A SCOUT group with roots stretching back more than a century has returned to Oxfordshire.

At the launch meeting of Hanney Scout Group at St James’ School, Hanney on Tuesday thirteen youngsters were invested as Beaver Scouts by leaders Heather Baker, Katherine Green and Steph Hopkins.

The group plans to start a Cub Scout pack, for young people of eight years and over. Scouts and Explorer Scouts will follow as the group progresses.

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This initial meeting was attended by parents and supporters, members of King Alfred Scout District, and district and parish councillors.

There has been scouting in East and West Hanney, near Wantage, almost since the beginning of the scouting movement in 1907.

There was a Boy Scout Troop in the villages by 1912 which lasted for several years.

Former shopkeeper, Hedley Shepherd was Scout leader until the outbreak of the Second World War when the group closed again.

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Most recently the group reopened in 1971 and at its peak had over a hundred young people enjoying scouting. The group closed again in 2004 due to lack of adult support.

Beaver Scout meetings, for six to eight year olds, are held on Tuesday evenings at 6.15pm.

Get in touch with acting group scout leader, Janet Green at janet@thegreensonline.me.uk.