in the Empire Jamboree.
A Number of Cubs, Scout and Rover Scouts from the North Riding attended the World Jamboree in Denmark where they left from Hull on the 6th August 1924 on a Special boat called the Orlando which carried 735 British Scouts. when at the Jamboree they were in the charge of Miss Blanche-James Assistant District commissioner for Wolf Cubs in Redcar. They returned on the 25th August.
Fancy Dress Dance
November 1924 saw the annual fancy dress dance with Whitby scouts and Wolf Cubs taking over the Whitby Coliseum, Music was supplied by the Gem Orchestra. Among the costumes there was an aeroplane, a fire and an Indian Chief.
Another Dance
another fancy dres dance was held in the January 1925 again in the Coliseum, the winners of the fancy dress were miss Linton (Victorian lady) and Mr Newton (Scotsman).
The Royal Inspection
Princess Mary came to Whitby in late November 1925, the Royal party went from the Hospital to the Royal Hotel Via Spring Hill, Bagdale, Chubb Hill Road, Crescent Avenue, Royal Crescent and North Terrace. Along the route people cheered Her Royal Highness, while outside the Royal Hotel a large crowd had come to witness the inspection of Whitby Boy Scouts, Wolf Cubs, Girl Guides and Brownie Guides by Princess Mary. Her Royal Highness was accompanied by Scout Commissioner Steaton Gray for the inspection which was done in silence from the crowd as the Princess took time to speak a number of the Scouts and Guides on Parade. Before she and her Husband entered the Hotel for afternoon tea the crowds gave them cheers on the proposition of Captain Smith of the Royal Navy.
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| The Gathering outside the Royal Hotel. |
March there was a Jumble sale held for Scout funds which raised about £20.
In June representatives of the Whitby Local Association of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides paraded to St Michael's Church for a Divine Service at which the Scouts renewed their Promises' and various Troop and Company Flags were dedicated which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
Another Dance was held, this time being held at Bothams Cafe, the music was supplied by the Nightbirds Orchestra.
1927
More Funds Raised
A Bazaar was held in aid of funds for the 1st and 2nd Whitby Scout Troops. It was held in the church house and proved very successful. there was an excellent attendance testifying to the high regard in which the Boy Scout Movement was held locally. Owing to the illness of Lady Ley who was to open the event, the Marquis of Normanby who also took a great interest in the movement open the Bazaar. It was announced at the opening ceremony that there were 2'647 Boy Scouts in the North Riding but officers were still needed. Over £100 was raised.
Cross Country Shield 1927
May 5th 1927 saw a presentation to the 1st Whitby Troop by Whitby Toc H, they presented the Cross County Shield to Scout R Cameron. The Troop won the Shield on Easter Monday when they ran a 3+ Mile course. They competed against The St John and St Hilders Youth Club and St Michaels Scout troop (Possibly 2nd Whitby?)
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| Competitors of the Cross County race at the Start line. |
Gilwell Park
A contingent of Whitby Scouts took a trip down Gilwell Park in Chingford on the outskirts of London where they camped under canvas. Gilwell Park is now the National Scout Headquarters. They camp here again in 1928.
New HQ
May 27th 1927 it was announced in the Whitby Gazette that the 1st Whitby Boy Scouts were in possession of their own HQ. the Hut was erected for them By Messers Braim and Sons Builders on a site which adjoined bobbies Bank, the Hut was 35 Feet by 15 Feet in Size. The hut cost £60 and the foundations cost £20 and the interiors estimated £20. A total of £100, this seems nothing in today's world. The New Hut was opened 7th July, the ceremony was led by Mrs Hone the wife of Canon Hone, Rector of Whitby, who had a guard of honour of Scouts, among the guests was Scout Commissioner Captain G.E. Swann who congratulated the Scouts on their work in acquiring a new HQ.
In August Whitby experienced heavy rainfall and particularly so at Robin Hoods Bay where the 1st Whitby Scouts were at camp under the supervision of Scout Master Kendall who were compelled to break camp early. Before they left the Camping field the Scouts looked back and saw ducks swimming on the area where their tents were pitched.
1928
The first annual District Sports competition took place in mid May on a field in Stakesby Vale. the Troops mustered in Victoria Square and headed to the sports field led by their Drums band and Troop flags. among the spectators and judges were family, friends, District Commissioners and the Executive committee. Troops present were 1st Whitby, 2nd Whitby and Sandsend Troop. There was a great list of Races and sports - sackraces, 50 yards relay, long jump, egg and spoon race, tug of war and many more. 2nd Whitby won the Scout Shield and 1st Whitby won the Cub Shield.
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| The Parade onto the sports field |
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| The Scout Tug of War |
Chief Scouts Visit
in April 83 members of the Whitby Boy Scouts Local Association traveled to York under the supervision of Scout Master Kendall to participate in a Rally which Chief Scout and Founder Baden Powell was present. they left Whitby in 3 Buses from the Pioneer Company. The boys paraded From York Station to York Minster where a special service was held, The preacher was the Bishop of Whitby and the lesson was read by Baden Powell himself. Following the service the Parade which consisted of three thousand Scouts from across the North Riding continued to Museum gardens where Baden Powell took the salute.
