A SOLIHULL Scout group which had its future thrown into doubt is celebrating its 100th anniversary of service to the community.
The 1st Olton Scout Group will mark its centenary on November 17 with a birthday party for members and former members.
A spokesperson for the group posted on Facebook: “To mark the anniversary and 100 years’ worth of scouting contribution to the area, we are opening our doors to celebrate with our scouts both past and present and the local community.
“We would love to hear from anyone who has had a connection with the group either as a leader or a scout.
“Today, one hundred years on, both girls and boys stand shoulder to shoulder in scouting with opportunities to encourage fun, adventure and learn skills for life.”
In April the group’s lease to use its headquarters expired.
The site is on the council-owned land of the former Summerfield Education Centre on Brackleys Way.
The centre – for children excluded from mainstream education – has moved its operations to Jensen House in Smith’s Wood.
As a consequence, several groups which functioned on the site feared their leases to use the associated buildings would not be renewed.
This includes the Lyndon Residents Association and other Guides groups.
The expiry prompted concerns the site’s headquarters would be sold off to property developers, along with the education centre building.
The group feared it would have to vacate the site opposite Olton Jubilee Park with which it shares a historic connection.
The 1st Olton Scout Group has been based in Brackleys Way since its foundation in 1918, in a building next to the education centre.
It has Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and Explorers groups and caters for young people between the ages of 6 and 18.
Solihull council has since confirmed that it expects the group will be granted a new lease, ensuring it will remain in the area for the foreseeable future.
Ms Lakin said: “I am delighted we can continue to operate from our headquarters next to Olton Jubilee Park.
“I am also proud of the wonderful work my volunteer leaders do and the positive young role models we work with.
“We have survived here for 100 years and we look forward to working with young people for the next 100 years”.
Lyndon ouncillor Ade Adeyemo added: “It is amazing to think that the 1st Olton Scouts have been working with young people in our area for 100 years.
“The work that they do with young people around Olton Jubilee Park is amazing and I am pleased that they can now look forward, positively, to the future”.
Former members can get in touch by emailing: [email protected]
