Wimborne Literary Festival: Robert Baden-Powell, by Lorraine Gibson

The camp on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, held from August 1-9, 1907, is officially recognized as the worlds first experimental Scout camp. A conflicted character - militarist and pacifist, macho man and drag artist, elitist and socialist - Baden-Powell was one of the 20th centurys most influential and, latterly, controversial Englishmen, finding fame not once, but twice and for two very different reasons.
Before donning his trademark shorts, the man known for inventing the Scouts was hailed a hero of the Second Boer War, the first military conflict covered in great detail by the media. Reports of his unconventional methods of holding a Boer army at bay, despite being woefully outnumbered, at the South African town of Mafeking, made global headlines and when he returned home to England, hordes of adoring fans packed Londons streets, waving flags and declaring him the Hero of Mafeking.Advance booking recommended. Tickets also on the door, if available; cash and cards accepted. Box office closes 30 minutes after start of event. This event is seated.Please note that if you book direct via TicketSource, you have the option to Make Your Tickets Refundable for a small fee. Tickets purchased at Allendale Community Centre or over the phone (01202 887247) are final and non-refundable.