eBay find for Weaverham Scout group plugs century-old history gap

Owley Wood Baden-Powell Scout Group celebrated its centenary in 2020, but until recently, no-one knew exactly when they acquired their Owley Wood Road Scout hut.

All they knew was it had been built and donated by Brunner Mond Ltd, which later became ICI, sometime after 1920.   

It was only when a relative of group Scout master, Adam Bell, was browsing eBay, and found a ceremonial silver key to the Scout hut dated October 6, 1928, that the gap in the group’s history was finally plugged.  

The key had been in the hands of private collector, and no one can say for sure how he came to acquire it (Image: Adam Bell)

Adam got in touch with the seller, an antiques dealer in Yorkshire, who said he picked it up as part of a house clearance job lot, though he couldn't say exactly when.

The group managed to pick up the three-inch silver key for a tidy £200, which Adam says is ‘well worth it’ given the unique insight it gives into the group’s proud history.

The key was present by Bunner Mond general manager, J I Watts, picture here (front row far right) (Image: Adam Bell)

The inscription on the keys reads ‘Owley Wood Scout Hall, opened October 6, 1928, by J I Watts’, who they’ve discovered was the general manager of Brunner Mond from some time in the 1920s, and have even found a picture of him.

Talking of the discovery, Adam said: “It was a pure accident.

“My brother David came across it for sale on eBay while he was just browsing, so he forwarded it on to some of the leaders.

“It was a real surprise. We had no idea it even existed, so we can’t say how we ever came to be parted from it.

Owley Wood beavers, cubs, scouts, seniors, and leaders, forming a guard of honour for their new acquisition (Image: Adam Bell)

“We got in touch with the seller, who’s up in Yorkshire. We’ve no clue how it ended up there.

“We had a little chat with him, and it’s now made its way back to its rightful home.

“We had to decide pretty quick as it was up for auction. The seller was very helpful – he’s a dealer in antique keys and coins and that kind of thing. He got it in a key collector’s house sale.

The key will be added to the group's collection of historic artifacts, which includes this original standard from the 1920s (Image: Adam Bell)

“It cost us £200, but we think it was worth it. We’re proud of our history and heritage, and the key is an important part of it.

“We knew our Scout hut dated back to the 1920s, but we didn’t know the exact date it was open. The key has filled in that gap.”

Almost 100 years since it was first presented, the key was ‘re-presented’ to the group at a special ceremony at Owley Wood Scout Hut on Saturday, March 9.

It will now take pride of place among the other historic artifacts it has on display, which includes a pair of original Scout standards – flags – which also date back to the 1920s.  

Adam said: “The Scouts all seem pretty interested and excited about it. It’s something a bit different for them.”