Rushden Research Group: Rushden Scouts WWI to WWII

Rushden Scouts - WWI to WWII

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The 1st Rushden Scout Band - undated

Rushden Echo, 5th April 1912, transcribed by Kay Collins

Scoutcraft - Boys Dine Together at Rushden - Successful Event
The annual dinner of the, Rushden Boy Scouts was held in the Church Institute, Coffee Tavern-lane, on Tuesday.

A large company assembled, among whom were: Messrs.J. Claridge, J.P., C.C. (in the chair), G. Miller. C.C., F'red Knight, J. P., Col-Sergt.-Inspector Bullard, Major Curtis, Messrs. W. Hensman, G. R. Turner, G. H. Skinner, Sergt. Bacon, Messrs. R. Marriott, F. E. Preston (scoutmaster), W. L. Beetenson, S. Powell, Phillips, A. Cox, C.A.K.Green, Ette, J. Hyde, J. Tomalin. W. Packwood, Seckington and Sergt. Wright (St. John Ambulance).

The Chairman gave the loyal toasts.

Toast List
Mr. Fred Knight then submitted "The Army, Navy, and Imperial Forces.'' He had taken a great interest in the Volunteer Forces, and he took a great, interest in the Territorial. Their navy was in a very efficient condition, and there was no doubt that while other nations increased their naval strength the home country must keep ahead. (Applause.) He did not think there would be any lack of recruits for the Territorials if the Government gave that force encouragement. (Applause.) With regard to the Scout movement, he considered it was a splendid one for keeping lads of their age out of mischief — (applause and laughter)— and also for bringing them under proper discipline. Their connection with the movement would be of great advantage, to them in after life. (Hear, hear, and applause.)

Sgt Bullard c1916 by E Virgo

Sergt. Bullard, in response, thanked the company for the way they had drunk the toast. With regard to the auxiliary forces, in that district, he was pleased to say, they were well over (Applause.) On the 1st of April they were nine men over, and he hoped to have a few more men in during the next week or so. They would not be in that flourishing condition were it not for the support which they got from the local tradesmen and the public generally. That support was particularly valuable which provided prizes for the autumn shoot. They were able to collect in money and value £50 for prizes. (Applause.)

Major Curtis
Major Curtis gave an address upon the Boy Scout movement. He would like tell them what they were doing in Northamptonshire with regard to the Scouts. He had spoken to Major Barry and suggested that he should organise the Boy Scouts. He knew that everything that was taken up in Northamptonshire went well, and he was therefore glad when Major Barry took the matter up. They were making headway in the county, and they now had a county organisation of six divisions, and nearly 1,500 Boy Scouts. (Applause.) He was proud to say that his division (the Eastern) numbered 520 units. There was no place for

A Loafer
in any walk of life, and neither was there room for one in the Scout movement. If they had a loafer among them who simply joined the Scouts because of the buns and good things he got when they gave a display, get rid of him. (Applause.) There were no loafers, he hoped, in the Northamptonshire Company. Since last summer they had a troup formed at Ecton and Irchester, and one was in formation at Finedon. Another had been started since September at Stanwick. That showed the movement was making progress in the division and in the county. They were going to have a County Scout Rally, and it would be held at Northampton on July 6th next. They were to be inspected by His Highness Prince Alexander of Teck, brother of the Queen, and subsequently displays would be given. It was probable that the firemen's display would be allotted to that part of Northamptonshire. They only had 16 boys who possessed the firemen's badge, and seven of those were in Rushden. Unless they got more boys to qualify for the badge it would leave very few to undertake the responsibility of that part of the display. He asked those boys to get others to qualify for

The Badges,
so that their division of the county could be worthily represented. They had also decided that each division should have a distinctive badge. Therefore, in the future they would wear a black silk ribbon round their hats, with "Northampton" printed upon it. He urged lads to make use of the Scout sign and do one good turn a day. He wanted them to go out of their way to do a good turn each day. (Applause.)

Sergt. Bacon then gave an interesting account of the origin of the Boy Scout movement.

