St Anne’s Scout Group 70th Anniversary

Today St Anne’s scout group celebrated their 70th Anniversary with not only current or recent members but members that were involved over 50 years ago! Even someone who was there right from the beginning was in attendance…

We were fortunate enough to have spoken with some of these former members. We first spoke to Gerry McConkey and found out about his scouting history. He worked with the senior scout leader at the time, leading to his eldest son getting involved then as a child. Eventually over time he became more and more involved and of course eventually was involved as a leader. He told of us his several trips to Kandersteg in Switzerland and how he had tea with an American, who unfortunately recently passed away. They spent many a happy times together even well past their scouting days. This friendship originally started in 1965 and lasted a long while after.

We also spoke with John Gregory who was one of the helpers when the group first started. He was originally a helper and of course got roped in later on to become an assistant leader.

We started the day with a few words from James Hart followed by a few stories about the group in the years gone by.

We also welcomed Reverend Anne who also gave a few words about when she first met the group.

There was also another visitor in the deputy mayor of Luton Mark Rivers.

To round off that part of the day we also heard a few words from Mark and Aj.

We were treated to entertainment courtesy of the current St Anne’s groups, this was thoroughly enjoyed! Unfortunately this was shortly followed by the flag being brought down resulting in the end of the day.
As the event drew to a close there were further refreshments, along with a specially commissioned cake, which was cut by the longest standing Scout Leader in the Group – Reggie Brett along with a few other sweets to top off the day.

Many people took up on the chance to talk to others they grew up with and took a look over memorabilia of years past.

The day was enjoyed by all and I’m sure the history behind St Anne’s will be remembered in years to come.

Thank you to St Anne’s for having us!

Writing: Stephen Avis
Pictures: Emily Baker