Top Awards at the Hippodrome

Scouts from across East Norfolk celebrated their achievement of Top Awards today at the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth.

The afternoon was hosted by East Norfolk Youth Commissioners, Harri and Jake, and East Norfolk’s District Commissioner, Shelly.

Young people were recognised for achieving many different awards: the Chief Scouts Bronze, Silver and Gold Award; and the Chief Scouts Diamond Award. There were also some Young Leaders who celebrated receiving their Young Leader Belt. Young people in the District who went over and above their commitment to Scouting were recognised and Shelly presented them with a District Commissioner commendation.

The Scout Association also recognises the adult volunteers that dedicate their time to enable Scouting to happen in East Norfolk – those volunteers go over and above what is expected. At the Hippodrome today, Shelly recognised adult volunteers from the East Norfolk Active Support Unit, 1^st Bradwell and North Yarmouth Scout Groups as well as a member of the East Norfolk District Team with a District Commissioner Commendation.

The Chief Scout, Bear Grylls also recognises the contribution that volunteers give to Scouting and as such, has awarded a Chief Scouts Commendation award to volunteers from 1^st Caister, 1^st Gorleston, 1^st Great Yarmouth, 1^st Martham, 2^nd Gorleston and North Yarmouth Scout Groups as well as a member of the East Norfolk District Team.

The Scout Association has a national award scheme that recognises adult volunteers for exceptional contributions to Scouting. The Award for Merit is given for outstanding service over a minimum period of 12 years. It was a privilege for Shelly to recognise six people with their Award for Merit today. Peter Clarke, Julie Southgate, Elizabeth Tyler, John Saddington, Teo Utting and Roger Pumphrey were all recognised this afternoon.

For those volunteers who continue their exceptional service for a further five years, we are able to award The Bar to the Award for Merit. Shelly recognised Michelle Jones today for her Bar to the Award for Merit.

The Silver Acorn award can be awarded to adult volunteers after at least 20 years of service which is especially distinguished and better than outstanding. It was with great pleasure that Shelly was able to recognise Linda Hansby Patterson with her Silver Acorn today.

Finally, The Bar to the Silver Acorn Award can be given for a further 5 years of distinguished service after receiving a Silver Acorn Award. Mark (Danny) Daniels was recognised today for achieving this award for his service and contribution to Scouting far over and above what is expected for adult volunteers.

The afternoon concluded with a special visit to the Hippodrome Circus Museum where adults and young people were able to spend some time looking around the artifacts and displays from across the years.

Shelly, District Commissioner said “It was a great pleasure to recognise so many young people in the district with their top awards. They have all worked so hard so it was nice to celebrate with them all”

Harri and Jake, Youth Commissioners added “presenting the awards at the Hippodrome made it really special for the young people. Hopefully they enjoyed the afternoon in such an iconic venue which makes all their hard work worth while”

East Norfolk Scouts is always looking for new volunteers to help deliver a youth led scouting experience for young people. If you feel you want to be part of our adventure, please get in touch! www.eastnorfolkscouts.org.uk or email [email protected]