"Scouting changed and guided my life"

Tuesday 03 December 2019

Some of Guernsey's longest-standing volunteers have received prestigious awards at Government House in recognition of their service to the Guernsey Scout Association.

The Lieutenant Governor, Sir Ian Corder, presented the Silver Acorn Award to Stuart Nicholson and Gary Le Huray, the Chief Scout's Commendation to Caroline Wilkes-Green and the Award for Merit to Paula Woodland.

Paul Eaton, Matt Le Huray, Sharon McVean and Eric Grimsley were also commended for collectively volunteering for 65 years with the Scout Association. 

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 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. 

Pictured: The Silver Acorn award was for at least 20 years of specially distinguished service to the Scout Association, which is the world's largest youth movement. 

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 scouts.org.gg/volunteers/ ”

Mr Grimsley, who was receiving recognition for his 50 years of service, has held various roles across the island and UK. He 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.”

Pictured top: The leaders receiving their awards from Sir Ian Corder at Government House.