MEMORIES has received a response to a photograph published in this column of Darton Scout Band taking part in the St George's Day Parade in the 1950s.

David Mason of Silkstone said he was a member of the band. He is playing the drum on the far right of the three musicians at the front of the band. Front left is Bernard Morton. Behind them is Vincent Hepworth and Gerald Mount. There is also bass drummer, Brian Asquith and other members included Michael Smith and Michael Fletcher.

It is 30 years since Mr Mason was a member of the Scout Association. He started out as a scout, then became assistant cub scout leader, senior scout leader, group scout leader and then assistant district commissioner (Pennine district).

" I owe much to his movement for my personal and social development, not least in 'being prepared' to deal with many situations encountered in life and in developing my life-long fascination with the outdoor life."

Mr Mason said he has a particular affection for Silver Wood Camp and its surroundings where he enjoyed many happy hours.

We also heard from Ernest Horbury, who is in the middle of the front rank of the band wearing the light-coloured uniform and dark beret. He was scout master of the 39th Barnsley (Monk Bretton) Air Scouts.

Mr Horbury also recognised John Sykes (group scoutmaster at Darton). He is guiding the scouts out of George Yard where they had assembled.

The photograph was taken in 1953 and was loaned to us by Akela Cynthia Lindley of the Barnsley (Darton) Scout Troop.

Swinging the mace in front of the band is her twin brother Stephen Brown who would have been about 15 years old at the time.

The scout hut at Darton was badly flooded last June and while clearing out the storage area in preparation for repairs to be started, Mrs Lindley found the same mace that her brother had carried in the parade over 50 years ago.