Reunion brings back memories for Scout groups

Memories flowed back some six decades as those present at the event at West Park went down memory lane.

The occasion last Saturday afternoon was the final event around the town of a series to mark the 100th anniversary of Scouting.

Among those present was Margery Rogers. She was the akela with the 1st Aldwick and Pagham Cubs between 1950 and 1962 before she became the group scout leader for two or three years.

The 93-year-old, of Aldwick Gardens, said: 'I enjoyed being involved with the Cubs and it was very rewarding doing things with the children.

'It's nice when they do things that you want them to do and they improve when you give them ideas. It's amazing how they come together and how they improve each other.'

Her Cubs usually met weekly, with occasional twice weekly meetings, at the former Scout hall in Rose Green before they were moved to Mosse Hall behind St Richard's Church in Aldwick.

Said Mrs Rogers: 'I came to the reunion because I like to know what is going on in Scouting.

'I think it would be good for every child to go into an organisation like Scouting. It gives them some idea of being part of a group, behaving properly and doing things that are positive rather than negative.'

Andy Compton's memories at the reunion were revived of a journey to Canada 25 years ago. He was the Bognor area's representative at the 15th World Jamboree in Calgary in 1982. He was selected after two interviews and joined with other Sussex Scouts for six months of training before the major event.

Former Aldwick and Pagham Scout Mr Compton (40) said: 'We spent ten days under canvas after the first four days in Vancouver and the final seven days in Montreal.

'It was a fantastic time. It was my main holiday away from home and it certainly built my confidence for later life.

'It also kept me in the Scouts and I became a Scout Leader and stayed for another five years. I joined when I was eight and was there until I was 21.'

A grocery store manager, living in Hayling Island, his son is going to the local Cubs this month to revive Mr Compton's involvement.

'It's even more relevant for children to join the Scouts now than it was in my day because of all the electronic gadgetry there is around. It encourages children to stay indoors and not take part in outdoor activities,' he said.

'I found Scouts all about mixing with other kids, trying different activities, building confidence and having fun.'

Reunion organiser Carol Sayers helped to cut a celebration cake, with Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb. An oak tree from an acorn from Scouting's worldwide HQ at Gilwell in Essex was also planted by a group of young Scouts to mark the centenary.