Scout stalwart Colin says goodbye
He has also been fortunate enough to travel the world with the global organisation, and make great friends along the way.
But now, after 37 years as Group Scout Leader of 1st Dumfriesshire – Annan Scout Group, Colin has decided the time is right to step away.
The 56-year-old mechanic first joined the organisation in the late 1970s.
He said: “I started when I was a cub and basically never left. I was probably just looking for something to do at the time.
“I became a scout, then I was an adventure scout and then I was a leader.
“It’s always been something I’ve liked doing – camping and being outdoors. I have done a few international trips as well.”
On the steady stream of young people that have gone through the scout hall doors through the years, Colin added: “They do all their badge work and things like that. It’s good to see them develop and go on and do something with their lives.”
[caption id="attachment_61893" align="alignnone" width="680"]
Fond memories include trips abroad and the group’s centenary celebrations.
Colin said: “We did one trip to Canada, that was quite impressive. South Africa was good as well.
“We were the first group to start in Dumfriesshire. I remember in 2008 we celebrated our 100th year.
“We had some special events and I think the museum did a big display for us as well.”
Although he will no longer lead the group when they return following the summer break, Colin says he will not be a stranger at the scout hall.
He said: “I’m getting older. There’s a new group of leaders coming in and it’s time for them to carry on the group.
“I would say the group’s in a good place at the moment. The sections are almost full up.
“I guess when it starts back up I probably will miss it, but it’s time to move on.”
Colin will, however, continue to volunteer at Moffat Mountain Rescue, although he admits he is not as involved as he used to be, and also be carrying on his work as a mechanic at G and T Moffat and Co in Kirkpatrick Fleming.
He said: “I would like to thank everybody for their help and support over the years. I would also like to wish the group all the best for the future.”
1st Dumfriesshire assistant Scout leader Tony Petherick added: “Colin has been running the group for about 37 years.
“The job he’s done at the scout group has been amazing, he will have made a difference to so many young peoples’ lives by taking them to places around the world.
“The opportunities that he’s overseen and given to thousands of children over this time is quite amazing and we wish him well for the future.”
Related News
