Chief Scout of the world, the late Lord Baden Powell must be smiling

Jan 31, 2011 Letters

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Dear Editor,
There is something happening in Linden that would make the founder of Scouts and Chief Scout of the world, Lord Baden Powell smile in his grave, though buried far away across the sea – England.
For quite some time now there has been a noticeable presence of scouts in Linden, mostly on weekends in their conspicuous outfit. This is a positive development that is most certainly welcome, more so now at a time when the fabric of our society is at its worst in terms of morals; tattered and shattered, almost every conceivable form of crime, the moral degeneracy stinks and is growing at an alarmingly rapid rate, snatching, consuming and devastating the lives of our young people from the cradle without shame, rhyme or reason in the most sinful way.
That there; is a resurgence of scout groups in the community after a very long period of absence augurs well, the return of scouts is indeed a blessing. This is one activity from our colonial past that once served, impart and instilled discipline, things of value in our young men/women.
There were Girls’ Guide; Boys’ Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, all neatly attired, resplendent in their colourful uniforms adorned with symbols, badges, ranks, whistle and other decorations and paraphernalia. These clubs, it did appear from all sober observations, were duty-bound to accentuate in young people from an early stage, civil duty, respect, courage, selflessness, decency and being responsible while at the same time providing a purposeful and healthy pastime through exciting adventures, clean fun!
But the rules and principles by which these clubs were governed by, I’m sure have not been changed, and though they have been disbanded in this community for a long time, we should have no problem in implementing them all over again to play a well deserving role – so needed now.
Thus I need to commend the Linden Police Division for their role in reviving a Scout group and activities under their support and control, this is very thoughtful and a fine area chosen in which to extend time, money and energy. But there is also another such group, the Central McKenzie Scout Group headed by Naudia Jones, and team who are also dedicating much time and energy in trying to have it function at the highest desirable level, but at the moment though assiduously making every effort to do so are having some real difficulties, and need help.
As indicated to me they – the Central McKenzie Scout Group – through the kind courtesy of Linmine Secretariat CEO Mr. Horace James was given the building next to the Constabulary Hall; formerly the guard hut and quarter master store – to carry out their business/activities, but when they move to occupy it they were informed by someone else that they were only allowed to use half of the building which caused substantial reduction in space in which they are presently confined.
However, they were happily thankful and are moving ahead with every little help here and there from time to time, but still they are in urgent need in having this section of the building properly put in order so that they can function relatively well, and this is their first priority.
Happy and grateful they are also that the roof which was near collapsible was strengthened by a former scout member who volunteer to repair it, fixed and painted other sections that were in bad shape, with the materials being supplied/donated by the Linmine Secretariat.
According to group leader Naudia Jones/team they are appealing to all and sundry for whatever assistance they can give – electricity, installing windows, changing of floor boards, installing other indoor facilities – bathroom, toilet, counters, boarding up walls etc. are some of the things needed to be done.
But along with the bad patches they have been lucky also and are extremely excited and thankful to the Linden Salvation Council that made a generous donation consisting of some 20 pieces of brand new musical instruments: a set of drums, trumpets, flutes, trombone etc. along with 12 wide beam flash lamps.
These musical instruments will now allow them to have their own musical outfit/band for marching and various occasions which will be a permanent feature of the group, and which the young scouts are anxiously waiting to become involved in.
However, there is one real major problem that they are faced with – they do not have a music instructor, neither can they afford to pay for one, thus they are desperately searching for persons who are willing to render such assistance.
It is important to point out that this young group started out in music learning to play steel pan which they were very enthusiastic about, they sought and got much more needed assistance from one of Linden’s most competent and long serving pan artist who some refer to as Pan engineer, Mr. Malcolm Hall who has been building/tuning and teaching any and everyone with interest.
Sadly, these young scouts/pan players have been left in the lurch when instructor Hall suddenly left without notice, still they remain optimistic and are anticipating his return sooner than later. This is another area where they are in need and searching for a Pan instructor.
By way of this letter I’m appealing on Ms. Jones/team behalf; blowing their trumpet in expectation that fellow Lindeners will recognise the need to assist for the sake of our young enthusiastic, excited and hopeful scouts, who can’t wait to get their hands on those musical instruments, and are equally pleading and praying for music instructors.
Also it was good to hear that Mr. Horace James has pledged his support to this group and will be making periodical visits.
How nice and wonderful it would be to see in Linden once again Cubs, Brownies, Girls’ Guide, Boys’ Scouts of various clubs in different areas, from Coomacka, Watooka, Wisrock, Silvertown, Christianburg, Amelia’s Ward, the churches, all upholding the golden rules/principles by which they are sustained and guided. Surely, Lord Baden Powell must be smiling.
Frank Fyffe

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