(L-R): Danial Shaikh, British Embassy; Beverley Atkinson, Telstar; Phil White, British Scouting Overseas; Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Sunday 15 June 2025, Telstar scouts in Luxembourg celebrated their 50th anniversary with a barbecue event in Mersch, at the FNEL Chalet Les Loutres.

With the scout group's explorers and scouts returning from a 50km weekend hike that afternoon, the event started at 15:00 with the bar opening, and the barbeque half an our later; also, Telstar t-shirts and merchandise were available to buy onsite. Then came the formal part of the event, the speeches.

Beverley Atkinson, acting Group Scout Leader, together with two explorers - Chiara de Santis and Daniel Holmes - welcomed the 150+ attendance and recounted the history and evolution of the Telstar scout group.

In 1973, Britain and Ireland joined the EU, leading to Telstar being formed on 1 November 1974, with the official name being adopted two years later. "Telstar" stands for the name of two communications satellites launched in 1962 and 1963, reflecting the Group that fosters international connections.

Telstar joined FNEL (Fédération Nationale des Eclaireurs et Eclaireuses du Luxembourg, the National Federation of Scouts and Guides of Luxembourg) in 1985, and is currently its second largest group with almost 250 members, including leaders - there are circa 50 Explorers, 60 Scouts, 40 Cubs, 15 Beavers and around 80 adults who volunteer their time.

They thanked their "venue partners" for their support over the years, the American School, the European School, St George's International School and FNEL. Telstar hopes to move into their new scout home in early 2026.

Beverley Atkinson revealed that her Telstar journey began in 1984 when she volunteered as a Cub Leader. She also read out a short testimony from one of the original Telstar leaders, David Bramwell, who could not attend: he had joined the Wolf Cubs aged eight and carried through scouting, gaining his Queen's Scout Award. He helped get Telstar off the ground in the 1970s, but left in the 1980s to become the BeNeLux Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts. He hopes that some current Telstar scouts will become Leaders and Commissioners, bringing their own ideas to how the world of scouting must continue to change and adapt.

Beverley Atkinson concluded by stating that, this year, Telstar members earned 1,144 badges; she also appealed for more adult volunteers to help out, including as Group Scout Leader when she steps down in September. She also mentioned that proceeds from Telstar's events are donated to two causes close to their hearts: KannerJugentTelefon (KJT), a helpline for young people and their parents; and Ruhanga Scout Group in Uganda, where uniforms, equipment and camp fees are a struggle.

Danial Shaikh, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Luxembourg, commended the scouts on their 50-mile hike, making reference to the overnight thunderstorm. He recalled his time in scouts saying that, looking back, he valued his time there, including being a leader. He also mentioned 2027 being 170 years since the birth if Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, with various commemorative events being planned.

The opportunity was used to present a number of awards and certificates to Telstar members who had completed various achievements, including Etienne Combeleran who earned the King's Scout Award, as well as the Explorers who completed their Mérite Jeunesse and Explorer Belt awards; this was accompanied by a loud cheer of "B-R-A-V-O".

Phil White, District Lead Volunteer at British Scouting Overseas, also addressed the event and acknowledged Telstar being FNEL's second-largest group. He also thanked Beverley for her outstanding work at Telstar.

Julie Bové, Comissaire Général of FNEL, also spoke and talked of Telstar being a strong and active member of the federation.

David Heal, another original Troop Leader, spoke and remembered enrolling young scouts; he also recalled that Queen Elizabeth II had mentioned to him never to change Telstar's name; he also talked up the Duke of Edinburgh's award, emphasising that to have this on one's CV will make it stand out above others. He was then invited to cut the 50th anniversary cake which was shared around.

ED

(Pictured: David Heal cutting the 50th anniversary Telstar cake; Credit: Chronicle.lu)