Time capsule buried at Shrewsbury site to mark national Scouting milestone
More than 60 young people came together to mark a special year for Scouting by burying a time capsule at Shropshire’s West Mid Showground.
UK Scouting marks a ‘Triple Birthday Year’ in 2026, celebrating three major milestones: five years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beaver Scouts and 110 years of Cub Scouts. Across the UK, more than 250,000 members are expected to take part in camps, celebrations and activities to mark the occasion.
More than 60 Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Young Leaders from 1st Bayston Hill Scout Group came together earlier this month at the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury for their annual Thomson Camp. The camp is held in memory of former Group Lead Volunteer Iain Thomson, who passed away suddenly in 2023.
Over the weekend, young people took part in a wide range of activities, including canoeing and caving in a specially designed mobile caving experience. They also completed a “Triple Anniversary Trail”, exploring the history and values of Scouting through hands-on activities led by volunteers, from traditional pioneering skills to teamwork challenges and activities celebrating inclusion and modern Scouting.
As part of the celebrations, the group created a time capsule to capture a snapshot of Scouting in 2026. Young people decorated fabric shields, wrote letters about their lives and interests and included instant photographs to give a glimpse into the present day for future generations.
In a special moment, the capsule was passed from young person to young person before being handed to Chris Fryer, Scout Leader and Trustee, who has supported Scouting for nearly 60 years. He then passed it to Scout Leader Josh Rowson and his son Noah - the youngest member of the camp at just nine months old - who buried the capsule.
The time capsule is due to be opened in April 2046.
Rhea Alton, Group Lead Volunteer for 1st Bayston Hill Scouts, said: “It was a fantastic weekend and a really special way to mark Scouting’s triple anniversary year.
“The time capsule captures a moment in time for our young people, and it will be wonderful to open it again in 20 years’ time and reflect on how much has changed - and what has stayed the same. We hope as many of our current members as possible will be able to return and be part of that moment in 2046.
“Thank you so much to the team at the West Mid Showground for working with us to make this possible. They are always fantastic hosts when we come for the annual camp, and this year they went above and beyond to support us.”
Ian Bebbington, Chief Executive of the West Mid Showground, said: “We’re always delighted to welcome 1st Bayston Hill Scouts back to the Showground. It’s fantastic to see so many young people enjoying outdoor activities, utilising the river which loops around the showground and celebrating such an important milestone for Scouting. The time capsule is a brilliant idea, and we’re proud to have played a part in such a memorable event.”
