Appeal: Members of the 4th Oxford Scouts

ONE of Oxford's oldest Scout groups is trying to track down former members and leaders to help it celebrate its centenary year.

The 4th Oxford Scouts, based in Arnolds Way, Cumnor, is hoping to hear from as many past members as possible so the unit can hold a big campfire reunion in September.

The group is keen to hear from Scouts who attended its old headquarters in Beef Lane, St Ebbe's, or who were members during the Second World War. The unit is particularly proud of the fact that it kept going through the war.

The group, the second oldest in the city after the 2nd Oxford, is also eager to hear from anyone with old photos, memorabilia or information on the troop, and anyone who can pin down the exact date of the anniversary.

Scout group leader Mary Smith said: "It's a great achievement for the scout group that we have gone for 100 years continuously without being broken up, even during the two wars.

"If we get enough people to come forward we would like to hold a big campfire reunion in September at our hut in Cumnor.

"We haven't been able to trace our centenary back to a specific date. We know it was sometime in the last couple of weeks of March, but it would be nice to have an exact date."

The group which has about 50 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, is hoping to use the centenary as a way of charting how Scouting has changed through the years.

Mrs Smith, who has been group leader for 15 years, said: "I think former members would be interested to see how the Scout Movement has modernised, but also to know how important the practical skills we teach still are.

"Scouts learn lifesaving, cooking and mapping skills, and the kids still absolutely adore outdoor activities like night hikes and camping."

Beaver group leader and group secretary, Bernie Harris, said: "Styles have certainly changed over 100 years. Today's young Beaver Scouts are much amused by their predecessors' shorts and hats, but they owe the existence of their pack to these early pioneers."

6:55am Friday 28th March 2008

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