A LONDONDERRY man is asking for Sentinel readers to help locate a prestigious shield last presented to the city's best performing Cub Scout Pack half a century ago.
The Patterson Shield, named after the local man who donated it as a prize in the early part of the 20th Century, was presented each year to the Wolf Cub Pack who performed best in a variety of disciplines.
Cubs from across the city as well as from
Strabane and Coleraine were eligible to compete for the prized trophy.
While various items of Scouting paraphernalia are now housed at various locations across the city, including St Columbs Cathedral, the whereabouts of the Patterson Shield has become something of a mystery.
Norman Miller, who was assistant leader in the St Augustine's Pack prior to helping establish the Claremont Pack in the late 1950's, told the Sentinel he believed the Shield was last seen almost fifty years ago.
" We do not know where it is or what became of it," he said. "As far as I am aware the competition seemed to stop around 1957 and whoever had the Shield the year prior may still have it.
" Many cub packs have vanished over the intervening years but this is our history and I feel it is something that should be returned to the Scouting Association."
Mr Miller, whose late brother is pictured with the shield as part of the St Augustine's Wolf Cub Pack winners of the late 1930's, said he hoped the photograph would help spark memories of the Shield.
" Maybe someone will recognise it," he said. "Maybe it has been in someone's attic all these years."
He said to the best of his knowledge only two of the young men pictured in the photo were still living.
He said he had tried to contact various people, including a former Scout leader who moved to Scotland many years ago, in relation to the Shield - all to no avail.
Mr Miller is now hoping the local knowledge of Sentinel readers can help his quest.
If any reader can help to solve the mystery of the Patterson Shield, please contact the Sentinel on 028 71348889, or email david.wilson@jpress.co.uk
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The full article contains 390 words and appears in Londonderry Sentinel newspaper.