A Scout troop celebrating its centenary this year is on the hunt for photographs and memorabilia to mark the moment in history.
The blast from the past call comes from the 2nd Renfrew (Trinity) Scout Group.
When it was established on November 21, 1921, the town was a world away from what it is now.
In the same month the first boys and leaders were forming in Renfrew, the Japanese Prime Minister Hara Takashi was stabbed to death as he waited for a train.
Ed Wynn’s musical Perfect Fool premiered in New York, the Communist Party of Spain was founded and US President Warren G Harding banned doctors prescribing beer for medicinal purposes.
The 2nd’s vice chairman Grant Wilson said: “When we started, we set in stone a legacy of strong youth and community engagement that continues to this day.
“As in days gone by, the group remains at the centre of the community and has been major influence on thousands of young people from Renfrew.”
The troop remains one of the largest and has 100 children and teens spanning a Beaver colony, two Cub packs, a Scout troop and the Explorers.
A year of celebration is planned including what the Trinity Scouts do best – a giant camp that former members are urged to join.
Grant added: “Our aim has been clear – to provide fun, adventure and skills for life.
“I think scouting provides young people with the opportunity to enjoy new adventures, experience the outdoors and take part in a range of creative, community and international activities.”
The group is looking forward to pressing on with outdoor activities this year after 14 months of being in the comparative lockdown wilderness.
The 2nd enjoy camps across Scotland and international jamborees in South Africa, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and exchange camps with Danish Scouts.
The most recent major excursion was an international jamboree in Haarlem in Holland with another 3,000 young people from all corners of the world.
During lockdown, leaders have managed to stage live activities including rocket building, wide games and treasure hunts.
Grant said: “We’re sure our predecessors would be proud of how we’ve coped in 2020 and that we have such a healthy group.
“But we wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of all who’ve been through our ranks.”
Camping is a huge part of the 2nd’s calendar over the years and Scout Leader Colin Hogg is involved in centenary planning.
Colin said: “Obviously, being Scouts and having the love of the outdoors, there will be a large camp to which current and former members will be invited.
“I first came to Trinity Scouts as a Cub and have never left, despite changing jobs and managing the challenges that life presents.
“Scouting has been a constant source of enjoyment, friendship over the years. It has provided me with a host of skills, as well as opportunities to travel and make friends from across the world.”
Donald McLeod – presently the Group executive chairman – also joined as a Cub and never left.
He has served as a leader in every section and said: “I have been privileged to serve with a dedicated and extremely capable group of leaders through all these years, as well as many, many supportive and energetic parents and committee members.
“Having attended the 50th and 75th anniversary events, I look forward to the centenary year events with great enthusiasm and am confident that they will be every bit as memorable as previous milestones.”
If you have items of historical interest for the troop, email 2ndrenfrewtrinityscoutgroup@gmail.com
