Donations to The Scouts

Posted byTony HarveyPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , ,

Since 2012 I have been donating a portion of the funds raised through my 2012 Prestonian Charity Fund to The Scouts, and especially to their heritage work.

Over the years, those donations have funded:

  • The installation of a climate control system for the Scout Association Archives.
  • The digitisation of the Baden-Powell archives.
  • The installation of information boards at Gilwell Park, most notably at key items of historical interest.
A sign titled 'The Pigsty' provides historical information about a structure related to Rover Scouts at the Olave Centre, featuring a black and white photo of the building and text describing its significance.
Information sign for Gilwell Park detailing the Scouts Heritage Trail and Faith Walk attractions, including activities and history.
Text panel mentioning Tony Harvey as the 2012 Prestonian Lecturer of the United Grand Lodge of England.
  • The restoration of an importnt Baden-Powell portrait.
A portrait of a man in military uniform sitting at a desk, writing on a piece of paper, with a serious expression.
Information plaque about the painting 'Robert Baden-Powell' (1905) by Harold Speed, detailing Baden-Powell's military career and the painting's history.
  • The creation of the Barn Gallery, a major new exhibition which tells the story of Gilwell Park.
Sign indicating the establishment of a gallery space funded by a contribution from Tony Harvey, the 2012 Prestonian Lecturer, in association with the United Grand Lodge of England and Scouts Heritage Service.
Exhibition display panel titled 'The Gilwell Story,' highlighting the role of Gilwell Park in the Scout Movement since 1919. It includes a photograph of a statue and several images related to scouting activities.
Collage of photos showcasing camping, training, and community activities, with a text highlighting that the site welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually.
Information display about Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief of Gilwell Park, highlighting his contributions to the Scouts between 1919 and 1921, including his background, the establishment of Gilwell, and the first Wood Badge Course.
An informative display board about the history of scouting, featuring text and photographs highlighting Francis's contributions, volunteer training, and the challenges faced in the 1920s.
Exhibit showcasing Gilwell Park, the world's largest Scout Group, featuring historical information, images, and text about the training courses and volunteer programs.
A pink display board featuring text and photographs about a historical scouting event, with bunting hanging at the top.
Informational display on a pink wall detailing the history of an event from 1923 to 1966, including photographs, text boxes, and historical facts about the event's duration and various gatherings.
Exhibit panel titled 'Evolving events' showcasing the history of Gilwell Park and its connection to the Scouts, detailing events and activities held since the 1950s.
A vintage-themed exhibit featuring two boys and a woman gathered around a table with a checkered tablecloth, displaying food items such as potatoes and a menu. The background is pink with historical photographs related to a cooking competition.
Informational poster about the history and impact of volunteers at Gwell Park, featuring text about the evolution of volunteer work since 1919, images of volunteers in action, and quotes highlighting personal experiences and contributions.
Informational display titled 'Gilwell from above' featuring historical maps and aerial photographs of Gilwell Park from various decades, illustrating changes in landscape and development from 1920 to 2026.
Exhibit panel about John Skinner Wilson, highlighting his contributions to scouting and covert operations during World War II.
A timeline display of Gilwell Park, featuring key historical events and dates from the 1400s to the 1830s, with notable figures and milestones, set against a pink background.
A timeline displayed on a pink background, documenting historical events from the 1830s to the 1920s related to a location, with images and captions detailing significant developments, including installations in gardens, ownership changes, and community activities.
Timeline exhibiting key events and milestones from the 1920s and 1930s, displayed on a pink background with images and text highlighting significant moments related to Gilwell Park.
A timeline display illustrating historical events from the 1940s to the 1960s, featuring notable dates and descriptions related to Gilwell Park, including the War Office's takeover, the construction of the Roman Catholic Chapel, and various Scout activities.
A timeline displayed on a pink background, illustrating historical events and developments from the 1960s to the 2010s. Key points include the unveiling of the Boy Scout statue in 1966, the construction of the Big Mac clock in 1968, and the establishment of the first fully accessible outdoor camp in 1982.
Timeline of significant events at Gilwell Park, highlighting key developments from 2007 to 2026, including the opening of various lodges and centers.
Exhibit on Gilwell Park history showcasing Wood Badge log and memorabilia from 1924 to 2015.
An open book with handwritten notes and a vintage photo on the left, a folded program about the sport of orienteering in the center, a green membership pamphlet for the 1st Gilwell Park Group, and various colorful patches and badges displayed on a blue background.
A display case featuring various patches and badges, including a Gilwell Reunion patch from 2005, alongside a brown leather belt with decorative elements and an open notebook containing handwritten notes and a map.
A handwritten document detailing the first Women's Scouters Course held from February 29 to March 8, 1972, including activities, participants' names, and a photograph of a group.
Close-up of an open historical notebook with handwritten notes, discussing a conference attended by members from England and Scotland, alongside dated entries and brief course summaries.
Informational display featuring historical details about various scouting awards and events, including the Silver Buffalo Award, Cub Day insights, and Gilwell Park visitor information.
Display case featuring various scouting memorabilia including badges, a ribbon, and event booklets from Gilwell Park.
Display of historical materials related to Gilwell Park, including a logbook, brochures, and a badge from a national camp event.
A page from a 1929 ledger featuring handwritten entries with names, addresses, and remarks, including the name 'Dan Beard' from 'Buffalo NY America' along with several other signatures and addresses.

Incidentally, the last image above, from the Gilwell Park visitor book of 1929, includes the signatures of Daniel Carter Beard, an American Scouting pioneer after whom the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is named, and James E. West, Scouting America’s first Chief Scout Executive.

I have also contributed towards various other fundraising appeals at Gilwell Park, such as the Promise Path, so that the 2012 Prestonian Charity Fund and Freemasonry is mentioned along with other donors.

Inscription on a stone commemorating the 2012 Prestonian Lecture, supporting Scouting and Freemasonry.

In recognition of more than £46,000 being raised and donated to The Scouts, the fund is mentioned on the honours wall at Gilwell Park’s Syd Kesseler Centre, and the centre’s meeting room is named Square & Compasses Meeting Room.

Two people standing in front of a plaque, highlighting supporters of the Syd Kesseler Centre. One person is wearing a purple shirt with scouting badges and the other in a black scout service shirt. Both have scouting neckerchiefs.
A smiling man wearing a scouting uniform and various badges stands next to a sign that reads 'The Square & Compasses Meeting Room'.

These donations have not only contributed to the preservation of Scouting’s heritage but also to the Scout Association’s education work, so that Scouting’s history can be communicated to future generations.

Thank you to all who have donated to the 2012 Prestonian Charity Fund. It is thanks to you that all of the above has been possible.

Discover more from W Bro. Tony Harvey, PJGD

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