IT WAS time for a celebration as the Cub Scout centenary was marked with a party in Weymouth.

Around 300 people attended a special 100th birthday party at the Nothe Gardens organised by Weymouth & Portland District Cubs.

The district represents nine packs in Weymouth, Portland and Portesham and around 200 boys and girls were joined by leaders as well as ex-members and those who used to help over the years.

The party was organised during a year of celebrations which has seen youngsters involved in events to mark the milestone of the movement, which has aided so many young people and equipped them with valuable skills. Cubs was started by Robert Baden-Powell as a junior section of Scouting.

Guests at the Nothe party included the Mayor and Mayoress of Weymouth and Portland Richard Kosior and wife Anita, and Mayor of Chickerell Mike Jolliffe and escort Lyn Wise.

Assistant District Commissioner (Cubs) Maureen Adams said it was an “amazing party”.

She said it started in the usual way for Cub Scouting events with a huge ‘Grand Howl and Flagbreak’.

Assistant County Commissioner (Cubs) Paul Root then presented a prize to Joseph Bingham of Weymouth East Cubs in recognition of him winning a competition to design a County Cub Centenary Badge to be worn by all Cubs and their leaders in Dorset this year.

There were nine separate birthday cakes, representing each pack, and former leader of St Augustine’s Cubs Pat Lea was invited to cut them, with representatives from each pack helping her.

Cubs enjoyed activities ranging from a nature trail around the gardens, a bouncy castle, crafts, badge making and games. District leaders also provided a very welcome barbecue enjoyed by everyone.

Mrs Adams said: “The evening ended with ‘Flagdown’ and we all went home with a piece of birthday cake and happy memories of our centenary birthday party. It was a ‘once in a lifetime’ event for all who were there.”

Events this year to mark the centenary have included a group visit to Cineworld in Weymouth where youngsters were treated to a special screening of the new film version of The Jungle Book. The Scouting movement has used themes from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling – a friend of Baden-Powell – since 1916. This includes names from the story given to the adult leaders.

Mrs Adams said Cubs have enjoyed a Centenary Camp on Brownsea Island, the birthplace of Scouting. Almost 200 youngsters also enjoyed a camping weekend at Butchers Coppice Scout Camp Site.

The year will end with a Promise Service at Holy Trinity Church on Friday, December 16 when Cubs and leaders will renew the Cub Scout Promise at 1916 – the exact time the first Cub Promise was made 100 years ago.