There are not many things that are in better shape today than they were a century ago. One of them is undoubtedly SCOUTING in the Derbyshire Dales.

Scout troops first appeared in both Ashbourne and Matlock in 1910 – just two years after the Movement was founded by Baden-Powell following his experiences in the Boer War and his experimental camp on Brownsea Island in 1907. Not bad going for a fairly rural area in those days! Initial support was remarkable, led by a lot of notable local people, who recognised the need for an organisation of its kind for the boys and young men of that time.

Swift but steady growth followed right across the country overseas despite the ravages of two world wars which depleted the ranks of young men and Leaders to an alarming degree.  We find the Movement today in fine fettle: 504,000 members in Britain and 22 million world-wide. Scouting has seen significant growth over the past five years; locally, it has grown by some 34 per cent to 750 members.

Today, Scouting is for young people of both sexes, from the ages of 6 to 25. In the Matlock and Ashbourne Districts, which four years ago were amalgamated into one called “DERWENT and DOVE”, taking the names of the two principle rivers that flow through our beautiful acres, we have ten Groups providing sections from Beaver Scouts for the very young, up through Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts to the Scout Network. Not forgetting of course Scouting’s latest unit: Scout Active Support, for those ex or older members who still wish to support the Movement but are unable to give the hours demanded of our VOLUNTARY trained Leaders, all of whom are cleared by current CRB legislation and approved after thorough interviews by the Association.

To celebrate the Centenary, a grand 100th Birthday Rally was held at the Lea Green Activity Centre on Saturday, 25th September. This was attended by some 350 youngsters plus around 100 Leaders. Some twenty optional activities and many challenges were tackled by all groups, including obstacle courses, climbing wall, high rope course, tug o’ war and Frisbee Golf. Knock out competitions were also held, such as 5-a-side football, cannon races, Scout car obstacle challenge and a Cub quiz.

Also ‘On parade’ and attracting a great deal of attention from young and old alike was the wonderful Rolls Royce Car gifted to Baden-Powell at the ‘Coming of Age’ Jamboree at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead in 1928 by Scouts of all nations, each of whom subscribed one penny towards the collection. Consequently it became known as the ‘Penny Jam Roll’ and is still referred to as ‘Jam Roll’ today. It is now housed at Rolls Royce in Derby, having been purchased from private ownership by several Scout Leaders; it will remain in Scout ownership in the future.

The celebration was graced by the presence of many dignitaries from local authorities, including Councillor Robin Baldry, Chair of Derbyshire County Council and Mrs Linda Baldry, Councillor Andy Pollock, Mayor of Wirksworth, Councillor Mrs Denise Brown, Mayor of Ashbourne and her Consort Miss Brown, Mr Tom Stoddart, County Scout Commissioner, and Mrs Annette Heartfield, Guide Commissioner, Ashbourne. All the guests happily added their colourful hand prints to a long paper roll on which young and old had been making their own prints during the day, everyone autographing his or hers accordingly. This roll will be carefully sealed in a container and hopefully in fifty years’ time. Who knows how many of today’s youngsters who made their mark, will be still connected with Scouting then?

As dusk fell, the day climaxed in a grand traditional Campfire, with hundreds of young voices echoing joyfully and lustily across Lea Green. Finally, everyone assembled at a candlelit ceremony at the flag pole, where trophies and certificates for the winners were awarded.

District Commissioner, Mel Dyson, who had been the originator and mastermind of the day’s activities, supported by his Section Leaders, made his farewell to the assembled Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leaders and parents, having reached the end of his ten-year tenure of office.This was greeted by expressions of gratitude tinged with sadness by all.

Before lowering the Union Flag, Mel performed the symbolic handing-over of the District Scout Flag, which will be held by the District Executive until its formal presentation to the new incumbent. He was given three hearty cheers by Scouts and Leaders alike in sincere appreciation of his leadership, organisation and encouragement that he had brought with great distinction to the Scouts of Derwent and Dove.

Mel, who has 56 years (46 as an adult Leader) is continuing to support Scouting in the capacity as a Local Training Manager for the Derbyshire County Scout Council and also as the District Treasurer.

As many tired but happy youngsters made their way homeward they perhaps did not realise how they would look back with fondness to this day in the years ahead. But we are sure the Leaders did!

We are seeking to produce a history of the two former districts culminating in the last six years of Derwent and Dove. We would be most interested in any old photos, news cuttings and individual or Group memories of their or their parents’ experiences. These can be sent email to scoutscentenary@aol.com