GEORGE Davey, who was recognised with the award of the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, has commented on how humbled he felt to receive the award at a presentation ceremony held at County Hall, Exeter.

Mr Davey (73), received the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Devon for more than 50 years of service to Scouting in Crediton, watched by his wife, family and honoured guests.

George joined Crediton Scout Group as a Cub in 1949, then a Scout, making his Promise to the King. In 1957, he joined the Senior Scouts, later to become Venture Scouts, now Explorers.

He has been an Assistant Scout Leader, Scout Leader, Venture Scout Leader, Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, then Venture Scouts, and has been ADC Scouts since 1994.

George married Janet in 1974. They met when Janet, a Scout leader in London, came to a Jamboree in Watcombe, Torquay to help with catering for the service crew.

She had never been to Devon prior to that 1972 Jamboree. They have two children, Helen Derbyshire who is ADC Beavers at Crediton, and Stephen, who was a Venture Scout before going to University.

A Doctor of Chemistry, he is an assistant editor of Nature Chemistry journal, now working in Boston USA until the end of this year.

George ran Scout groups at Crediton and Bow and received the Chief Scout’s Medal of Merit for exceptional service in 1980, the year of the International Jamboree at Crediton.

In 2012, he received the Citizen of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Crediton, the same year that he received the Bar to the Silver Acorn in 2004.

He had received the Chief Scout’s Award for 40 years service in 2003. He now has the 50 years award as well, among other awards for services to Scouting.

He is also a driver with Community Transport and is a Server at Crediton Parish Church.

George said he could not believe how many telephone calls, cards and letters of congratulation he received after it was announced he was to receive the BEM, including from the Scouting organisation and Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon.

“I was really humbled to receive the award and can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness,” said George.

He is now looking forward to receiving an invitation to a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year.

Alan Quick