26th Shrewsbury scout group marks its 75th anniversary
One of Shropshire's oldest scout groups is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The 26th Shrewsbury Scout Group, based in Harlescott, was formed way back in 1937 – when founder of the scout movement Robert Baden-Powell was still alive.
Over the years, the group has seen thousands of members pass through its ranks, all staying true to the scout motto Be Prepared.
To celebrate its anniversary, the group is holding a series of special events for past and present members.
Next week cubs and beavers from 26th Shrewsbury will sing carols for late night shoppers in the Darwin Shopping Centre.
This weekend, former members were invited to a special reunion at the club house in Harlescott. They included 77-year-old Mike Purslow, who was assistant scout master from 1948 until 1956, and Jack Baker, 77, scout master from 1943 until 1976.
John Price, committee chairman, said: "By making contact with past members, we were able to locate our original carved wooden wolf head, which was the emblem on the top of the ceremonial cub flag pole
"It has now been returned to our care, and will take pride of place on future parades."
In the 1930s the group met in a church hall opposite the present B&Q store on Featherbed Lane, moving to a new hut on Field Crescent in Harlescott during the 1950s. In 1996, a fire devastated the building. A campaign raised thousands of pounds for a new clubhouse and in 1998 the hut was rebuilt, but numbers dwindled.
Annette Davies, executive committee secretary for the group, said: "A couple of years ago we were down on numbers and in a bit of danger of closing but we've turned that round. In all we've got 55 members."
The group meets weekly and there are 10 girls among the 43 cubs and beavers.
One notable member of the 26th Shrewsbury Scout Group is High Sheriff of Shropshire, John Abram MBE. Mr Abram, who lives in Oswestry, joined the group as an eight-year-old cub in 1951. He became an assistant scout leader and then a leader between 1961 and 1968.
He said: "During the 1970s scouting became less popular but there has been resurgence in Shropshire."
