Story: Maureen Griffiths
On the afternoon of Saturday 1st September Burngreave streets came to a standstill as 80 uniformed Pathfinder youngsters, 6-16 years of age, led by drummers, marched down to Ellesmere Green to display drilling and marching skills and present gospel music to the community.
Pathfindering is a worldwide youth society movement spearheaded by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the early 1900s. It’s similar to the Scouts – the young people not only enjoy physical, social and educational activities but there is a strong spiritual emphasis which encourages them to become good citizens.
The Community response was great as people not only looked out of their windows and took pictures but some actually joined the procession and interacted with the group.
One lady said, “It’s so good to see young black people in such a positive way.”
An Asian gentleman said, “Religion is a good thing, no matter what the religion.”
Another gentleman said, “It reminded me of when I was a lad in the scouts.”
A big thank you goes to the Community Police organised by P.C. Ray Oakley, also the volunteer marshals for their hard work.
The young pathfinders said, “It was great to be able to make a noise in the middle of the road with police support!”
On Saturday 13th October 2007 on Ellesmere Green at 3pm A “Health & Fitness” event will be held by the Pathfinders Followed by a “Community Cultural Evening” at 7pm in the Seventh- Day Adventist Church Hall, Andover Street – All Welcome.
To find out more about Pathfinders, Contact Maureen Griffiths 07748 914 696