Milestones in the Progress of Scouting
1907
An experimental camp was set up on Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset for one week from 1st – 8th August.
1908
A handbook called 'Scouting for Boys' written and illustrated by Robert Baden-Powell based on his boyhood experiences and the experimental camp on Brownsea Island was published. A magazine called The Scout was also published.
1909
A Scout Headquarters was opened at 116 Victoria Street, London. On Saturday 4th September at the Crystal Palace, London approximately 11,000 Boy Scouts attended a rally. This gave an indication of how popular scouting had become in such a short while. A small group of Girl Scouts were also in attendance.
1910
The first annual census was taken to establish the number of scout members in the UK and 100,298 scouts were recorded. The Sea Scouts was also set up.
1911
The coronation of King George V and Queen Mary took place at Westminster Abbey in June. The scouts were represented for this event. The following month 26,000 scouts were reviewed by the King at Windsor.
1912 Baden -Powell marries Miss Olave Soames.
1913 The Duke of Connaught is appointed the association's first President.
1914
An experimental scheme for 'Wolf Cubs' or 'Young Scouts' was set up 'First National Good Turn' - Scouts Day of Work for the blind.Scouts enrol for War Service.
1916
Scout Jack Cornwell posthumously awarded Victoria Cross. Cornwell Badge instituted. ‘The Wolf Cub Handbook’ published. Roland House opened. Wolf Cub Display at Caxton Hall, London.
1917
First Commissioners' Conference, held at Matlock. First scheme for 'Senior Scouts' introduced. Opening of new HQ at 25 Buckingham Palace Rd., London.
1918
Senior Scout Section renamed Rover Scouts.
1920 First International Scout Conference and World Jamboree, Olympia, London. Baden -Powell acclaimed Chief Scout of the World.
1921
Two Scouts selected for Shackleton's Expedition to the Antarctic.
1922
Publication of 'Rovering to Success'. World Scout Membership: 1,019,205. 65,000 Scouts and Cubs attended Posse of Welcome to Prince of Wales, Alexandra Palace.
1924
Special tests for disabled Scouts introduced.
1928
21st Anniversary Reunion of Brownsea campers.
1929
Coming of Age World Jamboree, Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, attended by 30,000 Scouts from 71 countries. Deep Sea Scout Branch formed.
1931
World Scout Membership: 2,039,349.
1932
First London 'Gang Show'.
1934
First National Scout Service, St. George's Chapel, Windsor.
1935
First of series of five Scout Training Courses around the UK.
1936
Special Tests Branch became Handicapped Scouts Branch. First production of 'Boy Scout', Royal Albert Hall, London.
1937
Scouts on duty at Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The Gang Show in Royal Command Performance.
1939
Admiralty request for Scouts to volunteer for Convoy signaller duties. Other war duties undertaken.
1940
Roland House bombed.
1941
Death of Baden-Powell (8th January). B.-P. Memorial Service, Westminster Abbey. Air Scout Branch formed. Lord Somers elected Chief Scout of the British Empire.
1942
Duke of Gloucester appointed President following the death of the Duke of Connaught. B.-P. Memorial Fund launched. First National Air Scout Camp.
1944
Sea Scout Exhibition, London. Death of Lord Somers. Scouts' International Relief Service Team left for Normandy.
1945
Lord Rowallan elected Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth and Empire. Publication of 'The Road Ahead' - the recommendations of the Post War Commission.
1946
Senior Scout Section officially started. New plan for Rover Scouts introduced.
1947
Memorial tablet to B.-P. unveiled in Westminster Abbey by the Duke of Gloucester. Original manuscript of 'Scouting for Boys' comes to light and is purchased. World Scout Membership: 4,404,927.
1948
Inauguration of B.-P. Guild of Old Scouts.
1949
First 'Bob-a-Job' Week.
1952
The beret, as an alternative head-dress, introduced for Senior and Rover Scouts.
1953
Scouts on duty at Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
1954
Beret becomes permitted for Boy Scouts.
