For those interested in our trek cart restoration, we had an email about the cart which has added to our knowledge of its history and provided the answer to something that was puzzling us, why the sides were the shape they were. Although we now have new sides we are glad we kept the originals as they are part of its history. So thanks to Cathy Martin for her email (below) and photos. We have also added a photo of the cart that we believe dates back to 1947 and shows the Wade Street Scouts and Guides with the cart in its original colours. Please share this post with your friends, we want to reach as many people as possible to see if we can get any more information about the cart. How fabulous to see the photographs of the cart in the Middleton Guardian. I instantly recognised the cart, and I am pleased to see that it is still being used today. I was involved with 1st Middleton East Guides at Wade Street from 1976 - 1987, and remember the cart being stored in the cellar (along with camping equipment) at the Scout hut. The leaders at the time, Arthur and Betty Simpson and Lillian Gregory told us about the Scouts using the cart when they went on camping trips to Ashy Valley, in the days when the Scouts couldnt ask their parents for a lift in their car to the camp site. But why is the cart painted blue and yellow? In 1985 to celebrate 75 years of Guiding, Princess Margaret lit a candle at Buckingham Palace. This symbolised the light of Guiding, and similar to the Olympic torch relay, the flame was to be spread across the country. Guiders met to discuss unusual forms of transport that they could use to bring the light of Guiding to the units. In Middleton Division is was agreed that we would use the cart to bring the light to a special event that took place on Middleton Parish Playing fields on 26th June 1985. My mum, Jean Martin, was a Ranger leader at the time, and she painted the cart in the distinctive blue and yellow. The Rangers then decorated the cart with red, blue and yellow flowers, which were the signature colours for 75th anniversary celebrations. My dad, George Martin, made a small bracket that fitted over the cart, for three lanterns each of which contained a candle. Ive attached copies of the cart being decorated and being used to transport the light of Guiding. I do hope other people have been in touch with you and shared their stories. I would be interested to know more about the history of the cart. Ive been sad to see the Scout hut at Wade Street being demolished, so am especially pleased to see that the cart has survived and is still being used today. Best wishes Cathy Martin Rainbow Leader 63rd Oldham East St Pauls, Shaw
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 11:21:34 +0000
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