Local Troop
Mr. Turner gave "The Rushden Troop." People were proud of the Scouts, for they were all striving to do good to their fellows. They were not the ''last hope" of England, but the "first hope'' for they looked to the lads to make the citizens of the future. (Applause.) Two boys had received rewards, one from Carnegie and one from Baden-Powell. The town and the troop were proud of those two boys. (Applause.) They were all prepared to do similar turns, but they did not have the opportunity. He was gratified that the movement was prospering in Rushden. (Applause.) A very great deal was due to the Scoutmaster, Mr. Preston, and he did not know a man more suited for the office of Scoutmaster. (Applause.)

Scoutmaster Preston said he had the movement very much at heart. He had held the position of Scoutmaster for three years, and had tried to do his best for the troop. (Applause.) It encouraged him to work for the troop because he felt they appreciated what he did. It was Scout law not to boast of what they did, and though he did not hear of many good turns he was quite sure they were being accomplished. Their lads were willing to help any institution, and often did so. All the good turns they did were done voluntarily, and without payment. (Applause.)

Other Toasts
Mr. Skinner gave ''The Visitors,'' and said he was gratified to see so many public men attending to show their interest in the Scouts. (Applause.)

Mr. Henson, in response, said they (the visitors) were going to do what they could for the Scouts, for they had a great interest in the boys.

Mr. Miller submitted "The Chairman," and thanks were accorded Major Curtis for his address.

The following contributed to the harmony of the evening: Mr. Bernard Tomkins (songs) and Mr. Neal (recitations).

Rushden Echo, 1st January 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

Boy Scouts—Mr and Mrs A H Sartoris kindly entertained the Boy Scouts at Rushden Hall on Saturday last, an excellent tea being served. Lord St John, the Rev W Pelham (Curate), and Scoutmaster F E Preston were among the guests. The boys thoroughly appreciated the good things provided for them. A good programme of music was afterwards provided. Songs were given by Mr Sartoris and a number of the boys, and the humorous content was introduced in several comic songs. Mr F E Preston was in command of the Scouts.

Rushden Echo, 8th January 1915, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Boy Scouts - Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sartoris kindly entertained the Boy Scouts at Rushden Hall on Saturday last, an excellent tea being served. Lord St. John, the Rev. W. Pelham (Curate), and Scoutmaster F. E. Preston were among the guests. The boys thoroughly appreciated the good things provided for them. A good programme of music was afterwards provided. Songs were given by Mr. Sartoris and a number of the boys, and the humorous element was introduced in several comic songs. Mr. F. E. Preston was in command of the Scouts.

Rushden Echo, 14th July 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

The 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts had a route march on Saturday, headed by the Bugle Band. Under Scoutmasters C. Cox and R. Sugars, they marched to Finedon. They returned home via "Stone Cross".

Scout George Sharp rescues boys 1916

Rushden Echo, 4th August 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

A Rushden Scout—Harold Burdett, of 114, High-street South, last Friday picked up a £1 note near Messrs. Tailby and Putnam’s shop in High-street. It is a tribute to his excellent training and adherence to his scout principles that he took the note straight away to the Police Station, where it was subsequently claimed by a boot operative who had lost his wages. The men in the shop where the loser of the note was employed raised among themselves 10/0, which they handed to Burdett as a reward for his honesty. The loser was Mr. Wm. Green, of 1, Refuge-terrace, Higham Ferrers, who works at Messrs. Nurrish and Pallett’s.

Rushden Echo, 13^th April 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Rushden Company of the Boy Scouts held a church parade on Sunday at Higham Ferrers. About 40 Scouts assembled under Scoutmasters Cox and Letts, with the band under Band-Instructor Chubb. On Monday the band and a number of Scouts played their comrade, Mr. Jim Bates, to the station on the occasion of his joining the Colours.

Rushden Argus, 4th May 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Boy Scouts—Mr. Hugh Sartoris, of Rushden Hall, who takes a great interest in the Boy Scouts, presented the service badges on Sunday afternoon. The lads, under Scoutmasters Cox and Litchfield, marched to the Hall grounds, where they paraded. The badges were received by H. Litchfield, B. Sharp (28 days), J. Webb, S. Robinson, B. Clark, and R. Tew (100 days).