1956
New Rules for Rover Scouts published.
1957
Centenary of the birth of B.-P. Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. B.-P. Memorial Fund public appeal launched at Mansion House. National 'Collective Good Turn Week'. The' Gang Show' is again performed in the Royal Variety Performance.
1959
The Foundation Stone for Baden-Powell House was laid in 1959 by World Chief Guide Olave, Lady Baden- Powell for a Scouting hostel and conference centre
1961
Baden-Powell House opened by The Queen. 12 July 1961 Long trousers become alternative wear for Senior and Rover Scouts.
1962
June Air Scout Branch comes of age. World Scout Membership: 9,366,962.
1964
The Gang Show in the Royal Variety Performance for the third time. World Scout Membership: 10,035,540.
1966
Wolf Cubs' Golden Jubilee Year commenced. Scout & Guide Founders Day Service part of Westminster Abbey's 900th Anniversary Celebrations. Introduction of the new Promise and Law.
1967
The Boy Scouts Association renamed The Scout Association. Changes in uniform. Implementation of new training schemes for Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venture Scouts. Duke of Edinburgh visits Baden-Powell House.
1968
Prince Andrew joins Cub Scouts. Prince Philip, accompanied by Prince Andrew, takes salute at Windsor Parade.
1970
Bob-a-Job Week Scheme renamed 'Scout Job Week' in anticipation of currency decimalisation. Queen's Guides, celebrating the Girl Guide Movement's Diamond Jubilee Year join the annual Queen's Scout Parade at Windsor Castle for the first time.
1971
New World Membership Badge introduced for UK Scouts to wear. 'The Scouter', the Movement's national magazine renamed 'Scouting'. World Chief Guide, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, attends premiere of Scout film, 'These are Scouts', in London. B.-P. Scout Guild rejoins The Scout Association. Lord Maclean announces retirement as Chief Scout of The Scout Association
1972
Duke of Kent reviews 500 Venture Scouts who have gained the Queen's Scout Award, in a new style ceremony at Windsor Castle on St. George's Day. Sir William Gladstone Bt, DL, MA, appointed Chief Scout of the UK and Overseas Branches. The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh attended the 40th Anniversary year production of Ralph Readers' Gang Show.
1973
September More than 30 European Scout Public Relations Officers attended a Conference on Scouting's public relations, Baden-Powell House.
1974
The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, takes the salute from 650 Venture Scouts who have gained the Queen's Scout Award. Ralph Reader presents final London Gang Show for two weeks at Gaumont State Theatre, Kilburn, London. Ralph, aged 71, has decided to retire from writing and producing the annual London Gang Show. The Scout Association's National Headquarters moves from Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria to temporary accommodation at Baden-Powell House, London SW7. A new purpose- built extension to B.-P. House is due to be completed in 1976.
1975
The Scout Association launch a new Corporate Identity symbol - 'Scouts' - incorporating the fleur-de-lys badge in place of the 'o' in the word 'Scouts'. HRH The Duke of Kent appointed President. Scouts present cheque for £91,363 to RNLI for new lifeboat to be named 'The Scout'.
1976
Cub Scouts' Diamond Jubilee commences. Highest ever UK Membership - 608,610. Olave, Lady Baden- Powell, visits new Headquarters at B.-P. House. Girls invited to join Venture Scouts. The Queen opens new Headquarters at B.-P. House. Scout and Guide joint Jubilee badge on sale to support Queen's Silver Jubilee Appeal.
1977
Lifeboat 'The Scout' leaves builders at Poole and sails to Hartlepool. Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide and wife of the Founder of and Guide Movements, dies on June 25, aged 88. Her ashes are later taken for burial next to B.-P. at Nyeri. The Queen names RNLI lifeboat 'The Scout' at Hartlepool. Another increase in Scout Membership - 627,569. Lord Rowallan dies, November 30.
