The "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt Foundation Names David, Lord Baden-Powell, Honorary Chairman

David Robert Baden-Powell

The “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt Foundation is pleased to announce the election of David Robert Baden-Powell, the fifth Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell, as the Foundation’s honorary chairman.  The election occurred at the Foundation’s recent annual meeting.

Dave lives and works in Melbourne, Australia. He joined Scouting in 1977 as a Cub Scout and is a grassroots Scouter, serving as a Scout leader and Venturer leader. The Scout organization of his home state, Victoria, recently honored Dave by naming him its Chief Scout. He is passionate about helping youth members learn to love Scouting and embrace the opportunities it provides. He attends as many national and international events as he can, meeting Scouts, leaders, and adult supporters from around the world.  Dave has a deep respect for volunteers and takes every opportunity to recognize their contributions to the movement.

Dave is the great-grandson of Robert Baden-Powell, first Baron of Gilwell, the founder of the Scout movement, and works to maintain his great grandfather’s legacy in every aspect of Scouting.  He is married to Edwina, the Lady Baden-Powell, and has two children, Charlotte (Charley) and Maxwell (Max) who are active in Scouting.

Dave’s election as Honorary Chairman of the Hillcourt Foundation reinforces a long relationship between the Baden-Powell family and the late Bill and Grace Hillcourt.  Bill Hillcourt first met the Founder in 1920, at the first World Jamboree. In 1935, during a visit to the United States, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell met the Hillcourts and learned of Bill’s monthly articles on patrol activities and his Handbook for Patrol Leaders – work in which Grace shared by testing menues and proofing manuscripts. In the 1960s, as Bill researched and wrote Baden-Powell:  The Two Lives of a Hero with the assistance of Lady B-P, the Hillcourts stayed at her grace-and-favour apartment at Hampton Court Palace.   

Dave said, “I am excited to be joining the board of the Hillcourt Foundation as honorary chairman.  I believe it is important to recognise the contributions of individuals in maintaining the history of Scouting. Bill Hillcourt’s contribution to Scouting has inspired countless Scouts over the years. Like my great-grandfather, the legacy of “Green Bar Bill” is one that is important to maintain and carry forth for generations of Scouts.”