Scout leaders awarded for outstanding service

TWO scout leaders have been awarded a medal of merit for their long outstanding service, presented to them by the district commissioner, Chris Broom. 

Local scouts leaders, Jon Giles who is the beaver scout leader at Broughton Gifford & Holt, and David Smith cub scout leader at 1st Bowerhill Scout Group, both received their medal of merit for outstanding service while holding an adult appointment in scouting for a minimum of 10 years. 

Chris Broom said, “Jon has been a member of The Scout Association for over 15 years and has worked within the Wiltshire West District for all of this time.  Jon has helped guide the Broughton Gifford & Holt scout group over many years; colony numbers have always remained healthy and sometimes peaked to very high numbers, which is a testament to the quality of the programme and continuous hard work Jon has put into the running of the colony.

“Jon’s contribution to scouting in the local area has been invaluable, with  his dedication and commitment over the years and tirelessly assisting with all aspects of scouting so that the group can thrive.

“Jon is also a training advisor, a job that he undertakes with his relentless dedication, commitment and capability, to ensure that the leaders within the group are fully trained in order to offer the best that scouting can provide to young people in the area. 

“Jon has taken his colony many times to Brownsea Island and stayed overnight to experience where the first experimental scout camp took place in 1907.  Jon’s family own and run a local greenfield campsite and Jon has been instrumental in promoting the use of the site across the district.  Many groups and sections have benefitted from this outstanding facility. 

“David has been a member of The Scout Association as a leader for over 14 years.  David has been with the Bowerhill Scout Group since he joined as a cub scout at the age of eight in September 1993.  

“David then went on to scout with the Bradford on Avon scout troop as 1st Bowerhill did not have a troop at this time.  After six months, David returned to the cub pack as a scout assistant and attended the weekly meeting, assisting with the running of the pack. 

“David also attended all of the pack camps, district events and outings during this time. In January 2017 David took over as cub scout leader of the pack.  David’s contribution to scouting in Bowerhill has been invaluable, along with his dedication and commitment over the years and tirelessly assisting with the fundraising for the group to improve and update their equipment and maintain their mini bus so that the group can thrive. 

“David works for the police as an emergency communications officer and works around his variable shifts to ensure that the best possible scouting is offered to the 1st Bowerhill cub pack.”

Above: Chris Broom with Jon Giles and David Smith.