1978
The Queen reviews nearly 900 Venture Scouts at Windsor Parade. £134,000 donated by Scouts and Guides to Queen's Silver Jubilee Appeal. Scouts in Royal Tournament, Earls Court for first time with Midlands Massed Scout Bands and Field Gun display by 4th Seven Kings Sea Scouts. Another increase in UK Scout Membership - 636,148. Scouts assist elderly to retune new radio wavelengths in answer to request from BBC.
1979
Scouts cook world's largest sausage (2 miles) at Great Children's Party, Hyde Park, London. Earl Mountbatten, Commodore of Sea Scouts killed. World Scout Membership now 15 million (World Scout Bureau Estimate).
1981
Memorial stone to the Founder and Olave unveiled at Westminster Abbey. The Queen reviews Queen's Scouts at St. George's Day Parade, Windsor. 500 Venture Scouts as torchbearers at Royal Fireworks, Hyde Park. Scouts on duty on Royal Wedding route for the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer took place on Wednesday 29 July 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral, London. Major General Michael J.H. Walsh CB, DSO appointed Chief Scout Designate.
1982 Speaker's Reception for 75 famous former Scouts and present day Scout representatives at House of Commons to launch The Year of the Scout, marking 75th Anniversary of Brownsea Island Camp. Sir William Gladstone retires and Major General Michael Walsh becomes Chief Scout.Scouts Commemorative Stamp (26p) issued as part of special Youth Movement issue. Death of Ralph Reader CBE on May 13. 250,000 Cub Scouts take part in 'National Cub Scout Tea Making Fortnight' (May 31 - June 12). Lord Maclean attends B.- P. House 21st Anniversary reception. Beavers introduced for 6-8 year old boys.
1983
Queen Mother reviews over 1,000 Queen's Scouts at Windsor. UK Scout Membership 626,937. Beaver Membership 12,300 in addition.
1984
Duke of Kent reviews 1,200 Queen's Scouts at Windsor. Cardinal Basil Hume, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, preaches at National Scout Service. Reduction in younger age ranges in national population affects UK Scout Membership - now 605,649 plus 25,955 Beavers. New Scout Training Programme and Progress Award Scheme announced.
1985
Venture Scout Relay Team carries Friendship torch from Baden-Powell House to Southampton en route to kindle a Friendship Flame during Mafeking (now Mafikeng) Centenary Celebrations. New Scout Training Programme launched. UK Membership - 586,601. Beavers - 40,281.
1986
'Rainbow Year', Cub Scouts 70th Anniversary. Beavers become Members of The Association and renamed Beaver Scouts. Duke of Kent reopens 'Baden.-Powell Story' exhibition to celebrate Baden-Powell House 25th Anniversary.
1987
New Scottish National HQ opened at Fordell Firs. 500 Venture Scouts assist with the organisation of the St. John Ambulance Centenary Party in Hyde Park, London. Also, at same event, 250 Scouts from Greater London North East enter the record books by cooking the world's longest sausage (9 miles). Service held on Brownsea Island (August 2) to mark the 80th Anniversary of the first experimental camp, attended by Colonel Brian Evans-Lombe OBE who took part in the original camp.
1988
Venture Scout Section begins 21st Anniversary year. HRH The Duke of Kent visits Gilwell Park.Epping Forest London. This is a camp site and activity centre for Scouting groups and all Youth Organisations, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout Leaders founded 26 July 1919 Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh CB DSO DL retires as Chief Scout. Mr W. Garth Morrison DL takes over as Chief Scout Venture Scout Section celebrates 21st birthday with 'Everest' climbs in major cities throughout the UK. Leicester Square event is attended by Sir Edmund Hillary and members of his team.
1989
Scouts and 3,500 British Venture Scouts at Crystal Palace. The first commercial sponsorship of a Scout Proficiency Badge. The Scout Athlete Badge is sponsored for three years carrying the 'Matchstick' sportswear brand name. The results of the Uniform Consultation Survey. The main change was the decision to abolish headgear for all Sections.