Rushden Echo, July 20th 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

The 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts had a route march to Stanwick on Saturday. About 45 turned out under the command of Secretary Scoutmaster Cox and Assistant Scoutmaster F. Parkin. The band was conducted by Instructor Chubb. Mrs. Mackenzie of the Cottage, Stanwick, entertained the lads to tea.

Rushden Echo, 26th October 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Over twelve bushels of chestnuts have been collected by the Rushden Boy Scouts in the grounds of Rushden Hall, at the invitation of Mrs Sartoris. Secretary C Cox, Scoutmaster Fountain, and Assist. S M Parkin were in charge of the boys. The chestnuts are required for munition purposes.

An early picture by C F Chapman - St Mary's Scouts in the Rectory Field

Rushden Echo, 29^th July 1921, transcribed by Kay Collins

Camp — The Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts have completed arrangements for camping at Denford for August Bank Holiday week. They have complete equipment of their own, and will be under the charge of District Scoutmaster F. E. Preston and Scoutmaster G. N. Fountain.

Rushden Echo, 23rd June 1922, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts - Extension to the premises – County Commissioner’s Visit
The new extension to the Headquarters of the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts, which makes the premises decidedly more useful for the physical drills, tuition, and many other activities, was officially opened on Saturday evening by the Rev W H Shakel, of Brockhall, Weedon, County Commissioner (in uniform), in the presence of a good number of friends.

The whole company of Scouts were paraded in front of the building under District Scoutmaster F E Preston, Scoutmaster G C N Fountain, and Assist. Scoutmaster Houghton, and the Cubs under Cubmistress the Hon. Mrs Frift, of Irthlingborough, and Cubmistress Miss Clarice Knight. Also present were Major Watkins (District Commissioner), Mr A H Sartoris, J.P., C.C., and Mrs Sartoris, and Mr G R Turner.

District Scoutmaster Preston said that two years ago he approached Mr Sartoris with the view to obtaining those premises for Scout headquarters, and Mr Sartoris had very willingly consented to allow them the use of the building. Since then the Troop had considerably increased, necessitating an extension of the building. With the sum of money generously voted from the Hospital Carnival last September they had been able to make the necessary alterations. Although they had exceeded the grant, owing to the cost of materials, in carrying out the work, the total cost of the alterations had been kept much lower than it would otherwise have been, through the boys carrying out the greater part of the work themselves with the help of the Scoutmaster and Assist. Scoutmaster. (Applause.) They now had a good room for instruction and examinations, and another room for drill, gym., and games. It was well equipped with a library, billiard table, and gym. Requisites. The Troop was very well organised both in Scout law and physical exercises. Their services were often sought by various organisers in the town by whom they were much appreciated. (Applause.)

The Rev W H Shakel complimented the Troop on the excellent Headquarters they had got. He was pleased to know that they had done practically all the work themselves, and said it reflected great credit on the Scouts and their officers. He went on to speak of the duties and responsibilities of Scouts, giving much good advice.

The County Commissioner then carried out an inspection of the Troop, and, unlocking the door of the Headquarters, declared the new extension open.

Mr Sartoris moved thanks to the Rev W H Shakel for kindly attending, opening the new extension, and for his helpful address.

Mr G R Turner seconded, and said it was most imperative that parents should know that the Scout movement had nothing whatever to do with militarism. The little drill they had was merely for discipline. The training of the Scouts was all arranged to make the boys good citizens. The proposition was carried.

The officers then inspected the premises, which were afterwards thrown open to the public to inspect.

The Cubs, forming a circle with their Cubmistress in the centre, gave the Cub “Howl” very effectively, for which they were complimented by the County Commissioner.

The work of extending the premises has entailed much labour given by the Scouts and Cubs, and includes concreting the floor, erecting a substantial wooden partition to make two rooms, constructing the additional area of roof from the old part to the new brick front, and the fitting of inside equipment.

Mr Shakel has since written to Mr Preston: “I was quite pleased with the appearance of the Troop and could see they are working on the right lines.”

