Long-standing Scout Association volunteers have received prestigious awards at Government House, presented by Guernsey’s Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder KBE CB.
The awards went to; Stuart Nicholson and Gary Le Huray (The Silver Acorn), Caroline Wilkes-Green (Chief Scout’s Commendation), Paula Woodland (Award for Merit), and between Paul Eaton, Matt Le Huray, Sharon McVean and Eric Grimsley have collectively served 65 years of service.
Explorer Scout Tavis Larkin also received the Chief Scout’s Platinum award which is the culmination of several years of work towards the much-coveted badge.
The Scout Association in the Bailiwick supports young people from all walks of life to reach their full potential and become the best possible citizens of the future while having fun and learning skills for life. They are fully inclusive and totally embedded within the community taking part in a plethora of activities and having a profound impact on hundreds of children. Without volunteers this simply couldn’t happen.
Earlier in the year The Bailiwick of Guernsey Scout Association was one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups from across the United Kingdom to receive the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
Bailiwick Commissioner, Nick Paluch, says: “It is a real honour for our volunteers to receive such fantastic recognition for all their hard work and commitment.”
“They organise wonderful activities, trips away and fun challenges for the children to develop skills for life. It is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to their enthusiasm and the difference they make to the lives of children across the Bailiwick.
“All of our volunteers are intrinsic to the success of the organisation whether they help in the background once a month or on the frontline every week. We can find a role for anyone who wants to help young people. If you want to help young people develop skills for life and have great fun doing it visit https://scouts.org.gg/volunteers/ ”
Volunteer Eric Grimsley received recognition for his 50 years’ service during which time he has held various roles across the Island and UK. Eric said “Scouting gave me, as a young person, skills that changed and guided my life; I loved the outdoors, camping, hiking and adventurous activities under supervision – life skills of being able to look after myself. As a young adult it changed my career from a woodcarver to a teacher, because I realised as a young Scout Leader I related well to young people, and I had learnt the skills of teaching. The reason why I volunteer today is because someone throughout my youth gave their time for me to give me the life skills that have guided me though my life. Now I want to pass on these skills I have learnt to the next generation either directly or supporting others to who can do so. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last fifty years in a leadership role”
