LITTLE did Robert Baden-Powell realise that the youth movement he started in 1907 would still be going strong a century later. An exhibition on the subject opened recently at Alton's Allen Gallery, and which runs until April 28, and visitors will be able to see a selection of images and objects related to local Scouting over that 100- year period. From a large portrait of Major General Baden Powel painted by GF Watts in 1901/2, to photographs of Scouts in a variety of uniforms, to badges and medals, the display encompasses the Alton and Alresford Districts which in 1994 became the Rotherfield Scout District. The earliest registered group was 1st Alton in 1910, although many groups were active long before they registered. William Hugh Curtis whose grandfather founded the Curtis Museum, wrote to the local paper "to draw the attention of the public to the fact that the 1st Alton Boy Scouts were in existence". There have been fifty-three Groups recorded in the area over the past century - from the 11th Alresford (Preston Candover) in the North to 1st Headley in the East; with Bramdean and Hinton Ampner in the South to 7th Alresford (Kilmeston) in the West with most towns and villages having a Group at sometime. Attics were scoured and photo albums searched to put together a fascinating collection of material that will interest both young and old. The Allen Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and admission is free.