1990
'Scouts Go For A Million' Campaign launched which eventually raised £141,998.67 for Barnardo's. Decision in principle to allow girls into the younger Sections of the Movement.
1991
Cub Scouts 75th Anniversary/50th Anniversary of Air Scouting. Launch of new Cub Scout Programme. Royal Charter changes agreed - girls are allowed to be invested in the younger Sections of the Movement. 2,000 Cub Scouts take part in a 'Grand Howl' in Westminster, and Thanksgiving Service in Central Hall, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Cub Scouting.
1992
'Promise Appeal' is launched, the first national fundraising appeal in aid of the Association since 1938. 1992 designated as 'Promise Year'. Woggle Day to raise funds for Promise Appeal. Promise Appeal raises £2.5 million.
1993
Founders' daughter started the £2m redevelopment programme at Gilwell Park to expand training facilities and restore and preserve the White House. Scout and Cub Scout Law revised slightly as a consequence of the decision to admit girls to all Sections.
1994
Colonel Brian Evans-Lombe, the only surviving member of the original camp at Brownsea Island dies, aged 100. Gilwell Reunion celebrates 75 years of Gilwell Park. White House reopened.
1995
Her Majesty The Queen officially reopens the White House and refurbished Training Centre at Gilwell Park. 700 Scouts stage ‘In the Spotlight’ a fast moving showcase of musical and creative ability at the Royal Albert Hall. Integrated pilot project based in Coventry explores new ways of supporting Scout Groups.
1996
George Purdy appointed as the new Chief Scout. Cub Scouts start 80 days of special events, including a nationwide challenge to travel round the world in 80 days, to commemorate 80 years of Cub Scouting. Scout Association Web Site launched. Pilot Scout Network scheme. £2 million scheme to refurbish Baden-Powell House Hostel.
1997
Scout Association Equal Opportunities Policy announced. HRH Duke of Kent re-opens the renovated Baden-Powell House International Scout and Conference Centre after a £2 million refurbishment. Scouts were called on to help clear floral tributes from the Royal Palaces in London following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
1998
February ‘Voice for Young People’ policy introduced to put young people under the age of 25 on national committees. Decision taken to make a bid at the World Scout Conference in 1999 to host the centennial World Scout Jamboree in 2007 in the UK.
1999
UK named host for World Scout Jamboree in 2007. Scout Information Centre opens, providing friendly advice and information on all aspects of Scouting 6 days a week. Scout Association Vice-President Lord Baden-Powell reviews Queen’s Scouts at Windsor.
2000
Scout Association Vice-President and youngest daughter of Baden-Powell, The Hon. Mrs. Betty Clay reviews Queen’s Scouts at Windsor. Building commences on new £2.25 million Scouting headquarters, Gilwell House. The new headquarters will be home to 115 Scouting staff. HRH The Duke of Kent opens Gilwell House, the new Scout Association Headquarters.120 Scouts are invited to march in HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Parade.
2004
Hon. Mrs. Betty Clay, youngest daughter of Lord Baden-Powell and last link to the Founder of Scouting, dies. Peter Duncan named new Chief Scout. ‘Scouting’ magazine relaunched in A5 size
2007
The 21st World Jamboree is held at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. 40,000 participants were at the Jamboree with Prince William and the Duke of Kent at the opening ceremony. The theme was "One World, One Promise" Scouting also celebrated its Centenary by holding a special camp on Brownsea Island. Chief Scout, Peter Duncan started the camp by blowing the Kudu Horn. (The Kudu Horn (from the antlers of the Antelope) was first used in 1907 on Brownsea Island) The Scout Association continued its centennial celebrations with ‘LIVE07’, a huge show held at the O2 Arena (formerly The Millennium Dome) to portray the 100 years of Scouting.
2009
It was announced that Bear Grylls would become the next Chief Scout, and to take over the role from Peter Duncan. at the handover ceremony on11th July at the Gilwell 24 event.
