Scouts bring Olympic torch to St James’, Taxal

District commissioner Les Cowel with Olympic torch in Scouts parade

There was more excitement when an Olympic torch, carried in Bury a few weeks ago, was brought to a special Scouts service in St James’, Taxal.  The 161st Manchester Scouts group, from Cheetham Hill, has been coming to Whaley Bridge for its annual camp for over 90 years.

Les Cowel, district commissioner for north Manchester, showed off the gleaming torch (unlit) which he has kept after his run through part of Bury.  The words of one hymn were changed to ‘Give me oil in my torch…’ instead of lamp.

Later the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers marched down Macclesfield Road to their campsite near Taxal.  The group is known as Jodrell’s Own after Lt Col Ramsden Jodrell, then head of the local landowning family, befriended the Scouts on a camp in the area.  That was in 1919.  They have been coming back ever since.

 

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