ONE hundred years of Cub Scouts was celebrated at Mid Devon Scouts’ St George’s Day service held this year at Okehampton College, breaking the tradition of it being held in a church.

But with almost 600 people present, not a lot of the churches in the Mid Devon Scout District could accommodate that many people.

There were awards, a presentation by South Zeal Scout Group of the history of Scouting, particularly Cubs, then time for refreshments - burgers and hot dogs by members of Okehampton and District Lions Club and home-made cakes made and served by South Zeal parents, plus tea, coffee and soft drinks.

The parade was led across Simmons Park to the college by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band. The salute was taken in the bandstand by Mid Devon District Scout Commissioner Marc Coton, now County Scout Commissioner, with the Mayor of Okehampton, Cllr Paul Vachon.

In the hall the District Chaplain, the Rev Paul Selwood, led a short time of reflection. He said that while Scouting had changed through the century, its principles had not.

A history of Scouting, particularly the Cubs, formerly Wolf Cubs, was given by members of South Zeal Scout Group.

A collection was taken to be shared between Dartmoor Search and Rescue and Water and Sanitation charities.

An Award of Merit for those who have given more than 10 years outstanding service in Scouting was given to Roger Wickham, Tedburn and Cheriton Group Scout Leader, and to John White, Assistant District Commissioner Cub Scouts. Both had earlier received their Wood Beads.

The Wood Badge certificate and their Wood Beads for completing training for their role in Scouting was presented by George Davey (Assistant District Commissioner Scouts) to Debbie Richards (Crediton), Shaun Metcalf and Trevor Waycott (Bow), Roger Wickham, John White, Karen Morris (Tedburn and Cheriton) and to Marc Coton.

Philip Morris, also Tedburn and Cheriton, would have received his Wood Beads but he had been invited to Windsor Castle for the St George’s Day service and to receive his Silver Acorn, the third highest award a Leader can achieve.

The certificate for 10 years’ service was presented to Diana Salter from North Tawton who is with the Mid Devon Explorer Unit. The award for five years’ service was presented to Philip Roberts, North Tawton Group Scout Leader.

The Chief Scouts gold award was presented to Scouts Jake Le Grice and Tom Coton of South Zeal. Max Watson, also South Zeal, will receive his award in May.

The Chief Scouts silver award was presented by John White to Cubs: Jacob Martin, James Dunn, Jacob Keast (North Tawton) Charlie Conner, Joe Stickland, Mollie Hiett and Harry Hiett (Tedburn and Cheriton), Peter Turner, Matthew Hartshorne and Oliver Wyer (Crediton).

The Chief Scout’s Bronze award, presented by Elinor d’Albiac (District Cub Scout Leader) and Helen Derbyshire (Assistant DC Cubs), was achieved by Beavers: Vinny Pedrick, Ciaran Lethbridge, Stanley Frangleton William Guscott and Samuel Luxton (South Zeal), Elliot Marks and Daniel Gould (Crediton).

The shield for the best turned out Group that day was won by North Tawton Group.

Mid Devon Scout Group is Bow, Chagford and Drewsteignton, Chulmleigh, Crediton, North Tawton, Okehampton, Sandford, South Zeal, Tedburn St Mary and Cheriton Bishop and the Explorers, the Red Bulls.

Sue Read