Formed in 1949, 3rd Farnborough is a busy Scout Group with very active Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts sections and a partnership with Spitfire Explorer Unit, offering Scouting from 4 years old upwards to adulthood!
It welcomed around 160 people on Saturday including young people, siblings, parents, grandparents, leaders, former leaders, and community supporters who were able to take part in a number of activities, enjoy a BBQ, take part in the Group’s AGM, and sing songs around the campfire.
They were treated to activities including soft archery, soft tomahawk throwing, soft rifle shooting, rock painting, paracord bracelets, Duplo Lego challenges, bouldering wall, fire lighting, first aid, and a tin can alley.
Dylan McSweeney, a 4 year old Squirrel at the Group was really excited to be taking part in all the activities. His favourite activities were the tin can alley and the campfire, and he said:
“I loved knocking the cans over and got some sweets. The campfire was very loud and fun, and the birthday cake was yummy!”
Rachel Cronin, a former Scout and now Explorer with the Spitfire ESU and a young leader at 3rd Farnborough said:
“I really enjoyed helping by selling raffle tickets, watching the premiere of our Summer Camp video and showing the actions for the songs around the campfire!”
The original 3rd Farnborough actually dates back to 1911 and its base was on Alexandra Road in Farnborough. That Group merged with 2nd Farnborough in 1927 and closed. The 3rd Farnborough that we know and love today opened at on 30th May 1949 with a Cub pack led by a Miss Ethel Sanderson and a Mr Ronald Jackman. 75 years on and the Group feels it goes from strength to strength offering fun, friendship, and adventure to over 100 young people every week.
Iain Roy, Group Lead Volunteer said:
“It was fabulous to be able to welcome so many of our young people and their families and to see them enjoying all the activities. We wanted to celebrate our anniversary with as many people as possible and we were so pleased with how many of our young people and their family members came along.”
Dawn Mahoon, Blackwater Valley District Lead Volunteer was at the Fun Day celebrating with the Group, and said:
“It is so nice to see 3rd Farnborough thriving, all the leaders and young people having so much fun, and the community spirit this afternoon is awesome!”
You can find out more about the group at their website: 3rdfarnboroughscoutgroup.org.uk. Get involved with the Scouts in your local area at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Libby Roy.
