Leader farewelled

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 679, 25 March 1997, Page 18

Leader farewelled

After many years association with scouting in Waiouru, Major Ian Nicholson was bid farewell by the Waiouru Scout Group last Thursday. Starting as a Cub when he was eight years old, Major Nicholson progressed through the Scouting hierarchy, receiving his first warrant in 1977 for the position of assistant venturer leader. His career in scouting seems to have paralleled his military career and he was promoted through the hierarchy to district scout leader in Waiouru in 1986. It seems fitting that he takes his departure from this same town as group leader in 1997. Having developed a strong involvement

with scouting in Waiouru during his time here in the mid 1980's, Major Nicholson returned in 1995 to find only a small group of Keas. With the help of other community members, he rebuilt the Waiouru Scout Group into an active cub pack that is now one of the largest in New Zealand. District commissioner Grant Hays credited that success to "the good leaders and a good programme. It's now up to others to maintain the momentum that Ian had started." Retiring from the New Zealand Army, Major Nicholson plans to move with his family to Waiheke Island where he will become group leader of a sea scout group.