Update Video
KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEO - Recently the Knysna-Plett Herald brought readers the story of 86-year-old Roger Murray, a resident of Knysna who in his younger years was an avid scout.
While packing up his belongings to move into a new home, he came across his copy of the Handbook for Patrol Leaders, which he used as a junior scout way back in 1944.
In the article, Murray said that he wanted the book to be preserved for future generations of scouts and offered it to a worthy taker with the help of Knysna-Plett Herald.
Read a related article: Old school Scout handbook available
In response, a handful of interested parties came forward expressing their extreme interest in the book, which was first printed in 1929, with most of them being book collectors or former scouts themselves.
But it wasn't until the 1st Plett Sea Scouts made an inquiry about the book that Murray felt that he had found a worthy recipient.
Claire Oosthuizen wrote, saying she represents the Plett Sea Scouts, "I saw your article in the 19 October edition… I have three sons and a husband in the group.
"We would love to be the new home of his (Murray's) handbook as my eldest son Murray is a patrol leader," she said.
"When Murray heard about the book he immediately said 'I want it'," she added.
When the Oosthuizen family came to visit Murray to collect the book, the coincidence of the name "Murray", which brought a chuckle to everyone present, made it abundantly clear the book was meant to go back with them to Plettenberg Bay.
Besides Murray (13) who is, as mentioned, currently a patrol leader in the Plett Sea Scouts, there is Joshua (10) who is in his last year as a cub scout, Ryan (5) who acts as mascot for the group, and dad Adrian who is involved in the group as well.
After lots of excited talking between these scouts of past and present, discussing the similarities and differences between scouts of then and now.
Watch a video below:
Murray seemed very impressed with the youngsters, and said he is proud of them for the dedication they show towards being scouts.
Young Murray told Knysna-Plett Herald that since the Plett Sea Scouts started two years ago, the boys have been learning very quickly and more youths have joined in.
Scouts of the past, present and future: From left: Ryan Oosthuizen (5), dad Adrian Oosthuizen, Murray Oosthuizen (13), Roger Murray (86) and Joshua Oosthuizen (10).
"This book is definitely going to help me to be a better patrol leader, and I would like to pass it on to the rest of the troop so they can learn from it too," he said.
His father Adrian said his sons wanted to become scouts about two years ago but that there wasn't a troop in Plett at that stage.
"Luckily we had a Springbok scout leader in the area who decided to start the movement. Soon I got myself roped in by helping with camps and so on," he said.
Towards the end of this meeting, which happened at the Knysna-Plett Herald office in Knysna, the older Murray felt satisfied that his old scout handbook found a worthy new home.
ARTICLE, VIDEO & PHOTO: STEFAN GOOSEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
