Northampton and Blisworth Scout leaders honoured for long service

The Scouting movement have honoured two of their long-serving Northampton leaders at a special ceremony.
The Scout leaders receive their awardsThe Scout leaders receive their awards
The Scout leaders receive their awards

Mike Turton, assistant Cub Scout leader at the 1st Blisworth Scout Group and Tony Walker, assistant group Scout leader of Grange Park Scout Group were presented with the prestigious Silver Acorn Award by the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, David Laing.

Silver Acorn awards, introduced in 1933, are seldom given to Scout Leaders with less than 20 years service.

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Mike has been involved in Scouting since 1981 in various roles but started out as a Wolf Cub in 1946.

His love of camping made Scouts the perfect choice for him, Mike said: “I loved being in Cubs but I was told to leave as I could not attend Sunday School.

“Times have certainly changed since then which has made us more inclusive and helped increase our membership.”

Tony, who was instrumental in setting up the Scout group in 2003, has encouraged the Grange Park Scout Group to get involved in their community.

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The Beaver Scout section chose to make congratulation cards for the starter packs prepared by Baby Basics Northampton, a charity which provides starter packs filled with basic provisions to new vulnerable mums to be in Northamptonshire. These mums have little or nothing for their new baby and themselves.

Also honoured were Scout leaders from across the county : Dave Hopkins, assistant Cub Scout leader of 20th Kettering Scout Group; Terry Smith assistant Cub Scout leader of 17th Kettering Scout Group and Anita Summerfield, group Scout leader of 11th Wellingborough Scout Group.

David Laing, Lord Lieutenant, who handed out the awards said: “These leaders have over 170 years of leadership experience between them and dedicated their time to the young people in their community.

He added: “The ceremony is a celebration of their service to Scouting and helping young people to become responsible citizens.”