Morecambe Guardian 03 February 1940
SCOUTING AND THE WAR
Discussed at Morecambe
APPEAL TO CIVIL SERVANTS
“If the principles of this movement had been adopted more in our international society, then we would not be in the mess we are today,“ said Rover Leader M. C. Wright (sic), at the annual dinner of the Morecambe and Heysham Boy Scouts Association on Monday night.
Mr. Wright, who was proposing “Lord Baden-Powell,” added: “Unfortunately the powers that control the world did not realise what it can do for them. “This grand old man of scouting, is, I am sorry to say, nearing the end of his trail, but I hope that there are a lot more turnings to come. I myself sincerely hope that we will be toasting him at our annual dinner for many years to come.“
SCOUTS IN THE FORCES
District Scoutmaster G. Whittles, “Absent Boy Scouts,” said As you know since our last annual dinner seven of our brother scouters are now serving with the Forces. Therefore tonight I think it is well for us to express our good wishes wheresoever they may be. Coupled with that, I would like us to think, not only of them but of our brother scouts in our Empire, who are serving their King and Country.”
Hopes that civil servants with experiences of scouting would come forward and join the Morecambe Boy Scouts Association, were expressed by the County Commissioner (Mr. T. W. Helme) when he proposed the “Mayor and Borough of Morecambe and Heysham.”
“I would like to throw out the suggestion whether anything can be done, now that you have members of the Civil Service coming into the town, to get these people into your movement,” he said. No doubt some of them may have been connected with scouting in London and they may be too shy and diffident to come forward.
“Is there no means by which you can get in touch with these people and they with you? I think it would be of very great value to find some of these men, and bring them into the movement. Obviously, they won’t have very much to do at home, and no doubt will be glad to join us.
As our Scouters disappear, we shall undoubtedly want extra help. I strongly believe in training patrol leaders and we are relying on them, and they’re only young boys and if we could get somebody older to help us, it would be of great assistance. I would like you if possible to get in touch with them.
SELF RELIANT
“I understand that when men register for military service there are asked if they have been connected with the scouting movement or not. The reason is well known to us because the man who has been in the scout movement is usually very self reliant and is likely to be much more successful than a fellow who has come straight out of an office.
“Now that the test has come, we are proving that our training has been very useful.”
The Mayor (Coun. F. Clayton) spoke of his connection with the scouting movement, which he said he had never had occasion to regret.
“It has been interesting to me to get in contact with the Army and the Air Force he said. And what has surprised me is the interest that is taken by the Commanding Officers in the welfare of their men.
“I am sure the scouters of this town could render valuable service by making themselves known to some of the men stationed here. It is a difficult task to look after their welfare. I am sure the Boy Scouts would be of great assistance in that way.
“There are several places open in the town for the entertainment of these men, but we are finding these places a lot too small. There are not enough of these canteens. Get in contact with these “boys” and take them to your headquarters.”
The District Commissioner, Mr. J. Dodds Drummond, referred to “countries where for reasons beyond our control scouting has been suppressed.” He added “it has been suggested that soon we shall be the only country in the world where scouting flourishes.
“Supposing scouting were taken out of our national life in this country, would we be missed? Would we be missed in Morecambe if we suddenly faded out and closed down?
DUTY TO GOD
“We know it is hard to keep our enthusiasm going, but I think one of the first things to assist us to keep interested, is not to forget our first promise – duty to God . One might suggest that if we could get together in fellowship during the year it would be very useful to us.
A vice president of the Association, Mr. E. E. Lupton, expressed thanks to all those who had helped to make the event a success.
Following the dinner, games were played, and entertainment was provided by Rover Scout Dangerfield, Scoutmasters Todd and Harmsworth and Patrol Leader Armstrong.
* Ernest Edward Lupton was born 01 Mar 1873 in North Bierley, Bradford.
In the 1881 Census he is living at Bierley Lane, North Bierley, Bradford.
In the 1891 Census his occupation is Elementary School Teacher.
He is living at 73 Bierley Lane Bradford, North Bierley, Yorkshire in the 1911 Census: –
“Ernest Edward Lupton Head Married Male Assistant Teacher Secondary School age 38 born 1873; Alice Lupton Wife Married Female – age 34 born 1877 Silloth, Cumberland ”
In 1939 he is living at 16 Shortlands Drive, Heysham, a Schoolmaster Retired and Widowed.
He died in 1966 in Darlington, Durham.
There are reports elsewhere on this site regarding the “Lupton Trophy,” which was awarded to the best Troop in the Morecambe Association camping competition. From the author’s memory the trophy was a flag, its whereabouts now unknown. (ASH)
