Parades and Displays (1932-1939)
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1 Finnart Church Parades
Church parades and other forms of parade were far more common in the Thirties than they are now. The 70th had a monthly Sunday parade to Finnart Church and everyone was expected to turn up. Most did and Scouts generally only missed parades if they were confined to bed. The arrangements for a couple of parades have been recorded and it is likely that all the parades followed the same pattern. The boys met at Bedford Lane, then marched to the church - possibly along Brisbane Street then down Madeira Street. In the latter half of the Thirties, the Patrol that had won the previous month's Patrol competition would be leading the parade, and it seems virtually certain that colours would be flying once they had been purchased. It was after one of these parades that the only known pre-war Group photograph of the 70th was taken in September 1937 (Fig. 1).
Figure 1 A photograph of the Group taken in September 1937 following the monthly parade and Church service at Finnart Church.
2. The District Parade and Drumhead Service
The Greenock District's Parade and Drumhead Service was held on the first Sunday of June. One of Sam Fauld's roles as District Scoutmaster (1933 - 1935) was to organise this parade. Scouts met at George Square at 2.15 pm, while the Wolf Cubs met at the cemetery gates at 2.20 pm. It is possible that several Troops made a point of marching to George Square rather than appearing in ones or twos. For example, the 70th seemed to make a point of meeting at the corner of Robertson Street and Union Street about 15 minutes beforehand, suggesting that they might have marched along Union Street to join the main 'gang.'
Once everyone had gathered at the Square, they were inspected by a visiting dignitary, then the full parade departed George Square about 2.30 pm and marched along Nelson Street and Inverkip Road usually watched by many spectators. One cannot see the police allowing that route to be taken nowadays! The Wolf Cubs set off from the cemetery gates about five minutes earlier, so it was presumably timed such that the Wolf Cubs arrived at Pirrie Park just as the Scout Parade caught them up.
Typically, the total number of Wolf Cubs, Scouts and Leaders present numbered 600, but there was a special effort during Scout Week in 1939 when there were 800 boys were on parade. Various bands were used throughout the Thirties, such as the BB Brass Band, the 5th Pipe Band, the 22nd Pipe Band, Wellington Pipe Band, the British Legion Band, the Gourock Trades Band, and the St Lawrence Band. At Lady Alice Park, Roman Catholic Troops 'peeled off' to attend a separate mass in the park, while the majority of Troops continued to Pirrie Park (renamed Rankin Park in 1938). At the Park, an open air service was held after an official flagbreak, with different Troops taking it in turn to provide the colour party. The 70th had the honours in 1937. Different ministers led the service each year, with the Rev. Reid leading it in 1932 and 1935.
After the service, the Scouts marched back to George Square and a salute was taken at the cemetery gates, Brachelston Square or at George Square itself. Different dignitaries were invited to take the salute each year. The Chief Scout (Baden Powell) was even invited to take the salute in 1938 since he would be visiting Glasgow, but he had to decline due to ill health.
If an open air service was impractical due to bad weather, the venue was changed to St. Mary's Church for the Catholics, and Seafield House for the Protestants, with the parade changing its route accordingly. Even in bad weather, many Scouts marched with sleeves rolled up and holding jackets. In 1939, the opposite problem arose. It was the hottest day for 33 years and the service had to be cut short since 'numerous' boys collapsed with the heat and had to be tended by the first aid services. The temperature was 127 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Farenheit in the shade!
3. Armistice Day Parade
During the first half of the Thirties, there was an annual Greenock District Armistice Day Parade to the Wellpark War Memorial, that started off from George Square and wound its way along Nelson Street, Newton Street and Roxburgh Street. In 1933, the Wolf Cubs set off at 2.15 pm followed by the Scouts at 2.30 pm, but in subsequent years it was decided that the Wolf Cubs would not parade. At the Wellpark, the parade lined up on the pathway with the band on the right playing 'Flowers of the Forest', then the D.C. laid wreaths. The last post was sounded, then there was a 2 minute silence followed by reveille and 'God Save the King'. The parade then moved off into Lyndoch Street, then marched via Roxburgh Street and Inverkip to South Street for dismissal at the cemetery gate. The 70th Troop would certainly have attended these parades and there is a reference to the parade in the COH minutes of 1935.
In 1936, it was decided not to hold an armistice parade and this provoked a Scout to write a letter to the Greenock Telegraph criticising the decision. The D.C. was obviously a bit put out by this and stated that the 'author was neither a Scout nor a gentleman' and he 'abhorred the cheap publicity'. Nevertheless, the D.C. subsequently proposed that the armistice parade should take place after all, but that it would go to a church rather than the war memorial. The parade took place on 29th November 1936 from George Square to the Old West Kirk, and the 70th were certainly present.
