Haydn Dimmock facts for kids

Frederick Haydn Dimmock was a British editor and author. He was a big supporter of the Boy Scouts Association. He was also known for editing magazines for young people and writing books for children. He was born on December 15, 1895, and passed away on April 26, 1955. He was even awarded the MBE for his important work with the Scouts.

Haydn Dimmock's Early Life and Scouting Adventures

Haydn Dimmock was born in a town called Luton in England. He started school in Enfield. His journey with Scouting began in 1909. A teacher gave him a copy of The Scout magazine. The teacher told him it was much better than other "trash" he sometimes read.

Haydn loved the magazine right away! He found out there wasn't a Scout troop where he lived. So, he decided to start his very own patrol. Later, his family moved to Musselburgh, where he could join a real Scout troop. When they moved back to Enfield, Haydn joined the 5th Enfield Scouts in 1911.

He became the editor of his troop's magazine. It was so good that it led to him meeting Percy Everett. Percy Everett later became a very important leader in Scouting. He was also the editor-in-chief at C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., which published The Scout magazine. Haydn got a job there as an "office boy."

Leading The Scout Magazine

Haydn Dimmock served in the First World War as a soldier. He was injured during his service. After the war, he came back and became the editor of The Scout magazine. He held this important job for 35 years!

During his time as editor, Haydn came up with many cool ideas. These ideas helped make the magazine popular and supported Scouting. For example, he created a daily Scout newspaper for the 3rd World Scout Jamboree. He also convinced Ralph Reader to put on his famous Gang Shows in a big London theatre.

Haydn also organized special Scout "Train Cruises" around the United Kingdom. He brought the idea of the soap box derby from America to Britain. One of his most famous ideas was "Bob-a-Job Week". This was an annual event where Scouts did small jobs for people in their community. In return, they would get a small donation, usually a shilling (which was like 5 new pence).

In 1940, the Boy Scouts Association took over publishing The Scout. Haydn then became part of the staff at their main office. The next year, he also took on the role of Acting Publicity Secretary.

Exploring Science Fiction and Other Works

Haydn Dimmock also had an interest in science fiction. In 1934, he became the editor of Scoops. This was the first British science fiction magazine. It was a weekly paper aimed at young readers.

As editor, Haydn started getting more complex stories. These stories were written for older readers. He tried to change the magazine to include more grown-up fiction. However, sales dropped, and the magazine stopped after only twenty issues. This made many publishers think that science fiction magazines wouldn't work in Britain.

Besides his magazine work, Haydn Dimmock was a busy author. He wrote sixteen popular novels for young Scouts. Some of these were 'Hazard Hike' and 'Scout Family Robinson'. He also wrote three adventure novels about the Mounties. These are Canadian police officers who ride horses.

He also wrote many handbooks that taught Scouts useful skills. Haydn even wrote his own life story in a book called 'Bare Knee Days'. In 1947, he wrote and directed a documentary film about the Scout Movement. It was called Knights of Freedom.

Haydn Dimmock was recognized for his amazing work. In 1951, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was given to him "for services to the Boy Scouts Association." He retired in 1954 and sadly passed away on April 26, 1955.

The Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan, wrote about Haydn in The Scouter magazine. He praised Haydn's skills as a speaker, artist, and someone who came up with new ideas. He ended by saying, "...thank God for that life, short by modern standards but so rich in achievement. Goodbye, Dim, and thank you."

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