115 Years of Syston Scouts
In 1906 Pearson’s Weekly included “the Aid of Scouting” by Lt. General R. Baden-Powell. This inspired a Syston boy with a pal or two, to put together ideas for putting Baden-Powell’s theories into practice.
This eventually led to the formation, in September 1907, of the Wreake Valley Scouting Club with members drawn from villages round about.
In January 1908 the Scouting Movement was officially launched and Syston registered in February 1908. Syston became the first officially enrolled Troop in Leicestershire consisting of 12 members with two Patrol Leaders.
After a few months searching for a Scoutmaster the boys accepted the offer of Mr. H. Franklin, a local bank manager. He was enthusiastic and drew up a programme which faithfully carried out promoting the ideas of Scouting.
As part of an alternative programme a Drum and Fife band were started, the first Scout Band in the Kingdom.
Over the first few years the Troop met at the Adults School, and produced a Magazine called “Wreake Valley Scouting Magazine” which detailed what they got up to.
Scouting continued in Syston and continued in to the first World war. There was little written about the war years but photographs of the Leaders and Scouts in uniform after signing up showed them continuing helping King and country. Activities and camps continued around the local area due to limited travel allowed.
After the war finished, a younger section was added to the group called Wolf Cubs. After the rent increased more and more at the Adult School the group was on the lookout for their own place to meet.
A piece of land in which the Scout Hall now stands today on Oxford Street was on offer for £54. After a donation the group purchased the land. The foundations of the hall were dug out by the Scouts themselves and the hall was built by a local carpenter/builder J.B. Souter.
Finally in 1938 the new Syston Scout Headquarters was opened officially by Sir Lindsay Everard, the local MP. The base of the building is still the same as it was back then but over the years the building has been improved and refreshed with the times.
Over the next 85 years Syston Scouts continued with help and support from volunteers, parents, and the community and the amazing young people who have been Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
We have lots of history and during 2023 we will be celebrating our 115 year anniversary in a range of ways. The Band will be kicking off with their ‘Sticks & Tones’ show on 25th February, a fun show which will see a range on entertainment from comedy sketches to music, great for all ages.
The young people in our Group will then take part in a Birthday 115 Challenge. This will see them learn new skills for life from traditional things like cooking on an open fire to DIY skills, map and compass work to helping in the community.
Syston Scout Group are very proud to be one of the oldest Scout Groups and Band in the world and even more to be part of Syston.
Keep your eye out for our next birthday update.
Syston Scouts are always looking for new members and adult volunteers to help make Scouting in Syston great. If you can spare a few hours a week, why not get in touch and help young people develop #SkillsForLife. www.systonscouts.org.uk
Contact us on 0116 326 6908 or email: info@systonscouts.org.uk
