Major anniversaries were marked in the Kesh area for Scouting and Guiding on Sunday, February 25.

The annual Founders Day and Thinking Day service was held in St Mary’s Parish Church Ardess, Kesh and this year the service was celebrating 40 years of Scouting, 35 years of Guiding and 25 years of Ranger Guides in the Kesh area.

Rev. Abraham Storey conducted the service. Present were Mrs Karen Mc Alastair President of Ulster Girl Guiding, Mrs Liz Hogg President of Fermanagh Girl Guiding, Mr Paul Dickson Member of Scouting UK Board of Trustees and former leader of the group, Mrs Rosemary Forde Fermanagh County Scout Council Commissioner and Liam Mc Mulkin representing Scouting Ireland.

A new flag for use by the Rainbow Guides was dedicated by Rev Abraham Storey.

The Guide and Scout renewal of promises was led by Caroline Neville, Fermanagh Girl Guide Commissioner and Maurice Lee, Group Scout Leader.

Caroline Neville presented three Ranger Guides with their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze awards: Jane Magee, Abi Johnston and Ruby Ellis.

Mrs Rosemary Forde on behalf of Chief Scout Bear Grylls presented awards to five Scouters in acknowledgement of their service to Scouting. There were Brian Noble, Beth Mc Creedy, Neville Woods, Jose Sastre and John Patrick McCaldin.

All members were presented with a special badge to acknowledge the special year for both Scouting and Guiding in Kesh.

Maurice Lee recapped the History of Scouting and Guiding over the years within the Kesh area and advised that a special publication was now available.

The lessons were read by Natalie Ellis, former Guide and Mrs Dorothy Morrow, former founding Leader of the group.

The address based on ‘Baden Powell’ and the Scout and Guide promise, ‘Do your best- help other people’ was given by Rev Abraham Storey.

Members from all the Scout and Guide sections led the prayers. Organist for the service was Stephen Hey, former Scout Leader.

Afterwards in the Parish Centre, all had the opportunity to view the considerable display of Scouting and Guiding Memorabilia gathered over the years.

Maurice Lee on behalf of the Scouting and Caroline Neville on behalf of Guiding cut a cake marking the special Service.

In attendance were numerous former members and leaders from the Scouts and Guides.