The Oldest Scout Troop in the World

We've always known that 1st Newport (The Old Guard) Scout Group was one of the first Scout Groups opened - HQ have a list of the first Scout Groups which were formed in 1908. 1st Shanklin group also appears on the list, and 1st Sandown also dates to 1908.

 

Group Scout Leader Rod (on the left) and National Scout Archivist Colin have been working to take this one step further.

 

Colin visited the Island to give a presentation on his findings to the Group.

 

It was a Scout event, so Tea, Coffee, soft drinks and cake were on hand.- County Chairman Graham was in his element with cola and just a very small piece of cake........

Anyway, Colin finally told his story ...... 1st Newport was actually the 3rd Scout Group to be registered. However, of the first 2 groups one has closed and the other closed for a few years then reopened. So 1st Newport is the longest continuously operating Scout group in the UK...... and since Scouting started in the UK.... 1st Newport is the longest continuously operating Scout Group in the world!

1st Newport is also known as 'The Old Guard' which is a title awarded to those groups who helped support the military in World War 1.

Colin posed for one final photo with the leaders of 1st Newport (The Old Guard), the longest continuously operating Scout Group in the World!