THE STRENGTH and smartness of the local Boy Scout movement in its heyday is illustrated by this Gala procession turning from Cavendish Street into Lawkholme Crescent. The presence of tramlines dates this photograph as no later than 1924.
The distinctive Scout headgear was based on the slouch hat popular in the Boer War, where their founder, Lord Baden-Powell, had defended Mafeking while using boys as runners.
Keighley’s first Scout troop is thought to have started as early as 1908 in the Lawkholme district, using an attic in Dalton Lane as its headquarters. Other early troops, connected with churches, were at Ingrow St John’s and St Anne’s. A Keighley contingent attended the first Scouts’ Rally at Windsor in 1911.
The photograph has been supplied by Mr Kevin Seaton, of Shann Lane, Keighley.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here