4. Dedication of Colours
Scout Parades often took place at the dedication of a Troop's new colours. Naturally, the Scouts of the relevant Troop were all expected to attend, but representatives of the other Greenock Troops were also invited, and it would probably have been 'bad form' not to accept. For example, representatives of the 70th attended the parade and dedication of the 7th Troop's colours at Ardgowan Methodist Church on the 13th October 1935.
Despite this about-turn, no District Armistice parade took place in 1937, and Patrol Second Harold Hastie (Fig. 2) was quite indignant about the fact. One wonders how many 13 year olds would be so concerned nowadays! No other record of an armistice parade appeared in any of the Troop or District records of the late Thirties, and one wonders why it was deemed necessary to stop the event.
Figure 2 Harold Hastie.
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5. Other Parades and Services
Other parades that took place during the Thirties included a District Parade to the Lyle Hill on the 18th May 1937 to celebrate the Coronation of George VI and a parade at Ibrox Park on the 4th June 1938 in connection with the Empire Exhibition. The latter parade was followed the very next day bu the Annual District Parade to Pirrie Park! Scout parades were also associated with a special event called Scout Week which took place in 1931, 1932 and 1939 (see section 6 below). Finally, there was a rally of local Boy Scouts at Seafield Hall on 28th April 1938 which may or may not have involved a parade. At Seafield Hall, each Troop did some kind of act, with the 70th giving a demonstration of Scout games. Seafield Hall was regularly used by Scouting prior to the war. A similar kind of rally attended by the 70th may have occurred in June 1935. It is not clear what these rallies involved, but they may have involved demonstrations for parents and friends. Finally, there was a district parade to attend a service at the town hall at 3 pm called 'Recall to Religion'. Other parades that have not been recorded are almost certain to have ocurred during the period.
With so many parades and rallies, there would be plenty of opportunities for a Pipe Band to strut its stuff. Therefore, it can be no surprise that moves were afoot to form a District Scout Pipe Band in 1939. Four members of the 70th Troop volunteered for the band and the Troop donated 2 guineas, which was rather generous considering the finances were standing at £5-5-7. Unfortunately, the identify of the four volunteers is not recorded. It is highly unlikely that the Pipe Band got off the ground in 1939 due to the start of the Second World War. Indeed, the District records suggest that serious efforts to start the band did not occur until December 1943 when 60 Scouts applied to join.
Scouts were also invited to special services on top of their normal committments. For example, there was a League of Nations Union Service at the town Hall where District Scouts were asked to attend.
Figure 3 Ian Dunlop.
Naturally, it was considered a point of honour that the 70th should have its own colours, and in September 1935, the hope was expressed that colours could be purchased before Christmas. An appeal to the church for donations was made and 30/- had been donated by October. By the end of November, an estimate was requested from the Glasgow Scout Shop, which turned out to be £10-10/-. When the sum was announced at the Court of Honour, jaws must have struck the floor. This was a mammoth sum for the time, especially when one considers that the total bank balance of the Troop was 17/- (not including donations already received towards the colours). The COH minutes state that Ian Dunlop, 'deeming this sum exorbitant, had communicated with Imperial Headquarters in London, but had as yet had no reply'. When London HQ eventually replied at the start of December, it was a far more reasonable £5-6-0. The purchase went ahead and the colours were duly dedicated and presented to the church on Sunday, January 19th 1936 following a District parade.
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6. Scout Weeks
A number of Scout weeks were held during the 1930s. Each week involved a series of Scouting events designed to publicise Scouting within the community. Scout weeks are known to have been held in 1931, 1932, and 1939, and there are indications that there may have been similar events in 1933 and 1934. It is not clear whether these events took place across the country or were a local initiative by the Greenock District team. The latter seems more likely and the 1939 event was certainly a local initiative. Each Scout Week received excellent coverage by the Greenock Telegraph, and generous support by the public. The Scout Weeks here are not to be confused with the National Scout Week which took place in 1938 or with Bob a Job Week which started much later.
The Scout Week in 1932 took place from Sunday 5th June to Sunday 12th June 1932, and may well have played a part in inspiring the Rev. Reid to set up the 70th Group. No doubt, it also inspired many boys to join. The beginning of Scout Week was marked by all the Greenock Troops parading in full uniform to their own churches for a Sunday church service. On Monday evening, there was a Scout Display at Broomhill Park. Scouts from fourteen Troops marched from the Wellpark o Broomhill Park via Lynedoch Street and Drumfochar Road, with the 22nd Pipe Band in the lead. A march past then took place with D.C. Hector G Russell taking the salute. Games and a display of lariat throwing then followed. There was also a demonstration of ambulance work followed by PE exercises. The appearance of a large elephant prancing about the area provided some humour to the occasion. Finally, there was a relay race between the Troops, followed by a Rover Scout march past. On Tuesday evening, 480 Wolf Cubs marched behind the 5th Pipe Band from George Square to Lady Alice Park to put on their display. The event started with the Grand Howl, followed by presentations of the Cub Challenge Flag and the Beaven Sports Trophy. The semi-final of the Cub Football Shield was then held. On the Wednesday evening, the Scouts put on another parade and display in Lady Alice Park. On the Thursday evening, it was the Wolf Cubs turn again, with a parade and display at Broomhill Park. This involved some form of sports programme, but strong winds and dust clouds proved rather disruptive. The Annual Scout Swimming Gala at the West End Baths was held on Friday evening, which included a polo match and a display of diving by Percy Hurry and Robert Graham.
