Through The Years

Just 4 years after its formation, the Boy Scouts' Association was one of the first youth organisations to provide practical assistance to the British war effort.

The Boy Scouts in this photograph are guarding a railway bridge and tracks in Britain. Scouts also guarded telephone and telegraph lines, railway stations, water reservoirs or any location that might be militarily important. From late 1917 many Scouts assisted with air raid duties, including sounding the all-clear signal after an attack. Some Scouts were even trained in fire fighting.

In the early days of Scouting, including the First World War, the Rugby Advertiser published regular "Scout Notes".

September 1915 and the Notes, written by 16th Rugby, reported "We learnt two lessons from our game with the 6th Troop which were quite contradictory to our idea of scouting: first, that the chief art of scouting is to attack en masse; and secondly, that the enemy does not give himself away by waving flashlamps and shouting."

January 1931, and 6th Rugby Scout Group performed a "splendidly varied programme" at their annual concert for Group funds to a "crowded" audience at the Church House. Wolf Cubs, Scout Troop, and Rovers contributed a series of songs and sketches, including the "humorous" "The Pirates of Pinfold's Pit". Whilst during the interval Misses Green, Jeffery, Branston, and Pain sold sweets and chocolates.

And in April 1931, 6th Rugby were attempting to raise funds again. This time with a whist drive and dance. Mr E Lenton was M.C. for the whist, and Scoutmaster Mr Tombs for the dancing. Music was provided by the Melody Five band.

December 1944, and the Group was organising a bazaar which raised £35, selling items on the whole made by the young people of the group and their parents. Mr Hockley, the Group Scoutmaster, making the arrangements with Mrs Clarke (secretary) and Mr Herrington (treasurer).

December 1950, and a New Year's Eve dance at Church House, tickets on sale for 3/6 was raising Group funds.