A SCOUT group in Thornbury has celebrated an impressive 40 years of working with young people in the community.

Dozens came together to celebrate with the Third Thornbury Scouts during an open day on February 17 at their base in the Methodist Church Hall.

Invitations were sent out to past leaders and supporters to drop in and celebrate the landmark year, with the group’s first Beaver Scout leader Alison Makepeace in attendance as wells former Beaver leader Carol Keene, quartermaster Robin Keene and former cub leader Thornbury town Cllr Matthew Stringer.

Representatives from the other groups in Thornbury were also there, including from the First and Second Thornbury scouts. The event also welcomed Clive Sandrey, a district adviser and former scout leader in Alveston who has been associated with us for many years.

The day started with the Cub Scouts showing off their skis by making a mini ballista catapult using canes and rubber bands. When finished they were able to shoot soft paper balls around the hall.

The scout troop then showed off their pioneering skills by making freestanding flag poles from staves with rope lashing, and finally the Beaver Scouts went traditional by candle cooking marshmallows and eating them between biscuits.

There was plenty of coffee, tea and food served throughout the day, with lunch being cooked on a barbecue, where the group had set up one of their modern tents as a mini campsite.

The day closed with the cutting of a fabulous decorated 40th celebration cake as the group was joined by district commissioner Peter Carnegie for some long service awards to Heather Thompson, who has been with the group for 15 years, Jacky McNeil who has been there for five years, and in her absence Viv Heyes’ 30 years was also celebrated.