A Thornton Heath Scout group has celebrated its 100th birthday.

The 39th Croydon Scout Group marked its Centenary with a get-together of former members, leaders and supporters at their HQ in Beulah Road, on Saturday (Oct 19).

Formed at St Paul’s Church hall in 1919 by “Skipper” John Hurst the group moved to their current location in 1931. 

The hall was built by members of the group after much fund raising and needed repairs after World War II as it sustained bomb damage.

Members, some aged in their 90s, travelled from all over the UK, Spain and Sweden to rekindle memories sharing memorabilia including photographs, logbooks, flags and old equipment.

The following day new flags were dedicated by the Reverend Derrick Thompson in a service at St Paul’s Church.

The group is organised and run by trained volunteers providing #SkillsForLife for young people through a progressive program of indoor and outdoor activities with  even six-year-old’s learning valuable skills like CPR along with  climbing and canoeing.

The 39th offers activites for Beavers  six to eight years, Cubs eight to 10 and a half year’s and Scouts 10 to 14 and a half years to 14.

        @YouthShaped