12/05/2026
This International Nurses Day we celebrate Mary Kingsley (1862–1900) who served as a nurse during the Boer war, where our own Baden-Powell famously defended the town in the Siege of Mafeking.
Prior to this she was a pioneering Victorian explorer, author, and ethnographer who traveled extensively alone through West Africa in the 1890s. Known for wearing full Victorian dress while navigating challenging terrain, she collected zoological specimens for the British Museum and challenged British stereotypes about African cultures.
Baden-Powell held Mary Kingsley in high regard, later citing her as an example of a "woman scout of the nation"
So why am I telling you this....?
In the coming weeks we will be opening the *Kingsley Explorer Scout Unit*. This new unit will build upon the success of the other sections within 1st Handcross Scout Group and provide scouting for the 14-17yr olds in our community; giving them access to adventurous activities and supporting them to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
🧭 Kinglsey ESU will meet on Monday evenings 19:30-21:30 in Handcross 🗺.
If you would like to sign up your young person or you would like to come and join our growing team of fabulous volunteers please email : [email protected]
