Macclesfield’s oldest scout is refusing to pack it in – at the age of 81.
Norman Gosling, from Macclesfield, joined the organisation when he was seven years old.
He has risen up the ranks to become president of Macclesfield and Congleton Scouts Association and was given the Silver Wolf, the highest award made by the Scout Association.
The great-grandfather is still trying to keep up with the youngsters by regularly attending scout meetings to share his experience and enthusiasm. And he shows no signs of hanging up his woggle.
Norman, of Redruth Avenue, Broken Cross, said: “I love the friendship and the adventure. I will never give up scouting. They will have to carry me out in a box.”
Norman, who has been married to his beloved Betty for 57 years, joined the 3rd Macclesfield (Christ Church) Group in 1941 as a wolf cub, and has fond memories of those days.
The retired accountant said: “Back then we had some great adventures and a lot of fun. It was games, camping and learning.
“There wasn’t all the worry and limitation of health and safety, which holds a lot back these days.
“When we were boys we got up to some mad schemes. I live off those great memories.”
Norman progressed to leader of the Gawsworth unit and then Henbury, before becoming District Commissioner in 1994.
Over the years he has dedicated a vast amount of time to archiving the local movement going back to 1908.
In 2002 Norman published a history of Macclesfield and Congleton District Scouts called Big Hats, Shorts and Dyb Dyb Dyb.
He also fundraised and opened a unique museum of scouting artefacts at Barnswood Scout Camp, near to the village of Rushton Spencer, which has become an ongoing ‘labour of love’ for him.
A Scout Association spokesman said: “Norman’s contribution to Scouting since he joined as an adult volunteer in 1952 has been immense.
“His work has enabled thousands of young people to take part in many, many adventures.
“We are grateful to Norman and the thousands like him who selflessly contribute to changing young lives and the local community for the better.
“Our volunteers spend thousands of hours each year – without people like Norman the world would be a much poorer place.
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