ITS history is practically as old as the Scout movement itself.

The 1st Parkstone (Lady Baden-Powell's Own) Scout Group celebrates its 100th anniversary early in the new year.

The group is organising a special service, a roll of honour and an exhibition to mark the occasion. And it needs readers' help in identifying some photographs from its distinguished history.

Parkstone's history is closely tied with that of the Baden-Powells.

Its Scout group was formed by some of the boys who had taken part in Lord Baden-Powell's first experimental camp on Brownsea Island in Poole in 1907.

That first camp led to the founding of the Boy Scout Movement and 1st Parkstone had the honour of being named the oldest Scout group in the world in February 1948.

Baden-Powell and his bride Olave Soames married at St Peter's Church in Parkstone in October 30, 1912, and 1st Parkstone Scout Group formed their guard of honour.

The Baden-Powells' first child, Peter, was born on November 13, 1913, and Christened on February 14, 1914, again with a guard of honour from the Scout group.

Lady Baden-Powell remained supportive of the group throughout her life, and in 1972 she wrote to encourage the boys after being asked to send her autograph for a fundraising auction.

Among other famous autographs auctioned that day were those of Harold Wilson, Agatha Christie, Margaret Thatcher and Harry Secombe. (If you own one of the auctioned signatures, the group would like to hear from you.) When a service of thanksgiving was held for the life of Lady Baden-Powell at Westminster Abbey on September 26, 1977, 1st Parkstone were the only Scouts representing the Worldwide Scouting Organisation - with 12 Scouts and two Scouters as the guard of honour among 2,000 Girl Guides.

1st Parkstone celebrates its centenary at a special service at St Peter's Church in Lower Parkstone, at 3pm on February 10.

The event is open to all past and present Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Senior Scouts, Rovers, Scouters, parents and supporters.

After the service, there will be a display of photos, films, certificates, flags and newspaper articles until 6pm. All are welcome.

The group is producing a 1908-2008 roll of honour, which already has more than 300 names.

Anyone who has ever been a member can call to have their name added.

The group meets at Emerson Hall in Hermitage Road, Parkstone, and consists of Beavers (Saturday mornings), Cubs (Monday evenings) and Scouts (Friday evenings).

  • To get in touch and find out more about the celebrations, call 07951 293009.