Dear Editor,
There is something happening in Linden that would make the founder of the Scouts, Lord Baden Powell, smile in his grave, though buried far away across the sea in England. For quite some time now there has been a noticeable presence of Scouts in their conspicuous outfit in Linden, mostly on weekends. This is a positive development that is most certainly welcome, more so now at a time when the fabric of our society is at its worst in terms of morals; it is tattered and shattered, there is almost every conceivable form of crime, the moral degeneracy stinks and is growing at an alarmingly rapid rate, devastating the lives of our young people in the most sinful way. That there is a resurgence of Scout groups in the community after a very long period of absence augurs well; the return of Scouts is indeed a blessing. This is one activity from our colonial past that once imparted and instilled discipline and things of value in our young men/women There were Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, all neatly attired, resplendent in their colourful uniforms adorned with symbols, badges, ranks, whistles and other decorations and paraphernalia. It did appear that these clubs were duty bound to accentuate in young people from an early stage, civic duty, respect, courage, selflessness, decency and responsibility, while at the same time providing a purposeful and healthy pastime through exciting adventures and clean fun. The rules and principles by which these clubs were governed I’m sure have not been changed, and though they have been disbanded in this community for a long time, we should have no problem in implementing them all over again to play a well-deserved role – so needed now. Thus I need to commend the Linden Police Division for their role in reviving a Scout group and activities under their support and control; this is very thoughtful and a fine area in which to expend time, money and energy. But there is also another such group, the Central McKenzie Scout Group headed by Naudia Jones and team who are also dedicating much time and energy in trying to have it function at the highest desirable level. However, at the moment though assiduously making every effort to do so they are having some real difficulties and need help.
As indicated to me the Central McKenzie Scout Group through the kind courtesy of Linmine Secretariat CEO Mr Horace James was given the building next to the Constabulary Hall – formerly the guard hut and quartermaster’s store – to carry out their activities, but when they moved to occupy it they were informed by someone else that they were only allowed to use half of the building, which caused a substantial reduction in the space in which they are presently confined. However, they were thankful and are moving ahead with every little help here and there from time to time, but still are in urgent need in having this section of the building put in order so that they can function relatively well; this is their first priority. Happy and grateful they are also that the roof which was near collapse was strengthened by a former Scout member who volunteered to repair it. He fixed and painted other sections that were in bad shape, with the materials being donated by the Linmine Secretariat. According to Naudia Jones and team they are appealing to all and sundry for whatever assistance they can get. Electricity, changing floor boards and installing windows and indoor facilities, such as bathroom, toilet, counters, boarding up walls etc, are some of the things need to be done. But along with the bad patches they have been lucky also and are extremely excited and thankful to the Linden Salvation Council that made a generous donation consisting of some 20 brand new musical instruments: a set of drums, trumpets, flutes, trombone, etc, along with 12 wide-beam flash lamps. These musical instruments will now allow them to have their own musical band for marching and various occasions which will be a permanent feature of the group, and which the young Scouts are anxiously waiting to become involved in. However there is one real major problem that they are faced with: they do not have a music instructor neither can they afford to pay for one, thus they are desperately searching for persons who are willing to render assistance in this regard. It is important to point out that this young group started out in music learning to play the steel pan which they were very enthusiastic about; they sought and got much needed assistance from one of Linden’s most competent and long-serving pan artists, who some refer to as pan engineer, Mr Malcolm Hall. He has been building, tuning and teaching any and everyone with interest. Sadly, these young Scouts/pan players were left in the lurch when instructor Hall suddenly left without notice; still, they remain optimistic and are anticipating his return sooner rather than later. This is another area where they are in need and are searching for a pan instructor. By way of this letter I’m appealing on behalf of Ms Jones and her team, blowing their trumpet in expectation that fellow Lindeners will recognize the need to assist for the sake of our young, enthusiastic, excited and hopeful Scouts, who can’t wait to get their hands on those musical instruments, and are equally pleading and praying for music instructors. Also it was good to hear that Mr Horace James had pledged his support to this group and will be making periodical visits.
How nice and wonderful it would be to see in Linden once again Cubs, Brownies, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts of various clubs in different areas, from Coomacka, Watooka, Wisroc, Silvertown, Christianburg, Amelia’s Ward and the churches, all upholding the golden rules by which they are sustained and guided. Surely, Lord Baden Powell must be smiling.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe