The Newark District Scout and Guide Gang are reuniting 30 years on
Thirty years after treading the boards for the last time, an original gang is coming back together for a reunion.
Newark District Scout and Guide Gang Show last took to the stage at the Palace Theatre in December 1989, and now some of the original members are coming together for a reunion to mark the 30th anniversary of the last show.
It all started 44 years ago, in 1975, following the guest appearance of Ralph Reader, the founder of the London Gang Shows, at the reopening of the Palace as a theatre in 1974.
Over the eight shows, between 1975 and 1989, more than 1,000 Cub Scouts, Scouts, Guides, leaders and members of various school orchestras took part in gang shows, which were variety performances featuring comedy sketches, musical and dance numbers.
Thirty years on, Marion Hampson, who was married to one of the original producers, John Hampson, died and many of the gang members went to her funeral.
It was there that John’s son, Mike, approached Chris Lathlane, one of the original members with an idea.
“He said we should have a reunion,” said Chris. “So we got all names of every member and put the idea on social media.
“We had quite a good response with more than 50 replies, and I have also had people stop me in the street to say its all sounds great.”
The reunion is scheduled to take place on February 8, 2020, at Newark Showground, from 7pm.
As well as a buffet and a social event, there will also be screenings of the various shows from over the years, which are currently being converted from VHS to DVD.
There are tapes from all of the shows from 1975 to 1989.
However, the tape from the 1987 show is missing. If anyone has a copy they wouldn’t mind sharing for the reunion, they are asked to get in touch with Chris.
For more details, and to book a ticket for the reunion, contact Chris by emailing lathlane315@gmail.com or call 07957 835015.
