I came across this book in the library recently. It is a fascinating account of the movement with much memorabilia, badges and photographs.

For example , an early version of the Thanks Badge which uses a Swastika. The Thanks Badge is the means of expressing the appreciation of the association to those who are not members or associate members but who have been of service to scouting.

It covers centenary years from 1909 to 2010: the first troop of boy scouts was started in Cottesmore School on November 1907, with formal registration of troops in Brighton in February 1909.

Baden-Powell himself visited the district in 1910 and there is a postcard of Baden-Powell in Preston Park in the book.

Much of the history is gleaned from the minutes of the various groups. For example, a report in the district committee about the debate in Parliament on the subject of scouts and communists.

This followed the dismissal from the movement of a young man who was also an active member of the party. The debate in 1954 was initiated by Viscount Stansgate (father of Tony Benn, btw) who rose to move to resolve “That it is opinion of this House the imposition of political and religious tests by the Boy Scout movement is foreign to its charter and purpose and repugnant to our national tradition of liberty of conscience. ”

An important element of the Scout Movement is its promise. Oath-taking used to be sacrosanct but now it can just be a whimsical as any fleeing promise with fingers crossed behind your back.

This New Year 2014 sees the Scouts now vow to "serve my Queen and community" as an alternative to “ do my duty to God and to the Queen.”

Indeed, there have been variations for many years to the core Scout promise to take account of the multi-faith inclusivity of the Scout Movement. For example, Hindus can choose to recite “do my duty to my Dharma” instead.

There are sections about Jamborees, Bob-a-Job Week, Gang Shows, Scout Bands and The Colditz Trophy.

Baden-Powell was known for his love of acting and “theatrical larks”, burlesque, pantos and camp-fire songs. There is no mention of minstrels shows or Beaver Scouts’ golliwogs.

An important section deals with the district campsite Parkwood, Newtimber. Nestling just north of Devils Dyke, it was the brain-child of Sid Tidy who negotiated with the Crown commissioners in the 1950’s and he eventually gifted 23 acres to Brighton Scouts and purchased the surrounding 60 acres in 1972.

I recommend this book: there are copies deposited in every library around Brighton and Hove. Or buy it from the Brighton and Hove District Scouts: http://www.brightonandhovescouts.org.uk before stocks run out.

Isbn 9781857703597, not listed on Amazon.