• 19 March 2024

Welcome to

 “Be Prepared – The Story of Scouting and Guiding Museum” (aka: The Little Gem).

Introduction and Contact details:

This is the Country’s first purpose-built Museum dedicated to the history of Scouting and Guiding which was opened in 2000 to house a diverse collection of Scouting and Guiding Memorabilia.  The collection presents the story of the World’s two greatest Youth Movements – from B-P’s rise to international fame at the Siege of Mafeking, to the present day and looking into the future.

Contained in 22 display cabinets the collection charts the development of both Scouting and Guiding.  With many attractive features, some of which are changed regularly, quizzes to suit both young people and adults from both the Scouts and Girlguiding, and can be used as an Activity Base for Scout and Guide Events held at the Activity Centre.

If you have any questions or items, you think the Museum would be interested in, please contact us at info@littlegem.org.uk and someone will be in contact with you by return.

Please do not deliver or send items to the Museum without first contacting us with a description of the item(s) you have and, where possible a photograph, so that we can decide if they would benefit the collection. 

Where we are and how to get there:

The Little Gem is located, in its own building, within the grounds of the Waddecar Scout Activity Centre, Snape Rake Lane, Goosnargh, Preston PR3 2EU and can be reached either from the North or South.

Directions:

  • From the South: leave the M6 at Junction 32 and travel 4 miles North on the A6 to Bilsborrow. Turn right by the side of The Roebuck into Bilsborrow Lane and drive for 2.75 miles to Inglewhite.  Turn left into Button Street and travel for 1.3 miles.  Turn right at the T junction into Bleasdale Road.  After 1.2 miles bear left down Snape Rake Lane and on the sharp right bend follow the signs for Waddecar.
  • From the North: leave the M6 at Junction 33 and travel South on the A6 for about 10 miles, passing Garstang, to Bilsborrow. Turn left by the side of The Roebuck into Bilsborrow Lane and drive for 2.75 miles to Inglewhite.  Turn left into Button Street and travel for 1.3 miles.  Turn right at the T junction into Bleasdale Road.  After 1.2 miles bear left down Snape Rake Lane and on the sharp right bend follow the signs for Waddecar.

Ordnance Survey Grid Reference – sheet 102 – 560440

Post Code for Sat Nav – PR3 2EU – beware sometimes using Sat Nav will take you via some narrow country lanes.

When are we open:

We are open every Saturday (excluding Christmas Day) and it is often possible to arrange visits by Groups at other times and on other days. To arrange a Group visit, either on a Saturday or at some other time, please contact us by email (info@littlegem.org.uk) and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.

Our opening times on every Saturday are:

Main Season:                April to October             10am to 4pm

Winter Season:             November to March       11am to 2pm