The 1st Crystal Palace Scout Group was formed in February 1908 and is one of the oldest in the world. The establishment of the first Scout Troops was prompted by the publication in fortnightly parts of Scouting for Boys between January and March 1908. Clearly, a Scout Troop founded in February 1908 and still going, nearly one hundred years later is one of the longest running in the world. Now however, the Croydon District wants to close the 1st Crystal Palace (also known as the 2nd Croydon although it was the first formed in what later became the Croydon district). We the undersigned, believe that rather than seeking to end 100 years of scouting in Crystal Palace, the Scout Association should be making every effort to ensure that a group with the longevity, history and proven commitment to the youth of the Crystal Palace community are given every encouragement and support to continue.