A former Scout leader living with dementia has been reunited with an old friend, with the pair set to lead a community walk.
Bill Procter, who is a resident at White Ash Brook Care Home, in Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, spent decades leading scouts at Withnell St Paul’s as well as organising camps.
His memories of those years date back to his first camp in 1948, aged 11, which have been documented in handwritten journals.
Fellow scout leader Michael worked alongside Bill for many years, but the pair ended up losing touch.
That was until they were unexpectedly reunited, when Michael arrived at the care home.
Bill immediately recognised him and became emotional, with the old friends spending hours looking through old scrapbooks, photographs and newspaper cuttings of their time leading the scouts.
The reunion came about after the care home began planning a sponsored walk inspired by Bill’s lifelong involvement in scouting. Wellbeing Lead Louise Shaw, who organised the event, traced Michael after finding references to him in Bill’s writing.
She said: “I explained we were planning a walk based on Bill’s scouting life and asked if he’d like to be involved. He didn’t hesitate.
“When he walked in, Bill just cried, but they were happy tears. Then they started planning the walk together as they’d never been apart.
“For Bill, this is about continuing something that’s always been a big part of his life. Being able to step back into that role means a lot.”
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The walk will take place on Saturday, March 28, at 10.30am, starting from White Ash Brook Care Home and finishing at the Scout Hut at Mill Hill.
Bill will lead the one‑mile route alongside Michael, joined by current scouts, residents and members of the community
Funds raised will support Alzheimer’s UK and the local Scout group.
Members of the public are invited to join the walk or support participants through sponsorship, and are encouraged to contact White Ash Brook Care Home for more information.
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