Kyneton will celebrate a centenary of scouting in about 18 months’ time and thanks to the owners of S&K Signs, Simon and Kirsten Hinneberg, the local history of generations of Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers won’t be forgotten.
“About a year ago, I noticed the honour board was suffering the test of time and together with my wife Kirsten we decided to restore it,” Simon said.
“I also really wanted it to reflect that it was named after Graeme and Merle Gillis.”
Using ‘old school’ brush and hand lettering, more than 100 hours of painstaking restoration saw the original restored and revived.
“These days, you don’t get a chance to do intricate brush work, so it was great to use the skills I learnt in my early years,” Simon said.
The new board was unveiled by former scouts, Owen Perry and Graham Bloomfield, surrounded by the latest generation of kids.
“Scouts was a chance to learn and discover and do things that you never thought possible,” Owen said.
The group currently has about 50 members and seven dedicated leaders, many of whom were scouts and guides themselves.
Seeing his own name on the board and showing it to his kids, former Venturer and local CFA member Henry Dunn spoke excitedly about his days in the group.
“It opened so many doors and for me was a gateway to the world, scouting taught me so much and certainly has helped in my everyday work life,” he said.
“It’s great that the next generation of kids have a chance to experience things that otherwise would be impossible.”
Group leader Tom Hickey said the honour board was more than just a list of names.
“It’s a piece of local, living history that is a hallmark of our town,” Tom said.
“The best part is that the board also records the achievements of the newest members of the group and shows what a great sense of community we have.”
