Derriaghy Scouts are re-united for special evening
Joe Turner, Mervyn Fleming and Tommy Thompson catch up at the reunion.
Enjoying the reunion, from left are: Group Scout Leader Mervyn Flemlng, Jim Johnston, Joe Turner, Billy Waring, Tommy Thompson and Jim Hilland.
ANOTHER event in the celebration of 100 years of scouting in Derriaghy took place in the Church Hall, Derriaghy recently.
Former scouts and friends attended what turned out to be an evening of history, nostalgia, scout yarns and good craic. On arrival they were presented with a special centenary scarf, embroidered by Mrs. Pat Musgrave.
The evening formally started with flagbreak and prayers after the former scouts had viewed the photographic exhibition, covering all the decades of scouting in the Parish, and collection of scouting mementoes. The display included two uniforms more than 60 years old, brought along by Raymond Hilland and David Richardson.
Mr Billy Waring, now a sprightly 95 year old, did the honour of raising the flag and Canon John Budd took the opening prayers. Three candles were lit by Tommy Thompson, Jim Hilland and Trudy Hull to signify the three parts of the Scout Promise.
Joe Turner, Mervyn Fleming and Tommy Thompson catch up at the reunion.
Two stones, one placed on top of the other, signifying the scout tracking sign of ` Gone Home" were a reminder of scouts both young and old who have passed away. Mervyn Fleming, Group Scout Leader, welcomed everybody to the evening.
John Hilland and Gordon Burns provided a lighthearted quiz based on old scouting knowledge which again stirred the memories and raised the competitive spirit in some former members. Congratulations to the Raven patrol.
Mrs. Margaret Lennon cut the celebratory cake and after supper Mervyn Fleming presented some gifts to former members including the "Krafty Krispies" and Victoria sponge which again stirred old memories.
The evening concluded with further viewing of the photographic display and more reminiscing.
Meanwhile, Derriaghy Scouts were privileged to lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday on bebalf of the scouts. The wreath laying was fitting with this being the centenary year of Derriaghy Scouts. Their founder, Lt Edward Brown, was killed in the first World War. Lt Brown's name is also to be added to the War Memorial, having been omitted until now.
The next celebration is the Youth Service to be held in Christ
Church, Derriaghy on Sunday (November 20) at 11.00am, special preacher
Canon George Irwin, Lisburn Scout's Chaplain.
The photographic exhibition will be on display in the Church Hall after
the Service.
Ulster Star
25/11/2011
