The Boy Scouts movement was brought into public prominence at Rushden on Saturday afternoon when the colours were presented at a rally which was attended by troops from many of the surrounding towns and villages.

The assembly took place in Mr. R. Marriott’s field off the Higham-road at two o’clock.  The following troops were in attendance: Rushden (under Scoutmaster Preston and Assistant Scoutmaster Walker), Kettering No. 1 (Scoutmaster …..), Kettering No. 2 (Assistant Scoutmasters Cockerill and Coe), Wellingborough (Scoutmaster Blick), Irthlingborough (Assistant Scoutmaster Berwick), Sharnbrook (Assistant Scoutmaster Darnell).  Earls Barton (under Scoutmaster Townley) put in an appearance later in the afternoon.  The total number of scouts present was about 160.  Sergt. G. A. McLeod of the Yeomanry, was also in attendance.

Led by the Rushden Temperance Band, the troops marched through the town to a field on the Wymington-road, lent by Mr. C. Knight.  Among the visitors here assembled were Mr. E. C. Browning, J.P., Mrs. Browning, and Miss Browning of Rushden House, Miss Sartoris (Rushden Hall), Mr. D’Aubeney, Rev. E. G. and Mrs. Betenson, Rev. E. W. Suart, Mr. Fred Knight, J.P., Mr. G. H. Skinner, Mr. G. R. Turner, and others.

On arriving at the field, the boys lined up and were inspected by Mr. Browning.  He expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present, and extended a welcome to the scouts from other towns.  The movement was going a good work amongst the lads, and it had had his support ever since it was founded by General Baden-Powell.  He felt sure it would instil into them the sense of discipline, truthfulness, self-reliance, and of all that tended to make better citizens of them.  He congratulated them on their neat and smart appearance, which was a credit to them and their officers.  He believed they would be an efficient part of the large body of scouts in the country.

Mrs. Browning then presented the colours to the Rushden 1st Troop of Boy Scouts.  In doing so she said she felt it to be an honour to be entrusted with that duty, and she hoped they would prove themselves worthy of the colours and ever defend them.  If at any time the war dogs were unloosed she hoped they would be prepared to stand to their colours to the last drop of their blood.  They had her best wishes for their future success and prosperity, and with the prayer that God would bless them she presented the colours, which were received by Lieut. Smith.

Scoutmaster Preston proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Browning, and referred to the support which they had given to the scout movement.