THIS year sees First Crediton Scout Group recognise a double celebration!

Many members of the town’s community have been members of the First Crediton Scout Group and in 2009 the Group celebrated its centenary year.

Now, in 2019, with a further 10 years of scouting in Crediton, the group will be celebrating not only its 110th birthday year, but also recognising 70 years of scouting for a well-known and respected pillar of our community, Mr George Davey.

As far as is known, Scouting began in Crediton in 1909.

From archive information, the group has pieced together its history.

The First Crediton Boy Scout Group was formed on July 4, 1910 and is the second oldest in Devon.

It was started under Scout Master Bowerman at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.

Very soon after it began, the group changed its name to “Redvers Buller’s Own”, but in 1929 was re-registered to the First Crediton Scout Troop.

It was formed after a group of scouts from Exeter marched out to Crediton and gave a display of scouting skills on People’s Park very close to the site of the Scout and Guide Memorial Garden which stands there today.

One of the group’s earliest achievements was to win the Imperial Challenge Shield in 1914 for shooting, beating 805 other teams from across the Empire.

The prize was a silver shield, valued at £100, of which there is a bronze replica still hanging in the current Crediton Scout Hut.

The group has met at various locations around the town including the Market Hall, Spragues Shoe Factory and Newcombes Barns until it moved to its present Headquarters at Newcombes.

The hut was built in 1938 for the cost of £138 on land belonging to the White Family.

In 1980 during the week of August 2-9, Crediton hosted the World Scout Jamboree which was attended by more than 6,000 scouts from across the World, doubling Crediton’s population for a week!

The Jamboree took place on fields at Exhibition Road by kind permission of Ken Parr.

Scouting has seen many changes over the years and First Crediton Scout Group continues to grow from strength-to-strength and is firmly committed to keep Scouting in the town long into the future.

GEORGE DAVEY

George Davey has provided the group with so much knowledge of the group from years gone by which is so valued and treasured by all.

He began his scouting life back in 1949 as a Cub Scout and has continued to be involved as many guises and roles ever since, both within First Crediton Scout Group and also Mid Devon District Scouts. An amazing 70 years in total!

In 2013, George was presented with his 50-year service award as a warranted leader, a truly magnificent achievement and in 2015 he was awarded the BEM for his service to Young People in Crediton through the Scout Movement. However, the ultimate pinnacle of recognition was at the recent St George’s Day celebrations where he was awarded the highest accolade, becoming the very first person in Mid Devon to receive the “Silver Wolf”.

This is the very top award made by the Scout Association “for services of the most exceptional character”.

Debbie Richards, Group Scout Leader, First Crediton Scout Group, said: “We are all so very proud to know George, a man who has remained loyal to our group and keeps all of us grounded in the true values of scouting.”

CELEBRATIONS

Debbie explained that to mark 110 years, First Crediton would like to request the company of all past/present members, friends and associates, to join them for a Family Garden Party on the lawns of Downes Estate on Sunday, June 30, from 3pm to 6pm.

Debbie said: “Enjoy catching up with friends old and new, whilst listening to music from our guest band the ‘Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra’.

“The event is free, just bring your picnic, chairs and blankets and enjoy the afternoon. Sunshine has been ordered!

“As well as availability of hot and cold drinks, former member George Pauley of ‘Mid Devon Whippy’ will be selling ice-creams and we also hope to have Sandford Orchards join us with their events bar.

“Please spread the word to anyone you know who has had a connection with our group.”

Debbie added that she hoped that a book full of memories could be created on the day.

If anyone would like to share any photos, etc, please contact Debbie Richards.

For more information and to express interest in attending, please contact Debbie on 07712 113787 or via email at: [email protected] .

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