A Special Twinning Visit from 1st Filey Scout Group

We were delighted to welcome Ian Clarkson, our long-standing contact from our twinned group, 1st Filey Scout Group, for a very special visit. Ian’s connection to 25th Allerton runs deep. His father, Rev Eric Clarkson, was Curate of St Mary’s from 1951 and one of the founders of our Scout Group.

Ian’s visit began with a friendly tour of St Mary’s Church, tracing the places where his father once worked, worshipped and supported the early years of Scouting in Grassendale. It was a lovely moment of connection between past and present.

He then joined Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and the Scout Troop, spending time with each section, sharing memories of his father and of 1st Filey, and talking about how Scouting continues to bring people together across communities.

Our young people had planned welcoming activities too:

• 🔥 Cubs lit the fire pit and treated Ian to smores and cheese toasties

• 🕯 Beavers made beautiful Remembrance lanterns, which 1st Filey Beavers will also be creating he was also kind enough to present Beavers with their new badges

• 🎖 Scouts invited Ian to help invest new members, which made the evening even more special

Towards the end of the visit, we shared a lovely Scouting tradition — swapping group neckerchiefs — a symbol of friendship, gratitude and the bond between our two groups.

We are so grateful for the time Ian spent with us, for his stories, and for bringing a little piece of our group’s history to life for today’s young people.

As 1st Filey begin a Scout Troop taster session and make exciting plans for the future of their growing group, we wish them every success. We look forward to many more shared adventures between Filey and 25th Allerton.

Stronger together — Scouting friendship at its best.