Scouts after a parade outside Arthur Robinson's shop 1920s

1st Rushden Scouts Inspection Review
about 1920 by the County Inspector at Rushden Hall
Ivy Jones – cub mistress and F E Preston - scoutmaster

Rushden Echo and Argus Friday 23rd June 1922, transcribed by Susan Manton

Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts - Extension to the premises
County Commissioner’s Visit

The new extension to the Headquarters of the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts, which makes the premises decidedly more useful for the physical drills, tuition and many other activities, was officially opened on Saturday evening by the Rev. W. H. Shakel, of Brockhall, Weedon, County Commissioner (in uniform) in the presence of a good number of friends.

The whole company of Scouts were paraded in front of the building under District Scoutmaster F. E. Preston, Scoutmaster G. C.N. and the Cubs under Cub Mistress the Hon. Mrs. Frith, of Irthlingborough and Cub Mistress, Miss Clarice Knight. Also present were Major Watkins (District Commissioner), Mr. A. H. Sartoris J.P., C.C. and Mrs. Sartoris and Mr. G. R. Turner.

Dist. Scoutmaster Preston said that two years ago he approached Mr. Sartoris with the view of obtaining those premises for Scout Headquarters, and Mr. Sartoris had very willingly consented to allow then the use of the building. Since then the Troop had considerably increased, necessitating an extension of the building. With the sum of money generously voted from the Hospital Carnival last September they had been able to make the necessary alterations. Although they had exceeded the grant, owing to the cost of materials, in carrying out the work, the total cost of the alterations had been kept much lower than it would otherwise have been, through the boys carrying out the greater part of the work themselves with the help of the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster. (Applause) They now had a good room for instruction and examinations and another room for drill, gym and games. It was well equipped with a library, billiard-table, and gym requisites. The troop was very well organised both in Scout law and physical exercises. Their services were often sought by various organisers in the town by whom they were much appreciated. (Applause)

The Rev. W. H. Shakel complimented the Troop on the excellent Headquarters they had got. He was pleased to know that they had done practically all the work themselves and said it reflected great credit on the Scouts and their officers. He went on to speak of the duties and responsibilities of Scouts, giving much good advice.

The County Commissioner then carried out an inspection of the Troop, and, unlocking the door of the Headquarters, declared the new extension open.

Mr. Sartoris moved thanks to the Rev. W. H. Shakel for kindly attending, opening the new extension and for his helpful address.

Mr. G.R. Turner seconded and said it was most imperative that parents should know that the Scout movement had nothing whatever to do with militarism. The little drill they had was merely for discipline. The training of the Scouts was all arranged to make the boys good citizens. The proposition was carried.

The officers then inspected the premises, which were afterwards thrown open to the public to inspect.

The Cubs, forming a circle with their Cub mistress in the centre, gave the Cub “Howl” very effectively, for which they were complimented by the County Commissioner.

The work of extending the premises has entailed much labour given by the Scouts and Cubs and included concreting the floor, erecting a substantial wooden partition to make two rooms, constructing the additional area of roof, constructing the additional area of roof from the old part to the new brick front, and the fitting of inside equipment.

Mr. Shakel has since written to Mr. Preston: “I was quite pleased with the appearance of the Troop and could see they are working on the right lines.”

Rushden Echo & Argus, 1st January 1932, transcribed by Kay Collins

Scouts at their Social - one of a series that has been kept up for over twenty years

Scouts Social—The annual social of the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts, who were joined by numerous friends, was held at the Rushden Congregational Schools on Tuesday evening. At the tea tables District Commissioner F E Preston welcomed Mr W Elliott, well-known as the attendant at the Swimming Bath, who has taken over the duties of Rover Leader.

Games were enjoyed, and the Cecilia Band played for dancing. The Scoutmasters’ wives made the catering arrangements.

The social was interrupted by the unfortunate illness of a Girl Guide from Raunds, who fell heavily to the floor and was for sometime prostrate. Lady Supt. Miss W M Clipson, of the St John Ambulance Brigade happened to be a guest, and gave every assistance while, Dr Muriset was called from his residence nearby. Though it held up the party for some time, the girl’s collapse was not considered serious.

1933 on the lawn of Mr Claridge's house, Skinners Hill

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