Mervyn Fleming pictured receiving the award from David Hilland
and Noel Irwin.
Mervyn Fleming, 1st Derriaghy Group Scout Leader, received the
Chief Scout�s 30 Years Service Award at an award ceremony in
Derriaghy Scout Hall on Tuesday 10th June. The certificate, in
recognition of 30 years service to scouting, was presented by
Noel Irwin, Lisburn and District Scouts Commissioner, who also
presented Chief Scout Silver Awards to Cub Scouts Alex O�Hare
and Ian Hilland.
Formerly known as 11th Belfast Scouts, the name was changed to
1st Derriaghy Scouts in 1934, when they became part of Lisburn
and District Scouts. Formed in Derriaghy Parish in 1911 with the
Rev T J Armstrong as Scoutmaster and Edward Brown as his
Assistant, meetings were held in Derriaghy School. Edward joined the Army in 1914 and was
promoted to Lieutenant in April 1916. Regrettably, he was killed
in action by a grenade near Ypres on the 7th August 1917 aged 25
and was carried back to the British lines where he was buried in
the Huts Cemetery, Dickebusch, Belgium. Prior to joining the
army, Edward played for Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and was
goalkeeper for the 1st XI. Lisnagarvey�s original colours, light
and dark blue, were chosen to represent the newly formed scout
troop and these colours have been retained to this day. The
Scout Troop has a close relationship with Derriaghy Parish
Church and down the years has received help, encouragement and
practical leadership from the Rectors and Curates.
The above brief history of 1st Derriaghy Scouts was compiled
largely from a book entitled �Christ Church Derriaghy, A Short
History of the Parish� by the Rev W N C Barr - Rector
(1961-1990) and from �Lisburn�s dead from the Great War
1914-1919� by Mr Pat Geary, History Department, Friends� School,
Lisburn.
11/06/2008
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