In 1908 a few boys got hold of the first issue of ‘Scouting For Boys’ and formed a Patrol of 4 Scouts, called the ‘Cuckoos’. Sidney Rowntree of Elton Parade formed the ‘Wolves’ at the same time. These joined forces and formed the 1^st Troop. Shortly after this the 2^nd Troop was formed by S.M. Dodds and J. Davison.

Patrols and Troops continued to spring up. C.J. Barthorpe’s Troop had a band and trek cart; the 3^rd YMCA was formed under Mr Alwick; Miss Wrightson of Neasham had a very successful Troop; Mr Aldous of ‘The Comet’ at Croft gave valuable lessons in axemanship. Middleton-St-George started in 1909 under

Mr Reeves and Mr Thirkell.

In 1910 it was decided that some sort of co-ordination of Scouting throughout the town was required and a committee was formed to carry out this function.

At a meeting on 24^th August 1912 it was resolved that a Darlington & District Boy Scouts Association be formed, under the chairmanship of Col. the Hon. W.L. Vane.

The development of the District was effected by the First World War, but things continued with very few officers until the end of 1915. At this time a meeting was held to try and deal with the problem caused by the Commissioner, District Scout Master, and Secretary having all been called up. This meeting resulted in getting Mr Trevor Morris interested in Scouting, and in January 1916 he was welcomed as Assistant Commissioner.

In September 1916 a rally was held at Feethams with the Chief Scout Sir Robert Baden Powell attending. It was a great success, with nearly 1000 Scouts and Cubs from Darlington and surrounding Districts parading. The Chief Scout was very interested in the various Scouting activities demonstrated.

In 1917 Mr R Luck took over as Association Secretary.

In the early 1920’s there was a slight re-organisation within the District. Sir Henry Havelock-Allen was appointed as District Commissioner for the country areas, and Mr Trevor Morris District Commissioner for the town. Mr Luck was appointed as Assistant Commissioner.

Darlington & District Boy Scout's Association

Attached is the registration form for Darlington & District dated 1917, when a new warrant for the District was being issued. It is interesting to note that although it says the District was formed in 1912, the original warrant had been issued in June 1910.

                                                                               >> 1917 Registration Form