A History of our Group

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.

Teddy Farrar - founder and GSL for 25 years
Teddy Farrar

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.

In 1935 the troop was awarded the Progress Shield
In 1935 the troop was awarded the Progress Shield

The Scout Band outside the Church on Tuel Lane (now Tower Hill)

Still going strong – The Troop in the early 1960’s

Historical Documents

There are a number of historical documents surviving for our group from Rover Crew logbooks from the 1930s to our 75th Anniversary booklet in 2007.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.

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