ONE of the events to celebrate 110 years of Scouting in Crediton was a party on the lawns of Downes on Sunday afternoon when the band played. There was cake and presentations and the weather was perfect, a slight breeze keeping the temperature down.

It could hardly have been better, lawns immaculate, the big magnolia tree with its huge slightly scented flowers and Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra playing with conductor Brian Moore. To know more or maybe join, email: [email protected] .

Every member of the Scout Group, including adult helpers, received a specially-designed badge. Three cakes in the figures 110 had been made by Eva Tate, wife of the Downes estate manager and Scout Leader, Darren Tate. She had used melted marshmallow to create the Crediton Scout necker on one of the cakes.

Downes owner, Henry Parker, opened the afternoon and presented the badges. He said how Downes had been the home of his great great uncle General Sir Redvers Buller after whom the first Scout troop was named - Buller’s Own.

He had the purple Scout standard flying over the front porch of Downes with the Devon flag flying on the roof and even used his great great uncle’s sword to ceremonially cut the cake.

After the cake cutting, Group Scout Leader Debbie said how the day marked another occasion that could not be allowed to slip by - George Davey’s 70 years in Scouting from a Wolf Cub back in 1949 to receiving the BEM for services to young people in Crediton in 2015 and, this year, the Silver Wolf, the highest accolade in Scouting.

She added: “George provides us all with so much knowledge of our Group which is so valued and treasured by us. We are so proud to know him, a man who has remained loyal to 1st Crediton and keeps us all grounded in the true values of Scouting.”

She said George had never left the Crediton Group since and has held many roles at both district and county level, and still does.

Unfortunately, George had been taken ill and was reported to be having tests in the RD and E Hospital at the time of the party but was back home the next day.

He was to have received an engraved plaque to be laid as part of The Promise Path at Gilwell Park, the home of Scouting. All the Crediton Group Leaders and executive committee had contributed towards this as “a testament to his commitment and support of Scouting.”

More than 700 engraved bricks make up The Promise Path at Gilwell Park near Chingford, Essex, each with a story of the volunteers who make an impact on young people’s lives.

There was also the red book put together by Debbie specially to mark George’s Scouting Life with photographs from his very early days right through to this year.

In a tent were tables covered in newspaper cuttings through the years, photographs, albums and even a jersey and camp fire blankets covered in badges from Scouting events all over the world. So many memories were shared that day with people who had returned from miles away.

The Scouts’ Sparkle for Samuel tree was decorated with stars and birthday badge designs from which the final design came.

Crediton Scouts return to Downes later this month for a weekend camp.