Oliver’s award was presented by Nigel Sherlock OBE KstJ JP, President of Northumberland County Scouts, at an annual St George’s Day awards ceremony at County Hall, Morpeth where Northumberland Scouts traditionally present awards to its Queen’s Scouts, adult leaders and supporters. Christopher will have his award presented at a later date.

Speaking at the presentation, Clive Rich, District Commissioner said “I am delighted that Oliver has achieved this award. He has been a committed Scout since joining as Beaver Scout 13 years ago and the Queen’s Scout Award recognises that commitment as well as his achievements across a wide range of activities. Oliver has outwardly demonstrated the ideals of Scouting and has been a positive role model for younger Scouts to follow. He is the first Queen’s Scout from our Morpeth Explorer Unit for many years and I know that Leaders and Scouts alike congratulate him on this achievement”.

To qualify for the award, a Scout must first complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award (or equivalent) and show a commitment to Scouting. They must then complete two additional activities based on International, Environmental or Values themes. Clive Rich added “although the Queen’s Scout Award may not be as well-known as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, it represents a higher level of achievement”.

Throughout his Scouting as a young member Oliver has taken part in a wide range of activities with camps and hikes too numerous to count. As an Explorer Scout he trained as a Young Leader to work within Scout Groups to help deliver Scouting activities to younger members.  He has particularly enjoyed outdoor activities, and two highlights were the International jamboree to mark the Scouting Centenary and as part of a Scouting expedition to Uganda to take part in community projects.  As soon as he turned 18 he took up Leader role with his old Scout Group, 6th Morpeth, where he is a valued member of their leadership team and is also now training to run hillwalking activities. As well as his Scouting achievements Oliver studied hard at King Edward VI School and is now studying for a degree in Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle – but still with time for some Scouting!

Oliver receiving his award from Nigel Sherlock, President of Northumberland County Scouts, pictured with Gwyn McKenzie, County Commissioner and Clive Rich, District Commissioner.

Oliver also travelled with his proud parents to Windsor last weekend to take part in the annual parade of Queen’s Scouts from across the UK, which was attended in person by Her Majesty the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.  Use this link to Scouting national website for a full report and video of the Queen’s Scout Parade

Over 300 Scouts, their Leaders, parents and guests took part in a St George’s Day Parade with flags, led through Morpeth town by the Morpeth Pipe Band to the Church of St James the Great for a service conducted by Rev Peter McConnell.

Scout groups from throughout the District were represented on the most important day of the year for Scouting.   St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting and St George’s Day is when Scouts traditionally renew their promise to the Scout Movement.   The Scouts were joined by: The Mayor of Morpeth, Coun Phil Taylor; the deputy Mayor and Mayoress Coun Mark and Mrs Lynn Horden; clergy from churches in Morpeth; and representatives from Northumberland County Scouts and local Girl Guides.

St George is a symbol of bravery and courage, and Clive Rich, District Commissioner asked everyone to remember the 22 million Scouts worldwide who hold Scout meetings in places of unrest, war, famine, natural disasters or other difficulties. They display courage by continuing with their Scouting.

After Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders renewed their promises, Scouts representing each group  lit candles from a flame that has travelled from a perpetual flame that burns at the grave of Lord Robert Baden-Powell.

Before closing with 2 verses of the National Anthem and parading out flags, Rev McConnell led all the young people in three cheers for their Leaders – the roof was raised !!

And from the District Commissioner, a big thank you and well done to all the young people, Leaders and Supporters who took part and represented the Scout Movement so well.

If anyone would like to help with Scouting as a Leader, a manager, administrator or supporter, we have all kinds of roles even for those with only a little time to offer.  Please see our Opportunities page or Contact Us

Follow this link to read the press report of this event in the Morpeth Herald:  Morpeth Herald Report

We are disappointed that this statement has been made especially as when we spoke to a journalist who contacted us we made it clear that the suggestions were without any basis in fact.

Wayne Bulpitt, the UK Chief Commissioner, has reconfirmed that:

‘We have absolutely no plans to make changes to our Scout Promise. Scouting has been offering development opportunities to young people from across the United Kingdom for over 100 years within the framework of our Promise and Law.  We are proud that the Queen is our Patron, the Duke of Kent is our President, and that the Duchess of Cambridge has recently become a volunteer with Scouting. We continue to offer adventure and development opportunities to our growing membership of over 525,000 young people and adults.’

Here is the link the full article on Scouts.org.uk   No plans to change Scout Promise

On Monday 23 April 2012, there will be a St George’s Day parade for all Scout Groups and sections in Castle Morpeth District and guests.

Venue: St James’ Church, Morpeth – service starts at 6.30 pm

Scout sections should assemble at Sanderson Arcade promptly at 6 pm

The parade will arrive at the church for the start of the service and flags will be presented

Guests may proceed directly to the church or join the parade at Sanderson Arcade no later than 6.15 pm

See the event details for more information Event Details

and 2 assessment days on Sat 21st and Sat 28 April

See the District Calendar for full details

Being run as a joint activity with Blyth Valley Scout District

The Eve Appeal funds ground-breaking research into gynaecological cancers at the Department of Women’s Cancer based at University College London (UCL).  The Department’s vital and much-needed research benefits women in the UK and worldwide and the research they fund aims to improve the prevention, detection, treatment and care of all five gynaecological cancers.

If you would like to support this worthwhile charity please come along for tea and cakes, find out more about the work of the Eve Appeal and help me raise vital funds for this very worthwhile charity.

If you are unable to make it, but would still like to make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/Janice-Heaton where you can leave your donation.

(There is an opportunity for a few Scouts to help out with serving tea as part of their Community Challenge)

Thank you – I hope to see you on 24th March.

Janice Heaton

Cub Scout Leader,  6th Morpeth Discovery Cubs

Please go along to support them – this is part of their big fundraising push to complete the extended HQ which we will all benefit from in some way.

They will also be bag-packing on the same day in Morrisons, so you can support them there too !

Click here for the full story …