Proud scouts enjoy 90th birthday bash
JONATHAN GEDDES
B u r n s i d e’s Sc o u t s celebrated a major milestone last week.
The group, who meet in the Blairbeth Hall on Kirkriggs Avenue, were marking their 90th birthday by holding a coffee morning.
There were drinks and treats on hand for locals who popped in, as well as the chance for many people to take a walk down memory lane.
The morning raised just over £ 900, which will go towards equipment for the Scouts.
Gordon Argo, the current Scouts leader, said: “There was a constant turnover of people, from the parents of the current Scouts to former Scouts and relatives who wanted to pop in and talk about some of the memories they had of the Scouts.
“One of the parents was kind enough to make a cake for us, and it was good to see so many old faces there.
“We haven’t done anything like a coffee morning before, but it seemed a nice way to mark the history of the 185th.”
Gordon has been involved with the 185th for over 30 years now, having joined the Beavers as a youngster.
And he believes there is still a lot of interest in the groups from local youngsters.
He added: “Both the Beavers and Cubs still have waiting lists, so there is still a lot of enthusiasm there for what the Scouts can offer.
“It gives everyone lots of different skills and the chance to try new things – that is why it’s still so popular.”
The 185th Scout Group started their birthday celebrations earlier this year with a camp at Auchegillan Outdoor Centre where the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took part in outdoor cooking – including fire lighting and smores making.
They intend to mark the anniversary with other events as the year goes on, and would like to hear from former members of the group who have any photos of their time while scouting at the 185th.