To Be updated as information is made available
An experimental camp was set up on Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset for one week from 1st – 8th August.
1908
A handbook called 'Scouting for Boys' written and illustrated by Robert Baden-Powell based on his boyhood experiences and the experimental camp on Brownsea Island was published. A magazine called The Scout was also published.
1909
A Scout Headquarters was opened at 116 Victoria Street, London. On Saturday 4th September at the Crystal Palace, London approximately 11,000 Boy Scouts attended a rally. This gave an indication of how popular scouting had become in such a short while. A small group of Girl Scouts were also in attendance.
1910
The first annual census was taken to establish the number of scout members in the UK and 100,298 scouts were recorded. The Sea Scouts was also set up.
1911
The coronation of King George V and Queen Mary took place at Westminster Abbey in June. The scouts were represented for this event. The following month 26,000 scouts were reviewed by the King at Windsor.
1912 Baden -Powell marries Miss Olave Soames.
1913 The Duke of Connaught is appointed the association's first President.
1914
An experimental scheme for 'Wolf Cubs' or 'Young Scouts' was set up 'First National Good Turn' - Scouts Day of Work for the blind.Scouts enrol for War Service.
1916
Scout Jack Cornwell posthumously awarded Victoria Cross. Cornwell Badge instituted. ‘The Wolf Cub Handbook’ published. Roland House opened. Wolf Cub Display at Caxton Hall, London.
1917
First Commissioners' Conference, held at Matlock. First scheme for 'Senior Scouts' introduced. Opening of new HQ at 25 Buckingham Palace Rd., London.
1918
Senior Scout Section renamed Rover Scouts.
1920 First International Scout Conference and World Jamboree, Olympia, London. Baden -Powell acclaimed Chief Scout of the World.
1921
Two Scouts selected for Shackleton's Expedition to the Antarctic.
1922
Publication of 'Rovering to Success'. World Scout Membership: 1,019,205. 65,000 Scouts and Cubs attended Posse of Welcome to Prince of Wales, Alexandra Palace.
1924
Special tests for disabled Scouts introduced.
1928
21st Anniversary Reunion of Brownsea campers.
1929
Coming of Age World Jamboree, Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, attended by 30,000 Scouts from 71 countries. Deep Sea Scout Branch formed.
1931
World Scout Membership: 2,039,349.
1932
First London 'Gang Show'.
1934
First National Scout Service, St. George's Chapel, Windsor.
1935
First of series of five Scout Training Courses around the UK.
1936
Special Tests Branch became Handicapped Scouts Branch. First production of 'Boy Scout', Royal Albert Hall, London.
1937
Scouts on duty at Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The Gang Show in Royal Command Performance.
1939
Admiralty request for Scouts to volunteer for Convoy signaller duties. Other war duties undertaken.
1940
Roland House bombed.
1941
Death of Baden-Powell (8th January). B.-P. Memorial Service, Westminster Abbey. Air Scout Branch formed. Lord Somers elected Chief Scout of the British Empire.
1942
Duke of Gloucester appointed President following the death of the Duke of Connaught. B.-P. Memorial Fund launched. First National Air Scout Camp.
1944
Sea Scout Exhibition, London. Death of Lord Somers. Scouts' International Relief Service Team left for Normandy.
1945
Lord Rowallan elected Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth and Empire. Publication of 'The Road Ahead' - the recommendations of the Post War Commission.
1946
Senior Scout Section officially started. New plan for Rover Scouts introduced.
1947
Memorial tablet to B.-P. unveiled in Westminster Abbey by the Duke of Gloucester. Original manuscript of 'Scouting for Boys' comes to light and is purchased. World Scout Membership: 4,404,927.
1948
Inauguration of B.-P. Guild of Old Scouts.
1949
First 'Bob-a-Job' Week.
1952
The beret, as an alternative head-dress, introduced for Senior and Rover Scouts.
1953
Scouts on duty at Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
1954
Beret becomes permitted for Boy Scouts.
