Almost 200 members of the 1^st Biggleswade Scout Group have started their centenary year in style with a specially designed scarf. To commemorate the event 115 Scouts and leaders from the group gathered in Stratton Upper School for a mass presentation by Group Scout Leader Nicola Woodward who organised the ground-breaking ceremony with help from Cub Scout Leader Nick Gurney. It was the largest event of its kind in the history of Scouting in Bedfordshire.

The occasion brought together parents, friends and retired members as well as County Commissioner John Duley who was there to present County Commissioner’s Challenge badges to six young people. One special guest was Eric Lund who, at 81, was one of the oldest Scouts present. He joined the group as a Cub in 1937 and went on to become a Scout, a Scout Leader and, in 1987, Group Chairman. As a Scout Fellowship member he still supports the group at events such as gang shows, camps and fund raising activities such as last year’s country fayre

Eric said, “It’s wonderful to see how the group has grown. It is a huge success and you can tell how much they all enjoy the fun, adventure and challenge just as I did seventy years ago.” Eric met up with Beaver Scout James Hogben aged six who is the youngest member of the group. James said, “What I like best is playing games and doing fun things like designing Christmas Cards.”

Nicola Woodward and Nick Gurney are collaborating on a book which will chronicle the history of the group from its beginnings in 1909 to the present day. They are also planning a sunset camp for the 2^nd June when the group has its 100^th birthday.

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