1st East Grinstead Scout Group
Centenary 1908 - 2008
Among the competitions, the children's decorated prams, toy motors, and fairy cycles section was not a success. There were only two entries and the prizes were awarded to Joyce Harvey and Joyce Knight. Then came the obstacle race for men and an amusing affair it proved to be. The prize winners were; 1. Tizzard, 2. Pannell, 3. Wheeler. C Weller was the only entry for the tent pegging on cycles event.
One of the great features of the afternoon was the special engagement of the Strong Man, Saxon Brown. Some of the stunts were to stretch a 300 lb chest expander, break a steel chain with his teeth, drive a nail through a two inch plank of wood with his bare hands, pull against a number of boys, and lay on a bed of nails with half a dozen scouts on his chest
The ‘Hearns’ in novelty tumbling and acrobatics was another excellent number. The Gymnastic and Pyramids Display by the East Grinstead Boy Scouts was as delightful as ever. They were even more skillful than in past years. A finer advertisement urging parents to enter their boys in the local troop could not be given.
The East Grinstead Wolf Cubs gave a Toy Soldier Display and well deserved the round of applause they received. The rope spinning display by Rover Don Potter was excellent. During the interval the East Grinstead Military and Town Band, under the conductorship of Mr C Baker, played a number of selections and were well received. Many of the numbers were repeated in the evening while the Daily Mail Push Ball Competition proved a great attraction. The last event was Torchlight Tattoo and club swinging by the Moat Church Fellowship Gymnastic Section under the leadership of Miss Newbry. It was the first time many had had the opportunity of seeing this performance and out of doors it was even more attractive than in a hall. It was a picturesque feature which brought to a conclusion a really splendid programme of events. Later in the evening the younger generation amused themselves in dancing
A number of side shows did a roaring trade during the afternoon. Messers Lethbry and Christopher carried out the catering arrangements in their usual efficient style. The final of the Daily Mail Push Ball Competition was won by East Grinstead Hockey Club, who after defeating the Gas Works, met the East Grinstead Rovers in the final. They won by the close margin of 1.0. Mr St John Payne was the referee.