1956
New Rules for Rover Scouts published.
1957
Centenary of the birth of B.-P. Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. B.-P. Memorial Fund public appeal launched at Mansion House. National 'Collective Good Turn Week'. The' Gang Show' is again performed in the Royal Variety Performance.
1959
The Foundation Stone for Baden-Powell House was laid in 1959 by World Chief Guide Olave, Lady Baden- Powell for a Scouting hostel and conference centre
1961
Baden-Powell House opened by The Queen. 12 July 1961 Long trousers become alternative wear for Senior and Rover Scouts.
1962
June Air Scout Branch comes of age. World Scout Membership: 9,366,962.
1964
The Gang Show in the Royal Variety Performance for the third time. World Scout Membership: 10,035,540.
1966
Wolf Cubs' Golden Jubilee Year commenced. Scout & Guide Founders Day Service part of Westminster Abbey's 900th Anniversary Celebrations. Introduction of the new Promise and Law.
1967
The Boy Scouts Association renamed The Scout Association. Changes in uniform. Implementation of new training schemes for Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venture Scouts. Duke of Edinburgh visits Baden-Powell House.
1968
Prince Andrew joins Cub Scouts. Prince Philip, accompanied by Prince Andrew, takes salute at Windsor Parade.
1970
Bob-a-Job Week Scheme renamed 'Scout Job Week' in anticipation of currency decimalisation. Queen's Guides, celebrating the Girl Guide Movement's Diamond Jubilee Year join the annual Queen's Scout Parade at Windsor Castle for the first time.
1971
New World Membership Badge introduced for UK Scouts to wear. 'The Scouter', the Movement's national magazine renamed 'Scouting'. World Chief Guide, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, attends premiere of Scout film, 'These are Scouts', in London. B.-P. Scout Guild rejoins The Scout Association. Lord Maclean announces retirement as Chief Scout of The Scout Association
1972
Duke of Kent reviews 500 Venture Scouts who have gained the Queen's Scout Award, in a new style ceremony at Windsor Castle on St. George's Day. Sir William Gladstone Bt, DL, MA, appointed Chief Scout of the UK and Overseas Branches. The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh attended the 40th Anniversary year production of Ralph Readers' Gang Show.
1973
September More than 30 European Scout Public Relations Officers attended a Conference on Scouting's public relations, Baden-Powell House.
1974
The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, takes the salute from 650 Venture Scouts who have gained the Queen's Scout Award. Ralph Reader presents final London Gang Show for two weeks at Gaumont State Theatre, Kilburn, London. Ralph, aged 71, has decided to retire from writing and producing the annual London Gang Show. The Scout Association's National Headquarters moves from Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria to temporary accommodation at Baden-Powell House, London SW7. A new purpose- built extension to B.-P. House is due to be completed in 1976.
1975
The Scout Association launch a new Corporate Identity symbol - 'Scouts' - incorporating the fleur-de-lys badge in place of the 'o' in the word 'Scouts'. HRH The Duke of Kent appointed President. Scouts present cheque for £91,363 to RNLI for new lifeboat to be named 'The Scout'.
1976
Cub Scouts' Diamond Jubilee commences. Highest ever UK Membership - 608,610. Olave, Lady Baden- Powell, visits new Headquarters at B.-P. House. Girls invited to join Venture Scouts. The Queen opens new Headquarters at B.-P. House. Scout and Guide joint Jubilee badge on sale to support Queen's Silver Jubilee Appeal.
1977
Lifeboat 'The Scout' leaves builders at Poole and sails to Hartlepool. Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide and wife of the Founder of and Guide Movements, dies on June 25, aged 88. Her ashes are later taken for burial next to B.-P. at Nyeri. The Queen names RNLI lifeboat 'The Scout' at Hartlepool. Another increase in Scout Membership - 627,569. Lord Rowallan dies, November 30.
