THE article about the proposed demolishing of the old Garrison Church and the reader's letter inquiring about York Garrison Scout Troop prompt me to venture forth on my newly-acquired computer.

I was the last verger of the Garrison Church and took part in the final service. Later the padre and I wheeled the brass eagle lectern from the church to St Oswald's Church, Fulford, where it is still used. We took the lectern on the York Garrison Scout Group trek cart, as I was at that time the group scout leader.

Despite efforts made we never raised a troop marching band although we did acquire a few battered drums and bugles. These were played with great enthusiasm but no skill by various scouts, but we never found a bandmaster. Sadly we did not play our instruments on any St George's Day Parade.

York Garrison Scout Troop was formed in 1925 and is still active.

A H Barton,

Broadway, York.

Updated: 11:37 Saturday, August 11, 2001