GOOD advice was given to the boys and girls of First Crediton Scouts at an award ceremony held at the Scout Hut at Newcombes last week.

Four new Scouts were invested into the Troop, a former Leader was presented with her Wood Beads and the final Chief Scout’s gold award was presented.

The new Scouts are Callum Bailey, William Mears, Joe Douglas and Olly Hills. They were invested by Scout Leader Shane Bayley.

Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts Mid Devon, George Davey BEM, presented Alfie Mussell with the gold award, the highest that can be given in Scouting.

Lorraine Tonkin, who was a Leader for at least 15 years at Crediton and who has now stepped aside from that but is still on the committee, received her Wood Beads from George.

He told the Scouts that he had joined the movement in Crediton in 1949, gaining his Wood Beads in 1967.

He said people probably did not realise how much hard work went into achieving the Wood Beads. When he did his, Leaders were given five years to complete the work. His included a week-long camp at Gilwell Park, Scout headquarters, where Leaders from all over the world would go for this training.

Thirteen-years-old Queen Elizabeth’s student, Alfie Mussell was the sixth Crediton Scout to receive their Chief Scout’s gold award this year. Alfie’s challenges included Global (researching another country), Creative (making gadgets for camp), Community (helping with the Scouts Christmas post and litter picking), Adventure (a two-day hike on Dartmoor).

George advised the Scouts to remember their Promise through their lives while Shane Bayley said that achieving the Award only came through hard work and showed that the person could stick at a task.

The other Scouts who have received their gold award this year were Liam Bayley, Nathaniel Scarbrough, Jacob Jackson, John Turner and Ed Mortimer.

LOOKING FOR MORE

The two Scout troops have had to amalgamate, meeting only on one evening instead of two because the Group is so short of Leaders.

It is trying to make sure that all the boys and girls can continue Scouting despite the lack of Leaders.

Anyone who would like to help out a bit should, please, contact the Group Scout Leader Debbie Richards on 01363 773058.

Debbie, a Beaver Leader for at least six years, has stepped back from that to take on the GSL role. Training is always given for new Leaders and there is lots of support.

Sue Read