The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Peter Shand · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Canada

A Unique War Memorial!
On August 6, 1953, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders opened this War Memorial in Inverness, the 79th Regiment’s home town. Rather than build a Cenotaph, the leaders of the Regiment felt a fitting memorial was a Boys’ Club, offering young men an alternative to Boys Brigade or Boy Scouts. The club contains an entrance way, with an oak panel, opposite the doors, carved with the Battle Honours and a Book of the Dead, containing the names of all Cameron Highlanders who fell in the two Great Wars.
The intention was to give the boys of the town a place where they could participate in male-led activities, with the older boys and leaders providing example to the young men. The club enjoyed immediate success, open five nights a week as regular attendance was not mandatory. It offered a wide range of activities and included a gymnasium, woodworking shop, a library, and other rooms given over to activities such as fly tying, table tennis, and billiards. By 1960, the club was noted for its presentations of one act plays in local drama festivals. It was also an early participant in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

For photo see http://www.flickr.com/photos/shand1828

I was in Inverness in 2003 and the club appears to be a Youth Club now.
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Peter Shand
Born and Raised in Inverness
Emigrated to Canada 1966

DerekR · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:40 pm Post subject:

Peter,
Welcome to the Forum.
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Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

WMR 75970