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The Saturday was a supporters day where volunteers helped to sell flowers and plants at the Scout Shop. This was followed by a flannel dance at Seafield Hall. It is thought that a flannel dance was a dance that did not require formal evening wear. Finally, Scout Week was rounded off on the Sunday with the annual District Parade and Drumhead Service at Pirrie Park. That year the Rev. A.R.R. Reid (Fig. 4) gave the address at Pirrie Park from St. Matthew's gospel (‘Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven’). Greenock Telegraph editions at the time emphasised the great interest that Greenock people had for the Scouts and stated that several thousands watched the Sunday parade and the service.
Figure 4 The Rev Reid of Finnart Church
In 1938, a National Scout Week was held to raise funds for the Association. Perhaps inspired by this, the Greenock Boy Scouts Association decided to run their own Scout Week in 1939, but with the emphasis on promoting the movement. The programme was similar to the 1932 event and the Greenock Telegraph kept the public informed of what was happening on each day. Scouts were also requested to wear their uniform throughout the week, although it is not clear whether this was purely for the organised events, or whether they were being asked to wear uniform to school as well. The week itself was blessed with excellent weather, with the last Sunday proving to be one of the hottest days on record.
The Scout Week started on Sunday with each group being asked to parade to their local church and to have a special service. The 70th met at Bedford Lane at 6 pm and presumably marched round to the church with colours flying for an evening service. On the Monday, there was a fancy dress cycle parade. About 200 Scouts met up at George Square at 7.30 pm in full uniform and with the cycles all dressed up and decorated. The parade then cycled through the town streets eventually ending up in Ardgowan Square where prizes were presented for the best fancy dressed cycle. Dennis Woodward (Fig. 5) won a prize for this. The parade was led by a Cub Master (George Allen) dressed in a red wig, top hat, striped trousers and morning coat and riding a bone shuddering penny farthing.
Figure 5 Dennis Woodward
Tuesday marked the first of the big Scout Displays. 800 Boy Scouts and Wolf Cubs met up at George Square at 7.15 pm, then marched to Lady Alice Park, accompanied by a BB Brass Band and the 4th Co. BB Pipe Band. There was a flagbreak at the park, followed by a march past of the colours and totems with Lord Inverclyde taking the salute. The display then got under way, with the Wolf Cubs doing a mass Grand Howl. This was followed by a proficiency badge parade where Scouts dressed up in costumes to represent the different badges. Jim Crawford and Nicol Smith dressed up to represent the athlete and masons proficiency badges respectively, while Harold Hastie and Ian Munro carried placards with the names of the badges (Fig. 6). It would be curious to know what the masons badge was all about! Various other aspects of Scout training were then denoted by games, dancing and displays. The display culminated with a session of country dancing and a campfire.
Figure 6 70th Scouts known to have particpated in the Proficiency Badge Parade (Jim Crawford, Nicol Smith, Harold Hastie, and Ian Munro)
Once the display was over, Lord Inverclyde gave a speech and stated that Scouting produced young men capable of taking an active part in life whether in times of emergency or otherwise. In a later public letter, Lord Inverclyde referred to the imminent threat of war when he stated 'In these anxious days, the Boy Scouts, along with other kindred youth organisations, have assumed an increasing importance in our national life'.
On the Wednesday there was a Barn dance for Scouters in Inverkip at Hills Farm, and on Thursday over 700 Scouts marched from George Square to repeat the Scout Display at the Battery Park. The Telegraph described this as an 'inspiring event'. Provost Davey declared that the Boy Scouts provided 'training in discipline which would fit the Scouts for life and make them worthy citizens of the Empire'. He talked about the 'dark clouds of threatening war', but he looked forward to the days when all nations could live in peace and harmony. On Friday evening, there was the annual Swimming Gala at the West End Baths where the 70th swimming team put in a great performance, while on Saturday, there was a social gathering for Scouters. On the final Sunday of the week, there was the annual District Parade and Drumhead Service at Rankin Park and Lady Alice Park (section 2).
The week's activities proved a huge success and the 70th leader Eoin Steel (Fig. 7) received a public vote of thanks along with the rest of the organising team. Part of the week's success may well have been due to the imminent threat of war and the desire of people to take comfort in 'good news' stories. There seemed to be precious few of these and the Scout Week of 1939 was the last big peace time Scouting event in Greenock. Three months later, the Second World War broke out.
Figure 7 Eoin Steel