Two Littleport residents have received awards for their services to young people in the Scout Movement
Husband and wife Mike and Diane Philbey received the Bar to the Silver Acorn and 30 years’ Chief Scout’s Service Award respectively for their work supporting young people and adults in the Scouting movement. “I didn’t expect it, to be honest” says Mike. “It was in recognition of the new sections we have opened here in Littleport.” There are now two groups per age group – the second Beaver Colony opened in 2017, the second Cub Pack in 2018, and a second Scout Troop started up earlier this year.
“As the Group Scout Leader I get the award but it really is down to work of my brilliant leadership team who run these groups every week,” he adds, modestly.
Mike has been Group Scout Leader – ie the person in charge – at Littleport for eight years, but his involvement with Scouting goes all the way back to 1967 when he was a Cub Scout himself. Since then he has held various roles, including being a Scout Leader in London and then in Littleport when the family moved to the village in 1994.
Diane had been a Guide when she was growing up, and then joined Scouting as a Cub Scout Leader after seeing the enjoyment Mike got out of helping the young people and taking part in activities such as camping. “I thought, if you can’t beat them, join them!” she says. She has held various positions with the youngest of the Scouting sections – Beaver Scouts – from leading a group in Littleport through to more senior positions within the Ely District and Cambridgeshire County sections of Scouting, and is now the Assistant County Commissioner for Beaver Scouts.
The pair received their awards during the St George’s Day parade, which took place at Ely Cathedral on Saturday 20 April. Diane says: “It was a wonderful ceremony and I feel honoured to have been involved with such a great global movement for so long.”
Mike and Diane’s sons grew up in Scouting, and one is now a Beaver Scout Leader in Ely. Offering opportunities to experience the great outdoors and learn new skills is what motivates Mike and Diane to keep on volunteering. “Plus, I still really enjoy it,” says Mike. “I love the camping and showing kids new things such as campfire cooking, that many would not experience otherwise.”
“I am so pleased that Mike and Di have been recognised for their contribution to Scouting. They have done so much, not only for the children but also for the leaders in Littleport and beyond,” says Julie Double, one of the Littleport leaders. “They both go above and beyond in all they do.”
Scouting is growing in Littleport. There are two groups for each section – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – providing opportunities to learn new skills, get active and have fun for young people aged between 6 and 14. Leaders have a great time too – there are opportunities to learn new skills (that look good on a CV!), meet other like-minded people, and support our children to flourish. If you are interested in finding out more – either about how you can get involved or on behalf of a young person in your care – please email info@1stlittleportscoutgroup.org.uk