Bryanston Scout Group celebrates 60th anniversary

The 1st Bryanston Scout Group celebrated their 60th anniversary over the weekend, with a special Spring Day concert for both current and previous members.

Several former Scouts joined in the festivities and were pleased to see that the group is still active and thriving. Among them were four Springbok Scouts, Peter Molchin (1974), Chris Porter (1976), Lance Porter (1978) and Jacques de Villiers (2000). The Springbok Scout is the highest award a scout can earn before their 18th birthday.

Peter Molchin, who had recently moved back to Johannesburg from Cape Town, said he was pleased to see scouting still active at his former group. He proudly pointed out the wooden 1st Bryanston sign, at the entrance to the hall, that he had made some 45 years before.

Lance Porter remembered attending the 1979 International Scout Jamboree in Australia, which was one of the highlights of his involvement. He was part of a contingent of 45 Scouts from South Africa, who camped along with 12 000 Scouts from around the world at Perry Lakes outside Perth. The Jamboree was preceded by a three-week tour of Australia. He brought along his old campfire blanket, with all his badges and souvenirs from the trip, to show the Scouts.

Scout Group Leader, Gary Pienaar said he was pleased with the turnout from the families involved and for the opportunity to welcome these previous members back to show them that scouting is still growing in the Bryanston area. The group, which has 140 members, consists of a Meerkat Colony which caters for children five to seven years of age, two Cub Packs for those seven to 11 years of age, and then the Scout Troop which caters for young people until 18 years of age.

The group is also appealing to the local Bryanston residents, who may have stories to share, old photographs or contact details of previous members, to come forward with this information. This will help the group to complete the story of their early history.

Anyone wishing to make contact with the group or wanting more information can email groupscouter@1stbryanston.co.za or phone 0825621324.

Are you a member of the Bryanston Scout Group? Share your memories on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page

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