Video: We can-can always put on a brilliant Gang Show
THEY were riding along on the crest of a wave for the Grimsby Gang Show.
A cast of 50 talented members representing Scout and Guide groups in North East Lincolnshire thrilled the audience at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall in a tradition that dates back to the 1930s.
-
COLOURFUL Can-can girls in action at the Grimsby Gang Show at the Memorial Hall, Cleethorpes.
Among the guests on the opening night was the local president of the Scout movement, The Earl of Yarborough.
Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Rangers were in harmony for the evening of cabaret, comedy and singing.
Any freeview or freesat install for only £49 to one room, additional rooms £20 extra per room
Terms: Only covers standard install.
Contact: 01472800127
Valid until: Tuesday, December 31 2013
GALLERY: 2013 Grimsby Gang Show
There were 34 performers representing the senior section of the Guides and Scouts and 14 representatives of the junior section.
They began their rehearsals in September last year and a host of volunteers designed and created the sets for the performance – a make-believe casino, school and nightclub.
Some of the favourite songs written by Gang Show founder Ralph Reader were performed.
Grimsby scout Ian Jones produced the show and has been involved with its production since 1976.
He said: "This has been one of the hardest because it has been a small cast.
"We did not do it last year so decided to build up the funds for this year's show."
He thanked local businesses for supporting the event and the show's musical director Jack Pudsey.
The wardrobe team, Mary Winn, Sandra Burniston, Rowena Brunt and Brenda Ventham were praised for their costume designs.
A veteran of 32 Gang Shows, Dot Mercer of the 6th Cleethorpes Guides said: "There are not many opportunities for the Scouts and Guides groups to get together. The Gang Show is great for that.
"As long as everyone enjoys themselves it is worthwhile.
"They all give their all in the show and it is a real experience for young people who would not otherwise get the chance.
"My son was first to take part, then my other son joined and then my daughter and then I took part. It is like a bug.
"Now I have a granddaughter in the show."
Editor's Comment
HOW many of you grew up attending a weekly Brownie, Guide or Scout pack?
The regular evening meetings, the team work, the camps and campfires, the songs and the badges.
It was all part and parcel of growing up for many, many young people who will look back on those days with fondness – some great memories.
How positive to see such movements still going strong today – having survived because they have moved with the times, while maintaining a sense of tradition and history.
What a child does not realise when they attend these clubs is that, while having fun, they are learning valuable life skills that will help them grow and mature into well rounded adults.
Their ability to join a team, to display leaderships skills and to mix with others in different environments are all essential parts of life, that are missing from some young people.
Those with such attributes will be ahead of the game when it comes to knowledge, motivation and confidence.
In the competitive society in which we now live, it is simply vital that young people understand the need to be at the front of the opportunities queue – and equip themselves with what is needed to get there.
So let us wish such youth groups every success in the future – we need them!
Tell us your memories of such clubs and organisations that you belonged to by commenting below.
Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor
Comments