We are the 2nd Rossendale Scout Group based in Bacup, Lancashire, a small former mill town on the edge of the Pennine Hills midway between Rochdale and Burnley in an area that forms part of the Rossendale Valley
The Scout Group was formed in Bacup in 1910, only 3 years after the scouting movement was first started by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907.
Historically, the locality has always been a traditional brass band stronghold from as early as the middle of the 19th century. The original Bacup Old Band was reconstituted to great effect in 1859 as the 4th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers and won the coveted British Open title on three occasions between 1864 and 1869.
The famous Irwell Springs Band followed in the footsteps of the Bacup Old Band and was a highly successful contesting brass band.
The 2nd Rossendale Scout Band was formed in 1963. Originally formed as a drum and trumpet band the instrumentation was changed some seven years later and substantial progress has been made in conventional brass band terms. The later inclusion of girls enhanced the development and presently they make up around a third of the membership.
The senior band performs regularly across the North of England and in recent times has performed with Fodens, Grimethorpe Colliery, Brighouse and Rastrick Bands, The International Staff Band of the Salvation Army and most recently with Black Dyke Band. They have appeared at Windsor Castle for HM Queen Elizabeth and at many fine concert venues including The Bridgewater Hall, The Royal Northern College of Music, The O2 Arena, and Cologne Cathedral.
In 2010 our Scout Headquarters underwent substantial refurbishment, costing around £250,000. This brought our building up to date and meant we could continue providing music lessons and music making opportunities for young people.
Finance is generated with the generous support of local people and the band operates a successful Patron’s Scheme which greatly assists in generating the necessary revenue to support the work with children and young people in Bacup.