The 2nd Footscray Scout Group are inviting ex-members to join them to celebrate the group’s centenary next weekend.
A 100th anniversary dinner will be held on Saturday, October 12 at the Riverside Kitchen and Bar in Ascot Vale and group leader and event organiser Michelle Wightwick said she’d searched far and wide to get former members to attend.
“I’ve managed to contact well over 300 past members,” said Ms Wightwick, who is expecting about 60 to attend.
Among those she’s hoping will attend the 100th birthday celebrations is Wal Hopkins, believed to be 2nd Footscray’s oldest supporter, even older than the group itself.
“He actually turned 100 earlier this year,” said Ms Wightwick, who attended his birthday celebrations.
For those who can’t make the October 12 dinner, there is still another opportunity to celebrate the group’s centenary, even if it will actually occur in it’s 101st year.
“Next year we’re going to have an open day at the scout hall,” said Ms Wightwick.
“We received quite a substantial grant to do hall renovations and upgrade so we thought we’d do it when it’s all completed,” she said of the works made possible by a Westgate Tunnel Community Grant.
Along with organising the anniversary events, Ms Wightwick is also on the lookout for more scout leaders, something she said wasn’t a new problem.
“It’s one of those ongoing things. I’m reading minutes and notes and newsletters from the 80’s and they were calling for leaders,” she said adding that leaders don’t need to have children in scouts.
“You just need to have interest in the outdoors and the community,” she said.
To inquire about becoming a scout leader with 2nd Footscray, email: gl.2ndfootscray@scoutsvictoria.com.au
For details on the 100th anniversary dinner, go to: www.trybooking.com/CTPWK
