Once A Scout, Always A Scout

The Star article highlighting the reunion of 8th Georgetown South's pioneer batch of sea scouts.

Much may have changed over 50 years but not the strong bond among a bunch of former scouts from the Penang Free School.

Reunited after half a century, the old boys – now fathers and grandfathers – renewed the Scout's promises and enjoyed a fun weekend in Penang.

Reunion coordinator Ang Teng Chye, 63, said the two-day reunion was held for the school's 8th George Town Scouts from the year 1958 to 1963.

About 60 of them, their spouses and children, gathered at Miami Beach on Saturday evening for a fun canoeing session.

Ang said they were made Sea Scouts in 1961 and had even made their own canoes using wood and canvas.

"Some of us are a little too old for canoeing now but it is still fun to see the younger ones having fun in the sea," he said.

Retired lecturer Geh Thuan Hsien, 63, came from Perth for the get-together.

He added that they had arranged for a gathering in Australia before but this was the first big reunion.

"Many of us still keep in touch and I am glad to see a good turnout in this gathering," he said.

Their Scout Master Ch'ng Eng Kee, 73, said the old Scouts were once his students and now his friends.

"I really had a great time with them," he said.

The group also met up for a barbecue lunch at Muka Head and a grand dinner at Hydro Majestic Hotel on Sunday.

You can view pictures of the event here.