Diocesan News22 Apr 15

Scouts Honour

Scouts and guides, past and present, gathered in St Augustine’s Church on Sunday, for a special service to mark the centenary of the visit to the city by the Scout Association’s founder, Lord Baden–Powell.

The Founder’s Day Service was led by the Rector of St Augustine’s, the Revd Malcolm Ferry, assisted by a former member of the church’s scout troop, Revd Canon John McKegney. They were joined by cubs, beavers, scouts and guides from throughout the city, wearing full uniform. Relatives and friends also took part.

Mr Ferry delivered his sermon from the same pulpit as Lord Baden–Powell used when he visited St Augustine’s 100 years earlier. His address had a modern twist, though, as Mr Ferry urged the congregation to turn to the Bible with the same frequency with which they used their mobile phones.

During the service, two local men, Noel Bogle, MBE, and Albert Smallwoods, were honoured for their 60 years’ service as scout leaders; Noel’s brother, Ernest, received a special presentation to mark his retirement after 30 years as Group Scout Leader of 6th Londonderry (Eglinton) troop. His certificate was signed by Lord Baden–Powell’s successor as Chief Scout, Bear Grylls.

Afterwards, there were refreshments in the adjoining parish hall, where guests had a chance to view memorabilia marking more than 100 years of Scouting in Londonderry.

Photo: L–R: Ernest Bogle, Noel Bogle, MBE, Albert Smallwoods