Isle of Wight Scout Archivist Barry Groves and Deputy Archivist Malcolm Cox have launched the Isle of Wight Scouting Heritage Blog to celebrate the rich and varied history of scouting on the Island.
Most of the information on the blog has been provided by Barry, who, having written 2 books on the subject, has thousands of photos and enormous amounts of text and memorabilia relating to the history of the Isle of Wight, Scouting, and Scouting on the Isle of Wight.
One of the first stories features well-known Cowes yacht builder, Uffa Fox, who, few people know, was also a Sea Scoutmaster. Uffa treated Sea Scouting with the same Devil-may-care attitude which seemed to rule his life. You can read the amazing story about the “short” sea voyage Uffa took his Scouts on.
This post has been released in parallel with Barry providing information to Cowes Heritage and Community group, for an exhibition on Uffa Fox between 18th and 21st August 2022, at their centre in Beckford Road, Cowes. More details of this free exhibition can be found on the website www.UF50.org.
There are also posts of interest to many Islanders: the original Freshwater Fire Brigade, the oldest Scout Troop in the world, and Robert Baden Powell’s only visit to the Island are among the favourites.
The archivists welcome any offers of donations of Scouting Heritage or of assistance in bringing Scouting history to Scouts and the wider public. Contact can be made via the Isle of Wight Scouting Heritage Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/754618279017709
The Isle of Wight Scouting Heritage Blog can be viewed at https://isleofwightscoutingheritage.blogspot.com/.
