1st Formby Scout Troop, circa 1909.

The troop was formed in that year, just one month after Lord Baden-Powell had founded the Scout movement. The Troop Leader was Mr Murray Spence, (in the centre with the moustache), who lived at Glen Lyon, Freshfield Road. The Chaplain, (on the right in black), was Revd J.B. Richardson, vicar of Holy Trinity. Other Officers were Dr Stanley Gill of Shaftesbury House, and Musketry Instructor R. Heywood of Laurd House, College Avenue. The flag being proudly displayed at the back was hand-made by a Mrs Atkinson and, although in need of restoration, (we unfortunately can't afford the necessary £400 ), is still paraded today on a regular basis.

(information courtesy of "Images of England - Formby, Freshfield and Altcar", compiled by Barbara and Reginald Yorke, Tempus Publishing - ISBN 0-7524-1181-0)

1st Formby pictured during the 1960's

My first memory of scouting is of a purple scout badge emblazoned upon a purpose built hut in the middle of green fields. Although the hut looked new from the outside, inside the smell was one of history and traditional values. I remember being part of a patrol hiking through the forests, trying to find out just where we were and where we were going. To my shame I did not continue with the scouts, opting instead to pursue sports such as hockey and cricket.

It is with great enthusiasm that I now encourage my son (and daughter!) to attend regularly. Both need little encouragement as they travel to the hut oozing excitement. They both attend 1st Formby, a group renowned for it's fine balance of traditional and forward thinking values. The group has plenty of tradition too, claiming to be the oldest scout group currently running anywhere in the world! 1st Formby has given enjoyment to young people for 90+ years, from the first pre-first world war boy scouts to the current mix of boys and girls enjoying the modern scouting way.

For those of you that have forgotten what scouting is or have never been touched by it's far-reaching nature, read the following quote from 'Scouting for Boys' 8th Edition 1916. I wonder how many of you are able to conjure up a picture of scouting in your mind as a result.

"A scout, as you know, is generally a soldier who is chosen for his cleverness and pluck to go out in front of an army in war to find out where the enemy are, and report to the commander all about them. But, besides war scouts, there are also peace scouts, i.e., men who in peace time carry out work which requires the same kind of abilities. These are the frontiersmen of all parts of our Empire."

Understandably and perhaps with some relief the scouts have changed greatly since 1916. 1st Formby has changed mostly through the dedication and foresight of its leaders. From the very early days 1st Formby scout leaders have skirted the borders of the traditional and the unconventional. In 1920 the then scoutmaster Mr William Rennie was severely reprimanded for not returning the shooting cup and was advised to quietly "study the Scout Law"!

1st Formby has also had an unconventional history in a number of other respects. Formed in 1909 1st Formby started life as the 6th Southport and in the 1950's even became known as the 66th Southport for a period of time. Scout numbers have been healthy since that time with 33 Cubs, 39 Scouts, 6 Senior Scouts and 9 Scouters reported in 1967.

Thankfully, 1st Formby is currently thriving. The 90th anniversary celebrations on the 23rd and 24th January 1999 were marked by the appearance of several visiting dignitaries. 1st Formby is no stranger to VIP's however, and has been inspected by Baden Powell in 1910 and King George V in 1911. 1st Formby then acted as guard of honour to the King in 1913!

In my view the most important VIP's today are the leaders and the young people who strive to keep scouting alive. As an institution scouting has much to teach our young people, especially when you consider such awards as the staged IT badges now providing the opportunity to learn skills arguably more relevant than the now redundant skill of 'Rescue from Runaway Horse' in 1916.

The 8th Edition 1916 'Scouting for Boys' is not absolutely redundant however. I am sure many would agree that such expectations of scouts as self-sacrifice, kindness, generosity, friendliness, politeness and honour all quoted in the book are as relevant today as they were then. Scouting is an exciting, fruitful, energetic learning experience for our young people - long may it continue!

Jayson Hood - Assistant Scout Leader.

Pete San, 1st Formby Lions, Squirrel Patrol Leader, Chief Scout Award, Queens Scout, Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. These achievements still sit on the top of my CV and mean more to me than any educational qualifications or career achievements that followed. Any kid that comes to me for a job with such credentials now can have one tomorrow. But how can you pick just one or two moments from something that has been part of your life for almost 30 years, and the kids think that I am still only 21! Here is a snap shot of what scouting with first Formby means to me.

How to Hide Yourself

"When you want to observe wild animals you have to stalk them, that is, to creep up to them without their seeing or smelling you…In making use of hills as lookout places, be very careful not to show yourself on the top or skyline. That is the fault which a Tenderfoot generally makes."

Scouting for Boys, Eighth Edition 1916
 

Exercises and their Object

"There is a great deal of nonsense done in the way of bodily exercises; so many people seem to think their only object is to make huge muscles. But to make yourself strong and healthy is necessary to begin with your inside and to get the blood into good order and the heart to work well..."

Scouting for Boys, Eighth Edition 1916