1st Bryanston cubs and scouts celebrate 60 years

Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Bryanston Scout Group recently celebrated their 60th anniversary, with a special birthday bash this month. To mark this milestone, families were treated to a pizza evening along with a large birthday cake decorated with 60 candles.

Families were also encouraged to contribute a small item, which is to be placed in a time capsule which will be sealed and opened again when the group marks its next major milestone.

The group which was formally registered on 26 March 1958, has been an active part of the local Bryanston community ever since. Peter Sumner, one of the Groups longest-serving members, recalled when meetings were held in a building at the present day Cramerview Shopping Centre on Main Road.

“A few years later, the group moved into its own purpose-built hall, situated at 40 West Hertford Road next to the Braamfontein Spruit. In those days the surrounding area was open veld, as River Club had not yet been developed,” he said.

1st Bryanston is a very active group, with a combined membership of over 140 young people. They have two Cub Packs, which cater for children from seven to 11 years of age, which meet on Friday evenings from 5pm to 7pm and on Saturday mornings from 9am to 11am, respectively.

The Scout Troop, for older children from 11 to 18 years of age, meets on Fridays from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. Recently the group has also started a Meerkat Colony, for siblings of the Cubs and Scouts who are five to seven years of age.

Scout Group Leader, Gary Pienaar said, “This particular event marked the start of a number of functions which would be organised to celebrate the group’s diamond jubilee year.”

The most ambitious project would be a Reunion Day and concert planned for 8 September, for all current and previous members.

Another objective is to formally record the group’s early history, and he appealed to anyone in the local community who might have stories to share, old photographs or contact details of previous members, to come forward with this information.

Anyone wishing to contact the group can email groupscouter@1stbryanston.co.za or phone 082 562 1324.

Also check out:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/190411/fun-experience-for-scouts-and-cubs/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/184913/cubs-and-scouts-from-1st-bryanston-group-visit-fandis-informal-settlement-for-mandela-day/