BBC1 ‘Antiques Road Trip’ visits Waddecar
The Country’s first purpose-built Scout Museum was built at our Waddecar Scout Activity Centre in 2000. The Trust, which is privately funded, added the John F Wilkinson Wing in 2006 to present the history of Guiding and become the UK’s first purpose-built Scout and Guide Centre which tells the inspiring story of the World’s two greatest Movements for young people. Since its first opening in 2000 many visitors have been attracted to the Museum, but it came as a complete surprise when an email arrived requesting a visit to film for BBC’s popular Antiques Road Trip series.
The filming and preparation took place on 13th April 2014 and lasted for 3½ hours. After filming the arrival at Waddecar the scene moved to the museum where Curator Michael Loomes welcomed the expert, James Braxton before going inside. It took five attempts before the Director was satisfied to proceed. The crew from STV and the Director Chris Greenwood were well-prepared and worked hard. There were general shots taken of Waddecar and the interior of the Little Gem as the architect, Roy Fisher MBE, had called it. The main, filmed interview was on items relating to Baden-Powell. A buffet lunch was provided for this special occasion, but the crew only sat down one at a time to eat. The Camp Site Service Crew had erected a Patrol Tent for James to emerge from in the final scene. You will not be surprised that he was wearing one of our Scout County Scarf. Michael then had to teach James how to tie a bowline and be awarded a badge to conclude the visit.
The programme which included the visit to Waddecar was broadcast on 15th October 2014 giving national coverage to Waddecar and the Little Gem for 4½ minutes.
The Trust’s Webmaster, Pete Sturgess, said that after the broadcast the website had hundreds and hundreds of hits!! (2625 as of Feb 2022)
