BLAST FROM THE PAST or "BLAST the PAST" (if you prefer)

HALF A CENTURY AGO !

Well a little more than half a century actually.

As 2017 fades to an end and the new year is about to begin I thought we might take a little look into the past. A past in which several of us were bare-kneed Boy Scouts. 

  

Here we see Martin and a friend (Len) reading a map preparatory to getting lost. A skill we still use today. 

The 16th Preston (Catholic College) Scouts met every Friday evening in the Scout Hut on Strand Road. At that time a TV series "The Churchill Years" held us all in thrall. Anthony sits watching in the middle of a bunch of friends. Notice the hairstyle of the boy front right ?  Bang up to date today !!!

On the last day of scout camps there was often a "Jam Butty" eating contest to use up the spare bread. If I remember correctly. Hugh (Paddy's Brother), on the left of the photo, used to win it. On the right of the photo is Peter who now runs "Gift 92" John W, not yet bearded was P.L. of this, the "Kingfisher " patrol.

Tony N.  our annual visitor from Spain was also in the scouts and I think is taking a drink at the summit of Parlick Pike.

Can't remember what the occasion was but J.W. appears to be escorting the Papal Flag with Brian D and David S. outside St Joseph's church.

p.s. Anyone else got old photos they might like to share on the blog ? Let us know.  Don't worry if they are embarrassing. That would make them even better.  

p.p.s If you do wish to send a photo, a witty line for the caption picture or anything else you would like to contribute to the blog you can always email myself (guitar2pluck@yahoo.co.uk) or Anthony (email address in the blog) or Danny who's email address you can obtain.