The photograph was taken at “The Rec” – The Recreation Ground on Clay Street, off Tuel Lane. It was from here on the 1st Sunday of each month the Scouts would parade down to Church, lead by a band. This practice carried on for many years; it was only stopped around 2003 when it became dangerous, as car drivers weren’t prepared to wait a few minutes, and tried to push past. We still have parades on special events like St George’s Day and the annual anniversary, but with road closures and a police presence. The group flourished and by the time this photograph was taken nearly a year later, in 1933, the group had over 30 members.
The group was started in 1932 by Lewis Edmund (Teddy) Farrah. Teddy was a local man, although he was born in Hebden Bridge in 1903, he lived and worked in Sowerby Bridge. He was a member at Tuel Lane Methodist Church (now called St Paul’s) from a very early age.Although the started officially in 1932, there is some evidence that a scout group was in existence here during the first world war, 1914-1918. An article was written by Jack Boocock for our 50th anniversary in 1982 with the history of this.
Teddy Farrah was very active within the church as a Sunday School Teacher, and also later as Superintendent. Teddy not only founded the Troop but was also its Scoutmaster and Group Scout Leader for 25 years.
Historical Documents
There are a number of historical documents surviving for our group from Rover Crew logbooks from the 1930s to our 75th Anniversary booklet in 2007.
Also a number of photographs from our group in times past as well as other groups.
A page of Tales from the Past – a collection of stories and happenings.