Delighted yesterday evening to see two more of ‘Nene Valley Network Scouts’ Steph Harding & Liam Marriott presented their well-earned ‘Queen Scout Award’ & ‘Duke of Edinburgh Gold’ badges from County Commissioner, Dean Smith. This means the section has now enjoyed 12 Senior Awards over the last 12 months.
Liam, a very active member of Network, plus a hard-working Cub Scout Leader with 1st Irthlingborough Scout Group, completed his ‘Gold DofE’ award, of which was the first for several decades with his Group. He linked in his Leadership role towards helping achieve his ‘QSA’ for example, running International activities which the young people thoroughly enjoyed. He also led several activities for the Cubs faith badge of which included visiting a Hindu temple and Mosque, exploring different faiths. Liam also explained to the Cubs about Scout membership, its history and values, plus what the Scout Promise and the Law means. Liam is also part of the team responsible for supporting the wider District strategy, for example helping set up a Brand-New Scout Group in Thrapston, plus raising awareness of Scouting in both Irthlingborough and Rushden.
Steph, a hard working Network member who was the first Chair of the section in 2018, plus a Cub Scout Leader in Rushden has had an amazing twelve months, her ‘QSA’ & ‘Gold DofE’ awards are added to her earlier ‘Explorer Belt Award’ giving her three ‘Scout Senior Awards’ and I know she is working already on completing the last one, ‘Scouts of the World Award’ (SOWA). As well as completing her ‘Gold DofE’ Steph attended an ‘International Scout Jamboree’ in Essex, plus completed her ‘Explorer Belt Award’ visiting and learning all about the WW1 trenches in Flanders, where with her team culminated in laying a Wreath in Ypres, Belgium. As an active Cub Scout Leader Steph worked activities for the Young people to gain her IVC’s (International, Community & Values), for example helping the scouts collect harvest donations to give to the Salvation Army to distribute, and led litter picking expeditions. She also took the cubs to a Hindu temple following up with activities about Hinduism. Steph helped new Cub members complete their membership badge, teaching them the Scout hand shake and the Promise and Law.
Well done to both of you, enjoy your visits to both Windsor Castle on St Georges day for your ‘Queen Scout Award’ and enjoy your visit to a Royal Palace for your ‘Duke of Edinburgh Gold’ Lastly thank you for everything you do in Scouting.
Nick Powell - District Scout Network Commissioner - Nene Valley
Foot Note :- The Queen's Scout Award is the top achievement for Scout Network members and comprises of a variety of activities to complete. The Queen's Scout Award (QSA) is linked closely to the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.