A NEW tree has been planted on People’s Park to mark a 100th birthday with a big difference. It is a birthday that has involved hundreds if not thousands of young people in Crediton and all over the world - the centenary of Cub Scouts.

All sorts of events have been held, ending with the Promise Party on December 16 when Cubs renewed their Promise at 7.16pm (19.16) to commemorate the official registration date of the Cub Scout section.

Crediton Cubs joined hundreds of others in celebrations at Exeter University that evening and night with a no sleep sleep-over, getting home around mid-morning.

That afternoon the tree was planted by Cubs each adding a shovelful of earth around the roots watched by parents, Beavers, Scouts and Leaders who had all helped with the shovelling.

The five-year-old tree was younger than any of the Cubs but as they grow up together, hopefully the Cubs will help to keep the tree safe.

It had to be a red oak, its leaves turning brilliant colour in the autumn, because that was what Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement, planted on Brownsea Island, the birthplace of Scouting, in Poole Harbour.

The tree was sponsored by Ian Stoyle of The Old Fire Station Steak House on North Street, Crediton. He dedicated the tree to his grandson, Stanley.

Part of the centenary year was 100 challenges for Cubs, one of which was to plant an oak tree on the anniversary.

George Davey, Assistant District Commissioner Scouts, thanked everyone for taking part that afternoon. He added that Scouts in Crediton was more than 100 years old, the Explorer section was founded 70 years ago.

Crediton Scouts is the second oldest in the county having been formed in 1909, then called the Redvers Bullers Own. Buller had been with Baden-Powell in South African War.

The Scout motif of the three leaves was created because there were the three sections - Wolf Cubs, Scouts and Rovers.

George had brought with him a Standard from the days of Wolf Cubs with the running wolf at its head.

Sue Read