Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island
Robert Baden-Powell (B-P) first thoughts on the concept of Scouting came to him whilst commander of the British forces which was held to siege in Mafeking. His book "Scouting for Boys" was base on his earlier book written for the military.
In 1907 the Van Raaltes offered B-P the use of Brownsea Island to test his theory that boys from entirely different backgrounds could work and play together. Ten boys from public schools and ten boys from working class background were brought together for a week and successfully proved his theory. From this small beginning was born the largest youth movement.
Fundraisers
Pictured are fundraisers Brian Woolgar, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole (centre) and Scout Commissioner for the County of Dorset, James Morton (right). They are pictured on Poole Quay at the proposed location for the statue near to the departure point for ferries to Brownsea Island.