The scouting movement has had a long history in Orange, becoming established in 1909, within about a year of its inception in England by Robert Baden-Powell. Since then it has flourished, with up to seven groups in its hey-day.
A group was formed in Orange by A J Faulks, who was the head teacher at the local Superior Public School.
The story of the scouting movement in the Orange district will be the subject of Orange & District Historical Society’s next History Alive meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 12.
Guest speaker will be Tony Bouffler, who has had a long and distinguished association with the movement since he became a scout in Bathurst at the age of 12. As an adult he became involved again in 1976, serving on the District Committee, later becoming a scout leader, district administrator and area commissioner, the latter involving the administration of a huge area stretching from Lithgow to Broken Hill and encompassing 135 scouting groups.
Tony’s wife Karen was also involved in scouting for a number of years.
Tony will talk about how the movement developed in Orange, the building of the Scout Hall in Kite Street, the camp sites, the Easter jamborettes and other aspects of scouting.He has amassed an interesting collection of photos dating back to the early days of scouting in Orange which he will show on the night.
Local scouting authorities have given permission for this special meeting to be held in the Scout Hall in Kite Street (next door to the Lands Department building, just east of Anson Street).
There is a small charge of $3 for members of Orange and District Historical Society and $5 for non-members, to cover costs. Light refreshments will be served.
If you have any inquiries or would like to attend the meeting, please RSVP to Julie Sykes on 6362-1682, or Phil Stevenson on 0402 412 188 (email: ibiswines@bigpond.com)