8th Holborn celebrated its centenary year in 2008. Founded on the street corners of Holborn, the group is one of the last remaining of the ‘cosmopolitan and somewhat unruly’ Holborn District, which was the source of the original Gang Shows and many gallantry medals during the Second World War.
8th Holborn at camp at ?Totteridge, 1934
We are currently working to compile a better history of the Group. If you were a member or leader at the group please do get in touch and help us to fill in the missing gaps.
I was interested to come across your website, because my grandfather Percy Gillbe was one of the first Scoutmasters in Holborn, receiving his ‘Assistant Scoutmaster’s ‘warrant on 4.10.1910.(which I still have today) However it only says ‘Holborn’on it, and not which Group. I have photos of his of a Holborn District camp in 1910, although more mention is made of the leaders from 1st and 2nd Holborn and 7th, rather than 8th. He later became involved with the 10th Finsbury – (I think this may have been the Group at the ‘Holy Redeemer in Exmouth Market?) I have his Scouting photos from the 1920′s also, and I have a later ‘Warrant of Honorary Rank’ when he was Cubmaster of the 10th Finsbury dated 30/9/1938.
All three of his sons, including my father, were in the Finsbury cubs and scouts, in the 1920′s and early 30′s (In the 1980′s I continued the tradition by becoming a Cub Leader in Hertfordshire where I now live.) I send my congratulations to you all on your centenary!