A call has gone out for help to resurrect a century-old Scout group on an Oxford estate.

The Rose Hill group, which was founded in 1908, closed its doors last September and is searching for new leaders to get it back in action.

Former leader Norman Gurl, who continues to manage the Scout hut in Ashurst Way, which is still being rented out for other events, said the estate deserved a Scout unit.

The 67-year-old said: “It’s had its ups and downs over the years, but it got a nice peak about three or four years back.

“My wife Theresa was the group leader for 17 years but she needed time out to retire and then it sort of lost its way.

“It had a temporary leader for about five years but it drifted away. The leaders became old and couldn’t keep it going.

“Last September it more or less went into shutdown. The last leader had serious arthritis and needed a hip replacement, so he decided to hand in his notice.

“I think Scouting as a whole has generally gone downhill. Parents don’t seem to want their children to do Scouting and get out and about. It seems to be all about these after-school clubs, which seem to have lots of funding behind them.

“Scouting relies on voluntary work.”

The Rose Hill group began at the advent of Scouting in 1908 when Oxford’s first four units were set up — but by the 1930s it had faded away and re-emerged as the 36th Iffley Scouts.

Of the original four, only the 2nd Oxford Scout Group remains today.

Mr Gurl said: “Less than three years ago, there were 50 members and six or seven leaders in Rose Hill. It was really healthy.”

However, since September no-one had stepped forward to become the group’s new leader.

“I’m not really optimistic,” said Mr Gurl. “We’ve got a meeting next week with the district commissioner. There’s talk of another group coming in to take over the Scout hut.

“It’s a lovely Scout hut. It’s got a good kitchen, lovely toilets, nice long hall and a couple of committee rooms and storage space. It’s also well fenced-off, centrally heated and the electrics can only be about eight or nine years old.

“There’s money coming in from renting out the hall. There’s money in the bank and no debts or outstanding bills.”

Mr Gurl explained the benefit of getting involved with Scouts.

He said: “Being a Scout leader is really rewarding. If you get it right, it’s brilliant. You know you’re doing it right when the kids come through the door.

“It would be a tragedy not to have Scouting up there. I think it just needs fresh blood.”

If you think you can help, call Mr Gurl on 01865 772699.

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk