Eastleigh wishes Baden-Powell a Happy Birthday!
On 22nd February Eastleigh celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Scout’s Founder, Baden Powell’s birth by holding a cheese and wine evening, during which a new District Banner and framed jigsaw of BP was unveiled.
The District Commissioner, Margaret Patrick and her Deputy, Malcolm Young hosted the evening for the Leaders and Committee Members of the District. The new banner consists of 9 panels, hand sewn by Chris Cole from designs submitted by each of the District’s 8 groups (including our Explorer section) with the central panel depicting our District Badge – worn by every member in Eastleigh. The plan is for every Group to take it to their events throughout the year, and to record the event, so that we can capture how Eastleigh celebrated the Scouting Centenary.
The 1000 piece jigsaw of the Founder, Lord Robert Baden Powell was assembled over several weeks by the District Commissioner, and will be hung in the District Room.
The District Commissioner told us “During the Centenary year, we wanted to do something to mark the special occasion. The banner shows what a diverse district we have, and will be a piece of living history for years to come. The jigsaw will be used to remind us all who started this special organisation, and will sit in pride of place in our District Room. The two items will also feature in our display of Scouting History in the Eastleigh Museum during June”.
Eastleigh District’s History of Scouting display will be open to the public from 2nd June through until 23rd June. Eastleigh Museum is located in the High Street, Eastleigh. More information on the museum can be found at http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/eastlmus/
Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell (1857-1941) was a decorated soldier, talented artist, actor and freethinker. Best known during his military career for his spirited defense of the small South African township of Mafeking during the Boer War, he was soon to be propelled to extraordinary fame as the Founder of Scouting.
In August 1907 Robert Baden-Powell held an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset for 20 boys. His new Scouting Movement, with its promise of outdoor adventure was an immediate success. Now, 28 million young people and adults worldwide enjoy the fun and friendship of Scouting.
We are always open for people to come and get involved with Scouting. New members, or people who have lost touch, and want to rejoin the Fun and Adventure, can contact David Patrick, ADC (Communications) on (023) 8069 5309, or email webmaster for more information.
Hi-Res versions of the first two images are available by clicking the image below.