1978
The Queen reviews nearly 900 Venture Scouts at Windsor Parade. £134,000 donated by Scouts and Guides to Queen's Silver Jubilee Appeal. Scouts in Royal Tournament, Earls Court for first time with Midlands Massed Scout Bands and Field Gun display by 4th Seven Kings Sea Scouts. Another increase in UK Scout Membership - 636,148. Scouts assist elderly to retune new radio wavelengths in answer to request from BBC.
1979
Scouts cook world's largest sausage (2 miles) at Great Children's Party, Hyde Park, London. Earl Mountbatten, Commodore of Sea Scouts killed. World Scout Membership now 15 million (World Scout Bureau Estimate).
1981
Memorial stone to the Founder and Olave unveiled at Westminster Abbey. The Queen reviews Queen's Scouts at St. George's Day Parade, Windsor. 500 Venture Scouts as torchbearers at Royal Fireworks, Hyde Park. Scouts on duty on Royal Wedding route for the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer took place on Wednesday 29 July 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral, London. Major General Michael J.H. Walsh CB, DSO appointed Chief Scout Designate.
1982 Speaker's Reception for 75 famous former Scouts and present day Scout representatives at House of Commons to launch The Year of the Scout, marking 75th Anniversary of Brownsea Island Camp. Sir William Gladstone retires and Major General Michael Walsh becomes Chief Scout.Scouts Commemorative Stamp (26p) issued as part of special Youth Movement issue. Death of Ralph Reader CBE on May 13. 250,000 Cub Scouts take part in 'National Cub Scout Tea Making Fortnight' (May 31 - June 12). Lord Maclean attends B.- P. House 21st Anniversary reception. Beavers introduced for 6-8 year old boys.
1983
Queen Mother reviews over 1,000 Queen's Scouts at Windsor. UK Scout Membership 626,937. Beaver Membership 12,300 in addition.
1984
Duke of Kent reviews 1,200 Queen's Scouts at Windsor. Cardinal Basil Hume, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, preaches at National Scout Service. Reduction in younger age ranges in national population affects UK Scout Membership - now 605,649 plus 25,955 Beavers. New Scout Training Programme and Progress Award Scheme announced.
1985
Venture Scout Relay Team carries Friendship torch from Baden-Powell House to Southampton en route to kindle a Friendship Flame during Mafeking (now Mafikeng) Centenary Celebrations. New Scout Training Programme launched. UK Membership - 586,601. Beavers - 40,281.
1986
'Rainbow Year', Cub Scouts 70th Anniversary. Beavers become Members of The Association and renamed Beaver Scouts. Duke of Kent reopens 'Baden.-Powell Story' exhibition to celebrate Baden-Powell House 25th Anniversary.
1987
New Scottish National HQ opened at Fordell Firs. 500 Venture Scouts assist with the organisation of the St. John Ambulance Centenary Party in Hyde Park, London. Also, at same event, 250 Scouts from Greater London North East enter the record books by cooking the world's longest sausage (9 miles). Service held on Brownsea Island (August 2) to mark the 80th Anniversary of the first experimental camp, attended by Colonel Brian Evans-Lombe OBE who took part in the original camp.
1988
Venture Scout Section begins 21st Anniversary year. HRH The Duke of Kent visits Gilwell Park.Epping Forest London. This is a camp site and activity centre for Scouting groups and all Youth Organisations, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout Leaders founded 26 July 1919 Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh CB DSO DL retires as Chief Scout. Mr W. Garth Morrison DL takes over as Chief Scout Venture Scout Section celebrates 21st birthday with 'Everest' climbs in major cities throughout the UK. Leicester Square event is attended by Sir Edmund Hillary and members of his team.
1989
Scouts and 3,500 British Venture Scouts at Crystal Palace. The first commercial sponsorship of a Scout Proficiency Badge. The Scout Athlete Badge is sponsored for three years carrying the 'Matchstick' sportswear brand name. The results of the Uniform Consultation Survey. The main change was the decision to abolish headgear for all Sections.
