IN THE 60th anniversary year of the 13th Lancaster Scout Group, a record six venture scouts received their Queen’s Scout Awards at High Street Church Hall last Wednesday.
The presentation, made by County Commissioner Mr Bob Sutton, marked the culmination of 2 years of work — and enjoyment — for the six youngsters, from the 13th Lancaster Castleton Venture Scout Unit.
But in addition, the occasion saw the 13th Group break their own record for the number of Queen’s Scout Awards gained at the same time in the Lonsdale District. Previously it had stood at five, a record which the 13th— the oldest group in the district had held for some 15 years.
The six who gained the award were Simon Asquith, David Greene, Abbe Holland, Christine Hunt, Gary Parks and Catherine Walker, with a venture from the Keer Valley Unit, Patricia Physick, also receiving the award.
Among the various activities that the young men and women undertook were: salmon stripping on a North West Water Authority fish farm as part of a conservation project; visits to the mosque on Blades Street to learn about other religions and communities; staging and taking part in a pantomime; training for and passing a basic canoe
certificate; helping to run junior sections within the scouts, and helping other organisations within the city.
All the ventures took part in practice hikes in various parts of the country — with the exceptions of Christine and Patricia, who did theirs in the Canadian Rockies and Austria respectively — before embarking on the full 50 miles in the Lake District.
Mr Sutton also presented Mr Bill Green 13th Venture leader, with the Medal of Merit recognising 25 years of valuable service with the group.
As part of their birthday celebrations, the 13th group will be holding a reunion dinner at the Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster, on Saturday, May 11, and an invitation is extended to former members from the group’s 60 year history to attend.
