The Explorer Scouts, aged from 14 to 18 years, will be working in partnership with Menai Heritage on this Young Roots First World War Centenary Project.

“Our Scout Group was founded in 1909, although it closed temporarily in 1916 as the Scout Masters had gone to war. We stand on the shoulders of giants and, 100 years on, now is the time to find out about our heritage,” says Stephen Mudge, Project Lead and Explorer Scout Leader, 1st Menai Bridge Scout Group.

The Scout Association states that its purpose is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Menai Bridge Group is a lively and adventurous group with 20 Explorer Scouts and 90 members across the 6 to 18 year-old age range. They are supported by a dedicated team of adult volunteers to deliver their adventurous programme of Scout activities.

Commenting on the award, Ben Quinney, a 14 year-old Explorer Scout, said: “I was interested to find out that John Fox Russell, an Anglesey Scout from Holyhead, received the Victoria Cross in the First World War but the National Scout Archives do not appear to know this yet. We will learn a lot more about the history and heritage of the Scouting community nearly 100 years ago. It is great to think that future generations of Scouts will benefit from our research and discoveries because of the support of HLF.”

Explaining the importance of the award Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF Wales, added: “We want to help as many communities and people as possible across Wales to commemorate the First World War and to recognise the long-lasting impact the conflict had on their communities. It is so important for young people in particular to learn about their past and thanks to Lottery players money, this Scout group will get the opportunity to deliver their own heritage project, develop a range of new skills and share with others the important story of how the First World War had an impact on their Scout group and local area."

The project will be delivered and presented in Welsh and English and includes developing research skills, recording findings, building an archive, photography, videography, creating displays and using social media platforms to share knowledge. Working with Menai Heritage, the local Scout Area Archivists, local historians, the Anglesey Archives Service, the National Museum of Wales and the Scout Association Heritage Collection, a number of research adventures are planned. The Explorer Scouts will also work towards several different badges within the Scout badge programme and the project contributes towards their Queen’s Scout Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Further information

Jo Quinney, Group Scout Leader and media contact, on tel: 07748 155116 or via email: scouts@qmpr.co.uk.