Call for former Scouts to join in celebrations

CAPTAIN Drury Lowe of Locko Park used to allow the Derby East District Scouts to camp in his grounds and awarded a shield for the best competing Scout patrol in the camping competition.

The above picture was taken in 1965 at the camp and shows the shield winners that year. The late Gerry Bentley, who was a wonderful guy and ex-group Scout leader, also presented the winners with a special woggle (neckerchief holder) made from metal nuts crafted at Rolls-Royce where he worked.

The 27th Derby 1st Chaddesden Scout Group Drury Lowe 1965 camping shield winners. Back from left, John Pye, Les Wilkins, Phil Thompson; front, Paddy Spink, Doug Wibberley and Rich Mortimore.

Phil Thompson, who now lives in Spain, still has his on his Iberian mantle piece. John Pye is now a leader at the 27th all these years on. Rich Mortimer was a Camping and Caravanning executive in Eggington the last I heard. Doug Wibberley has been a Scout leader, too, for many years and lives in Chellaston. He led a jamboree to Canada. Les Wilkins and Paddy Spink disappeared from view but I'm sure the 27th left its mark on them.

In the group's centenary year it would be lovely to see them at the forthcoming celebrations this September.