The beginning:
Scouts began in Islington in 1907. The first
experimental camp was held in July 1907 by Robert Baden-Powel. This camp was to
test out Robert's ideas on scouting. Twenty boys from different backgrounds went
to this camp. His ideas were published in books first was a 'aids to scouting'
book. Following this camp in 1908 a book was published which was 'scouting for
boys'. This was in six parts. This all led to scout groups starting all over the
country.
The next step was 'The Scout' which first appeared in 1908 on April 18th. This
was a magazine with the responses towards scouts. This magazine gave the
information of how to set up scout troops.
Some of the first scout troops were established in Islington. On 17th October
1908 the first Islington boy scouts was formed. Leaders from four of the
original Islington troops became a committee which led to the Islington local
association and onwards to become the Islington district council. In 1909 the
original scout troops were re- registered with 'north-London' and were numbered
from 1-40.
Most recent history:
11th Islington scout group was first in Stoke
Newington district. This group derived from the former 211th NL group which was
becoming established at the Islington scout centre in 1972, which was led
initially by Vic Adams. The 11th developed into a strong group in the late 70s
and 80s under the leadership of Ron Batsford and had a very large venture scout
unit led by Melvin Dawe. The group was run by Teresa and Brian Lancaster
respectively during the early 90's.
After a few setbacks in recent years the scout group has all sections up and
running by Paul Gardner who is also a district venture leader.
11th Islington scout centre is a focal point for scouting in the lower Holloway area!