Congratulations to Sir Alan Beith MP

It’s not quite the equivalent of a knighthood, but Sir Alan has been awarded a Silver Acorn for his service to Scouting in this year’s St George’s Day Awards. As a member of Scouting myself, I am very well aware of the time and energy that many, many volunteers give to the Movement across the United Kingdom and beyond enabling young people to develop as future citizens of their local communities, their countries, and the world.

The Silver Acorn is awarded by the Chief Scout in recognition of especially distinguished service.

It was first introduced as a St George’s Day Award in 1933. Not normally awarded until after at least the Award for Merit has been gained and a further five years’ service has been completed. It is therefore seldom awarded for less than 20 years’ service.

Scouting is a character factory.

So says Bear Grylls, UK Chief Scout. Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? The opportunities to volunteer with UK Scouting are flexible. Think of something you’d like to do and chances are it’s just what is required.

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Further congratulations

Congratulations also go to many others that I know who have received awards this year, including:

SILVER WOLF
David White, of Bedford.
BAR TO THE SILVER ACORN
Des Harris, who trained me and five others in 1998 to form the National Colour Party for the National Scout Service and Parade in Windsor Castle (see picture below); and Derek Wheeler, former County Commissioner for Belfast.