On Safari

During my safari holiday to Kenya last July I had organised our route so as we could visit several places of high interest to me as a member of the Scout association since joining at the age of thirteen. I also wanted to visit Treetops as that was a child hood dream not realising that Baden Powell had also visited it many years ago:

I felt that it was a chance not to be missed, as to be so close and not take the time would have been terrible for me not to grasp the opportunity and visit "Outspan Lodge". We arrived and had lunch and then had some time to ourselves to wander around or just relax, so we went in search of Scouting bits and pieces.

I was surprised and heartened to see that the Lodge has taken to use many aspects of the Scout Association in honour of Baden Powell. In the picture the "H" upright supports for the roof over the veranda area have either the Fleur-de-Leys or the Guide association emblem at the top. Inside there is a display cabinet devoted entirely to Baden Powell and his wife Olave with old photographs and other original memorabilia. In the grounds is a cottage called "Paxtu" this was Baden Powells' home for three years and as you approach it on the wall is this plaque.

Looking at the "Paxtu" picture you will see that the left hand set of doors is open and when I was showing an interest in Baden Powell within the Lodge I was approached and spoken to and it was mentioned that they had a Baden Powell Museum and if I would like they would open it for me and my wife.

I felt really honoured and must admit had a lump in my throat as I entered the room where our Founder had spent time seventy years earlier. There were papers carefully laid out, numerous photos adorn shelves and the walls, and also numerous neckerchiefs from various groups and countries, in fact it is more like a living shrine to Baden Powell than a museum. After about an hour I thought we had best bide farewell and go and get ready for our trip to Treetops. However walking down the steps and into the garden area once again Baden Powell's impact is visible as there are several of these birdbaths on the lawns.

The following morning we were met by our guide/driver and he said that he would take us into the town of Nyeri so as I could visit Baden Powell's burial area in St Peter's Cemetery, this I jumped at and we set off. When we arrived and opened the gate a Man came running over to see what we were doing and it transpired that he was the District Commissioner and was responsible for Baden Powell’s grave and surrounding area as part of his duty! He took great pride in showing me around the whole area and explaining what they had done and were planning to do. The pathway from the entrance to the grave area is lined with signs displaying the key words of the old and new Scout & Girl Guide promises.

At the top of the picture you will see two pillars that form the gateway to Baden-Powell's and Olaves grave area, on each is either the Scout Promise or the Girl Guide promise. Once through the gateway you are at the foot of the Grave. Those of you that remember tracking signs will see that at the bottom is the symbol for Gone Home. This grave area is now declared as a National Monument.

I was then taken to see the new centre that they are still kitting-out they want it to have computers so as all the local Scouts can access the "World of Scouting". So with every aspect of our founder now covered there was only one thing left to do, and that was to stand with the DC and to renew our promise together, showing that scouting really does not have any barriers.