1990
'Scouts Go For A Million' Campaign launched which eventually raised £141,998.67 for Barnardo's. Decision in principle to allow girls into the younger Sections of the Movement.
1991
Cub Scouts 75th Anniversary/50th Anniversary of Air Scouting. Launch of new Cub Scout Programme. Royal Charter changes agreed - girls are allowed to be invested in the younger Sections of the Movement. 2,000 Cub Scouts take part in a 'Grand Howl' in Westminster, and Thanksgiving Service in Central Hall, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Cub Scouting.
1992
'Promise Appeal' is launched, the first national fundraising appeal in aid of the Association since 1938. 1992 designated as 'Promise Year'. Woggle Day to raise funds for Promise Appeal. Promise Appeal raises £2.5 million.
1993
Founders' daughter started the £2m redevelopment programme at Gilwell Park to expand training facilities and restore and preserve the White House. Scout and Cub Scout Law revised slightly as a consequence of the decision to admit girls to all Sections.
1994
Colonel Brian Evans-Lombe, the only surviving member of the original camp at Brownsea Island dies, aged 100. Gilwell Reunion celebrates 75 years of Gilwell Park. White House reopened.
1995
Her Majesty The Queen officially reopens the White House and refurbished Training Centre at Gilwell Park. 700 Scouts stage ‘In the Spotlight’ a fast moving showcase of musical and creative ability at the Royal Albert Hall. Integrated pilot project based in Coventry explores new ways of supporting Scout Groups.
1996
George Purdy appointed as the new Chief Scout. Cub Scouts start 80 days of special events, including a nationwide challenge to travel round the world in 80 days, to commemorate 80 years of Cub Scouting. Scout Association Web Site launched. Pilot Scout Network scheme. £2 million scheme to refurbish Baden-Powell House Hostel.
1997
Scout Association Equal Opportunities Policy announced. HRH Duke of Kent re-opens the renovated Baden-Powell House International Scout and Conference Centre after a £2 million refurbishment. Scouts were called on to help clear floral tributes from the Royal Palaces in London following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
1998
February ‘Voice for Young People’ policy introduced to put young people under the age of 25 on national committees. Decision taken to make a bid at the World Scout Conference in 1999 to host the centennial World Scout Jamboree in 2007 in the UK.
1999
UK named host for World Scout Jamboree in 2007. Scout Information Centre opens, providing friendly advice and information on all aspects of Scouting 6 days a week. Scout Association Vice-President Lord Baden-Powell reviews Queen’s Scouts at Windsor.
2000
Scout Association Vice-President and youngest daughter of Baden-Powell, The Hon. Mrs. Betty Clay reviews Queen’s Scouts at Windsor. Building commences on new £2.25 million Scouting headquarters, Gilwell House. The new headquarters will be home to 115 Scouting staff. HRH The Duke of Kent opens Gilwell House, the new Scout Association Headquarters.120 Scouts are invited to march in HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Parade.
2004
Hon. Mrs. Betty Clay, youngest daughter of Lord Baden-Powell and last link to the Founder of Scouting, dies. Peter Duncan named new Chief Scout. ‘Scouting’ magazine relaunched in A5 size
2007
The 21st World Jamboree is held at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. 40,000 participants were at the Jamboree with Prince William and the Duke of Kent at the opening ceremony. The theme was "One World, One Promise" Scouting also celebrated its Centenary by holding a special camp on Brownsea Island. Chief Scout, Peter Duncan started the camp by blowing the Kudu Horn. (The Kudu Horn (from the antlers of the Antelope) was first used in 1907 on Brownsea Island) The Scout Association continued its centennial celebrations with ‘LIVE07’, a huge show held at the O2 Arena (formerly The Millennium Dome) to portray the 100 years of Scouting.
2009
It was announced that Bear Grylls would become the next Chief Scout, and to take over the role from Peter Duncan. at the handover ceremony on11th July at the Gilwell 24 event.
To Be updated as information is made available
