A CREDITON Scout has been recognised as an outstanding local young person.

Nathaniel Scarbrough (17), was presented with the 2019 Jamie Fleming Memorial Award, presented annually to an outstanding local young person.

The presentation ceremony was held this week at Crediton Scout Hut following a talk Nathaniel had given to young Scouts and leaders as well as others member of the community.

Among those in the audience were the trustees of the award, Ian Sneddon, Mrs Alison Fleming and Mr Stewart Fleming and five-times Crediton Mayor, Mrs Gillian Ponsford.

Immediately after Nathaniel had finished his talk, Mrs Ponsford announced that Nathaniel had been selected as the winner from a number of entries received.

She told the audience about Jamie and that the award in his memory is presented each year to an inspirational young person from the Crediton area.

She said that the trustees had no doubts in selecting Nathaniel as the deserving recipient.

Nathaniel said he was shocked to receive the award and thanked all those involved.

He was nominated by Debbie Richards, Group Scout Leader, First Crediton Scout Group, who wrote in her nomination: “I have personally known Nathaniel since he was a toddler and was Beaver Leader back in 2008, when he began his journey in scouting, as a six year-old Beaver Scout in our group.

“Back then, I remember Nathaniel as quite a shy and quiet young boy and never at that stage, thought how his scouting journey would play a part in shaping him into the confident young man he has become.

“It has been such a privilege as a Section Leader and now Group Scout Leader, to observe him moving on through all the sections applicable to his age to-date from Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts (a member of ‘Tigers’ Explorer Unit at Cheriton/Tedburn) and also a Young Leader with our group cub pack. I have no doubt he will make a fantastic adult leader in the future. He has so much more to contribute and give within scouting.

“To-date in scouting, he has worked towards and gained all his top ‘Chief Scout Awards’ in each section. Most recently he has received his Diamond Award the highest to gain before ‘The Queen’s Scout Award’ of which I have no doubt he will achieve.

“His zest for adventure has seen him take part in many scouting events over the years, some of which has empowered him to be self -motivated in both joining or applying for, (even if his peers haven’t followed).

“In 2017 he attended and experienced a European Jamboree in Denmark and as I write this letter of nomination, is currently attending the 24th World Jamboree in North America joining 45,000 Scouts and Leaders from 167 countries. To gain his place, Nathaniel had to go through a robust selection procedure which was an achievement in itself. He is the only Explorer Scout living in Crediton to have gone and is joined by two other’s from Mid Devon Scouting District.

“Outside of scouting: Nathaniel currently attends Exeter College, prior to this he attended Chumleigh Community College, where he was Head Boy. Whilst at school, he undertook and gained both his Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards and has now become a volunteer for the scheme. He has also taken part in the challenging Ten Tors training programme. At the end of his time at Chulmleigh, he joined the NCS (National Citizenship Service) where his group raised nearly £1000 for a children’s centre in Barnstaple in one week!

“Nathaniel’s journey in scouting has shown that anything is possible and is a fantastic example of what scouting sets out for members to achieve over time. “Now being one of our Young Leaders, Nathaniel is able to help demonstrate all the skills he has learnt along the way in encouraging our young members with their personal development and empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. He is also well-equipped in guiding them by the values of scouting: Integrity, Respect, Care, Belief and Co-operation.

“A true role model and ambassador for 1st Crediton Scout Group in what is their 110th Birthday Year.

“All the leadership team are extremely proud of the achievements Nathaniel has made and feel he would be a worthy winner of the Jamie Fleming Award 2019.”

ABOUT JAMIE

Despite his young age, Jamie Fleming had a highly-regarded military career.

Born in Milton Keynes, the Fleming family moved to Crediton when Jamie was aged one and he attended both Hayward’s Primary School and Queen Elizabeth’s in Crediton. He then went to Exeter College with the Army’s Further Education Bursary scheme.

He was the first young person in the South West to achieve this (as reported in the "Courier" at the time) doing a sports-based course.

He received £1,000 after completion of his course and then another £1,000 after completion of his Army basic training at Pirbright Training Centre.

Jamie was the youngest recruit of that in-take, going off at 17 years, three weeks and five days (which was the exact age his dad was when he joined the Army).

He was the third generation soldier to join the Royal Signals, after his paternal grandfather and father.

Whilst at Pirbright he won the Drill Medal for best at drill in his platoon. He then went to Blandford Camp, Dorset to train as a Communications Systems Operator.

Following this he went to Chicksands, Bedfordshire for further specialist training as an Electronic Warfare Operator.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on completion of his trade training when he was still only 18-and-a-half. He was posted to 237 Signal Squadron, 14 Signal Regiment (EW) in Brawdy, West Wales as a Light Electronic Warfare Team (LEWT) Commander. At 14 Signal Regt Jamie enjoyed various trips abroad on adventure and military training. He particularly enjoyed skiing and kayaking.

The year 2012 saw Jamie and his squadron preparing for a seven-month deployment in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. He was attached to 4 Mechanised Brigade. Jamie stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his infantry colleagues in the Forward Operating Bases.

He returned from Afghanistan in March 2013. July 2013 saw Jamie attached to 30 Commando Royal Marines.

He was part of the Operation Cougar 13 Task Force involving military exercises with various nations in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. He made a big impression on the Royal Marine Corps. January 2014 saw Jamie on exercise in France working with French airborne colleagues.