On Monday (09 December) evening 2nd Marlborough Scout Group showed their appreciation of Alison Barnett, who has volunteered as leader of the Beavers for twenty years.
Ken McDougall, Group Scout Leader, said, “All our leaders are unpaid volunteers so it’s fantastic that someone will volunteer for so long.”
To celebrate Alison’s time with the group, she was presented with a certificate from District Scouting, an engraved glass, a bouquet of flowers, a photo book and Courvoisier Cognac known as ‘leaders’ tea’!
The Beavers, twenty-four children aged six to eight, showed their appreciation by making ‘thank you’ posters. They also gave little speeches thanking Alison for the activities she has organised that they have enjoyed participating in. Box-caving, camping, cooking and archery were among the top favourites.
Also present were former Beaver leaders, Jessica Hickson, Heather Croucher, Viv Lucas and Aileen Makin who led the singing of the Beaver song ‘Everywhere we go.’
Alison thanked everyone saying, “I have enjoyed the twenty years with the Beavers and have done things I have never done before. New activities planned for next year and suggested by the Beavers include: line dancing, art and yoga but not yoga with goats !”
Scouting is a real family affair for Alison. She met her husband, Andrew, at the scouts. Andrew also received an award last year when he completed twenty-five years of volunteering. The family tradition is being continued as eldest daughter, Jennifer, is now a young helper.
2nd Marlborough Scout Group are always looking for more volunteers. All volunteers receive training and there is a variety of courses on offer ranging from first aid to management training and training to train. Potential young leaders aged seventeen or eighteen are also encouraged to apply.