SCOUTING came to Sevenoaks in April 1909, just two years after the hero of Mafeking, Robert Baden- Powell, had taken a group of London boys to an experimental camp on Brownsea Island.

The architect was a Lady Boswell's schoolteacher, Bill Hicks.

Inspired by Baden-Powell and his successful publication Scouting for Boys, Hicks decided he would form a troop among his pupils.

That was 100 years ago.

The school master was killed in the first world war, but by that time Scouting was well established and the name of the founder was to be perpetuated alongside the name of Sevenoaks' senior group.

Hick's Own 1st Sevenoaks Scout Group will celebrate its 100th anniversary with several events, which started with a camp at Knole Park on the May bank holiday weekend. This is where the 75th anniversary Group Camp was also held and, as with that memorable event, it was open to all current members of the 1st Sevenoaks.

William Gross Hicks had been a pupil himself at Lady Boswell's at the former school building in London Road. He lived with his parents in a cottage behind the Manor House in Upper High Street, pleased that his father had a good and steady job as butler to Lord Sackville at Knole.

Bill, as he was better known, became a pupil-teacher at the school and eventually a senior and trusted member of the staff who was known as a strict disciplinarian but one who seldom resorted to physical punishment.

He became headmaster in 1913.

Having formed his Scout troop, he took the boys camping at Fawke Common, taught them outdoor skills such as woodcraft, fire-making and tacking, advised them all to wear knee breeches, socks and heavy boots until a more official uniform was available and encouraged each boy to carry a broomstick.

This charismatic man was held in special esteem and it was a sad day when war broke out in August 1914.

He carried on as headmaster for a few more months but eventually, along with many of his pals, enlisted in the army and soon found himself on the Western Front.

On his first return home on leave his pupils (also his Scouts) met him at the fountain and carried him shoulder-high through the town.

The time came all too quickly for Bill to return to his Royal Garrison Artillery unit. Presumably he came home to a similar welcome on other occasions but, on July 3, 1917, came tragic news for Sevenoaks. Lieutenant William Hicks had died from his wounds in action in France.

Sevenoaks 1st Scout Troop made the decision to carry the words Hicks Own in its title – and always will.

Bill Hicks would have been proud to know the strength of Scouting in the district today and delighted that the pioneering spirit still exists.

The celebrations will continue on Saturday June 6 with a revival of the historic Down on the Prairie event.

Held at the local headquarters in Oak Lane, it will be a fun-packed day with displays of Scouting activities, sideshows, cream teas, bouncy castle, treasure hunt and assault course and will end with a traditional camp fire.

This event is open to all and will also act as an open day for local residents and interested new members.

On Sunday June 7, a thanksgiving parade through Sevenoaks will finish with a service at the United Reformed Church in London Road. Past and present members of the Scout group are invited.

The 1st Sevenoaks Scout Group is also compiling a guide book of the past 25 years at Hicks Own to go alongside the 75th anniversary guide published a few years ago.

Group leader Lesley Grant would like to hear from all ex-members and she would also welcome contributions and particularly photographs.

Lesley can be contacted on 01732 885709 or mobile 07753 817702 or by email at lsgrant2000@yahoo.co.uk