12:00pm Tuesday 27th July 2010
By Jen Rivett
A CENTENARY of Scouting in Abingdon was celebrated with a day of fun for members new and old.
Abingdon District Scouts marked their 100th birthday with a day of games and activities – with water rockets, crafts, an aqua-assault course, bouncy castle and a tug of war.
Hundreds of people turned out at Radley Village Hall, near Abingdon, on Saturday, including former Scouts and leaders of the group.
Linda Cole, assistant explorer Scout leader for Abingdon, said: “We had a fantastic afternoon celebrating. We enjoyed a 100th birthday cake, a hog roast, numerous games and activities.
“The day was well attended with hundreds of people present including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, leaders and their families.”
Mrs Cole, who has been involved in Scouting for 10 years, said: “What is so nice is seeing young people gain so much from Scouting. The children may come in a little bit shy, but will leave with confidence, new friends and having participated in lots of activities.
“Being a leader is a voluntary role. You don’t get paid for it, but it more than pays for itself as you see the smile on the children’s faces. It’s so worthwhile.”
Special guests included 20 Scouts from Abingdon’s French twin town, Argentan.
Liz Farr, acting district commissioner, said: “This was a really special centenary event with almost 300 Abingdon Scouts joined by 20 from Argentan.
“They had spent two weeks camping at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre partaking in many joint activities with their new found English friends in what has been the first Scout exchange visit between the two towns.”
For David Bunce, 71, the fun day was a trip down memory lane – and a chance to see how things had changed since he was a Cub Scout leader from 1979 to 1995.
He also helped his wife Jean, 70, as an assistant leader until 2009.
Mr Bunce, of Abingdon, said: “There was plenty going on. It was a very good day. These days there are all sorts of new activities for Scouts.”
Honorary Scout Hazel Telling, 67, from Cumnor, said: “It went very well. We had a good mixture of activities.”
Former sea cadet Elizabeth Foley, 18, from Abingdon, added: “It was a brilliant day, lots of people turned up and the mayor came which was really nice.”
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