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| Waiting for the bus to York. |
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| Baden Powell and the other Commissioners on the Saluting base in Museum Gardens |
Throughout the summer of 1928 more than 50 Scout Troops had Camped in and around Whitby and the total of about 1'120 Scouts visited the District, mostly coming from the West Riding of Yorkshire but some coming further afield as London.
Tributes in London
Patrol Leader F.E Turner of the 1st Whitby Troop and Ranger Patrol Leader L. Stephenson of the 2nd Whitby Girl Guides traveled down to London for a wreath laying ceremony by the Captain Cook Memorial in The Mall, they Placed a wreath on behalf of the people of Whitby, they were joined by representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Newfoundland.
1929
The Year the Scout Movement came of age and the 21st Anniversary would be celebrated in many different ways.
At a Meeting of the Local Association of Whitby Boy Scouts Executive Committee it was decided to send 18 Boys from Whitby and District to the World Scout Jamboree in Arrow Park, Birkenhead nr Liverpool. There was also interest shown in forming a unit for the Deep Sea Scout Section in the Seamans Institute.
There was now active Scout Groups in Ruswarp (Sea Scouts) Sleights and Sandsend as well as the 2 groups in Whitby.
F.Kendall was appointed Group Scout Master of 1st Whitby Group and he was also Assistant District Commissioner. He had been with the 1st Whitby Scout Group since 1916 and he was awarded the 1914 war service badge. Mr Kendall was awarded the Medal of Merit for his good and long services to Scouting in April 1929.
On the 14th February the 1st Whitby Rover Scout Crew organised a dance to raise funds to send the chosen boys to the Wold Jamboree in August, £160 was raised.
An article in the Whitby Gazette shows that the Local Association were very keen to open a Deep Sea Scout Crew.
An officers Wood badge course was held around May of 1929 and was noted in the North Eastern Gazette.
1929 World Scout Jamboree
There was 25 Whitby District Scouts got to the Jamboree, commissioner F. Kendall was incharge and Rover Scout L. Kitching was second in command. They Joined Scouts from Scarborough which would form number 3 Troop of the North Riding Contingent. The Jamboree ran from the 31st July to the 12th August.
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| 1929 census breakdown. |
1930
Presentations at 1st Whitby
the 1st Whitby Scouts and Cubs held a celebratory supper at their HQ in January. The Wolf Cub Pack presented a framed Photograph to Mrs Hartley who was retiring as Cubmaster this was done by the Group Scout MAster Mr F.Kendall. The District Commissioner Captain Boyle CBE presented Miss H.C Porter and Miss Storrar their joint Cub Master Warrants who were Mrs Hartleys Successors. Miss D.B Dixon was appointed Assistant Cub Master. Mr Kendall presented Mr Hartley with a Gold Thanks Badge for his services as the Late Assistant Scout Master. Mr L Lund was presented with his Assistant Scout Master warrant in succession of Mr Hartley.
Wood Badges
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| This presentation took place in August. |
Deep Sea Scout
5th September 1930
Mr Frank Turner an apprentice on the Whitby Steamer Streonshalh was the first Deep Sea Scout to be enrolled at Whitby. The Ceremony took place in the Seaman's Institute led by Rev H. Haworth Coryton General Superintendent of the Missions to seamen. As a Deep Sea Scout he would be entitled to visit any Scout HQ of any Country in the World and often arrangements would have been made at the Seaman's Institutes for him to be met by a Scout Master at the visiting port.
Deep Sea Scouts are still and active branch of the Scout Association today-http://www.scoutsinships.btck.co.uk/
1931
In June of 1931 a joint service with the Girl Guides was held at Brunswick Wesleyan church of which was full of uniformed youth. they paraded into the church led by the Brownies followed by the Wolf Cubs, The Girl Guides and The Boy Scouts.
Getting Trained
8 boys from the Whitby and District Boy Scouts attended and Passed their Patrol Leader Training course. Those boys were - H. Readman, T.Kinchin and B. Filburn of the 1st Whitby troop, K. Todd, P. Storey and M. Johnson of the 1st Ruswarp Sea Scouts and T.Southwick and H. Dixon of the 1st Sleights Troop. The aim of the course was to give the Patrol Leaders of the new Troops an understanding of Scouting.
A Rover Moot
Whitby Rover Crew attended the Rover Scout Moot at Upleatham on 12th September 1931
1932
25th June - Rover Scouts from across the District came to attend the Scout Dominated funeral of Skipper Hodgson who was the Rover Scout Leader. The Funeral procession walked through the streets with a Scout guard of honour.
The 1st Whitby Troop held their summer camp at Lodge Farm in Aislaby in august 1932. The Wolf Cubs also had their camp at Lodge Farm.
A Troop was started at Grosmont under the leadersip of Scout Master Mr McNeil,
To be Continued RGB
