A Photo from the Past — Chris Snow’s 25th Allerton Memories

Every so often, a story arrives that reminds us how deeply Scouting touches lives — and how our shared memories stretch across generations.

Recently we were contacted by Chris Snow, a former Cub and Scout at 25th Allerton, who found an old black-and-white photograph tucked inside a suitcase while showing his grandson some old Liverpool programmes. The photo, shown below, is the only one to survive from his years in Scouting, and it captures a troop of Scouts posing proudly in front of an army truck.

Chris told us he grew up in Cressington Park, first on Eaton Road and later on Knowsley Road, and that his time with the 25th left him with many happy memories. He recalls:

“I was cleaning out an old suitcase I have and came across the photograph by accident. I googled the 25th, found the website and I have very fond memories of the 25th as a Cub and a Boy Scout. I would be delighted to talk you through the trip as I remember it.”

Chris remembers adventures including the Omagh trip, where he admits to feeling a little homesick but still smiling through what he calls his “army mission.” One of his more unusual memories was learning what he describes as a “torture method” — nettle stings!

He also recalls a youth hostelling trip in the Lake District, hiking between hostels the following year. Sadly, no photographs from that adventure survive, but the stories remain vivid.

Away from camp, Chris played trumpet in the 25th Allerton Band, which regularly paraded through Cressington Park, marching all the way to what is now the Toby Carvery end (before the dual carriageway) and back again. He remembers three local pubs, a great sweet shop, and the Cressington Hotel — part of the neighbourhood’s character in those days.

Chris now lives in West Derby, but his connection to the group remains strong. We’ve invited him to visit next year to walk around the area, look through our group photos, and share more of his memories with today’s Scouts and leaders. He’s also trying to remember the names of the friends in this photo so that we might reconnect with others who shared those early Scouting adventures.

This rediscovered picture will now form part of our group’s history archive, reminding us of the friendships, laughter and adventures that have always been at the heart of 25th Allerton.

If you recognise anyone in the photo, or if you too have memories of your time in Scouting with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via info@25th-allerton.com.

💛 Once a Scout, always a Scout — the adventure never truly ends.

1 The corporal
2 The sergeant
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6 Surname Hayes brother of 15
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10 Nigel Banks
11 Ian Blinston
12 Phillip
13 David Thomas
14 Chris Snow
15 Brian Hayes
16 Malcolm Blinston
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