History of our group

 

The 1st & 2nd Horley Scout Group was formed in 2006 when the 1st Horley Scout Group and the 2nd Horley Scout Group joined together. The scarf we wear incorporates the Red of 1st Horley and the Orange of 2nd Horley.

 

The 1st Horley Scout Group was originally formed in 1908 when the Peewit Patrol joined the Kangaroo Patrol to form the ‘Horley Troop’. (A Peewit is a type of bird more commonly known as a lapwing). They later became known as 4th Reigate, and ultimately the 1st Horley Troop. We therefore originate from one of the oldest groups in the Country. From 1913 to 1989, the 1st Horley Scout Group met in the Scout Hut behind Church Rooms in Albert Road. They then moved for a time to Michael Crescent, and moved to our present location upon merging.

 

The 2nd Horley Scout Group was originally active in 1919, meeting in Burstow School, Smallfield. The Group was reformed in 1958 initially with just a Cub section (known as Wolf Cubs at that time). They initially met at the newly built St Francis Church, Balcombe Road, and in 1960 they moved to our current site, in the Gatwick Metro Center.  In 1975 a new hall was built over the original one, and this is where we meet now.

 

In 2008 we celebrated our centenary. A new group badge was designed (as pictured on the front cover), and this is given to all members of the 1st & 2nd Horley Scout Group upon their investiture. The years 1908 to 2008 represent the 100 years of the 1st Horley Scout Group’s existence. The red bird is the symbol of the Peewit Patrol (our Scout Troop still contains a Peewit patrol). The reef knot symbolises the strength and unity of the world wide scouting family. The tent represents ????????? . This badge is unique to our Scout Group.

 

The 1st & 2nd Horley Scout Group was part of the Horley District which was founded in 1918, until it was absorbed into the Reigate District in 2011. The now obsolete Horley District Badge was introduced in 1979, and shows .........................

 

This in turn is part of the Surrey County. 

 

The Fleur De Lys is the recognised symbol of Scouting. The three leaves remind Scouts of the three parts of their promise – duty to God, duty to others and duty to self. The two stars represent the eyes of a Cub scout having been opened before becoming a Scout. The five points on each star reminds Scouts of the original ten-point Scout law (this has now changed to seven points, but the principal is the same). The ring holding the emblem together represents the bond of friendship among Scouts all around the world. Below the symbol is often found a scroll with the words ‘be prepared’ to remind Scouts of their motto. The scroll is turned upwards at the ends like a smiling mouth, because a Scout should do everything willingly and with a smile. The encircling rope symbolises the strength and unity of the world wide family of scouts, and this is joined with a reef knot, which will not slip or come apart no matter how hard it is pulled. This is symbolic of the strength and unity of the world wide scouting family.

 

Scout handshake – left handed.............