Two top awards in Scouting have been achieved by a Frome group. The girls and boys of the 5th Frome (Hayesdown) are celebrating the presentation of the Chief Scout’s Award to 14-year-old Patrol leader Owen Jones. The “years of specially distinguished service” by their Scout Leader Ray Marsh has also been recognised by the award of the Silver Acorn on St George’s Day.
Owen, who lives in Frome, tackled numerous practical citizenship challenges to achieve the top award in the Scout section for 10 to 14-year-old youngsters. He will now move up to join the Explorer Scouts, 14 – 18 years of age. At present Owen is preparing to fly to America, to West Virginia, to the Scouts’ World Jamboree, in July, having been chosen as one of 27 Scouts who will represent Somerset. Owen took part in a Valedictory event, a sending-off ceremony, at Huish Woods, Taunton, on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Gold Award was presented to Owen at the group’s annual meeting (on Thursday, May 16) by district president Alan Sandall. Parents were enjoying an evening in the backwoods’ atmosphere of the East Somerset district’s Tedbury camp site at Mells. Scout leader Ray Marsh, 63, has been involved since he joined as a Cub Scout aged eight in his home town of Slough. He became a Sixer, and, in the Scout section achieved the Chief Scout’s Award before moving up to the Venture Scouts, now renamed Explorers.
Mr Marsh became a leader when he moved to Frome, to start his builder’s business, and his children wished to join. He has been with the 5th Frome for 29 years. His Silver Acorn was presented at a ceremony at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells; He then attended the national St George’s Day event at Windsor Castle.
Active in his Scouting, he is also involved with the county and district organisation, 17 years as an Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, as a nights’ away advisor, and taking a lead role in setting up major county camping and activity events, including last year’s county Big Camp at the Bath and West’s showground with 1,000 campers.
All his family have been active with Scouts. Son Paul is Assistant Scout Leader. A granddaughter will be joining the Beavers shortly.
"Scouting goes on growing, year after year, across the world and more youngsters are welcome in the 5th Frome, said Mr Marsh. Girls and boys come and give it a try, you learn skills as well as have fun. We would like to grow the group.
“Check out the website social media and tell your neighbours.” The website is, 5thfromescouts.org.uk. Or contact the Group Scout Leader, Mike Plaskitt, 01373 472101
All sections meet on Thursdays at Selwood School, although the group keeps its original title of Hayesdown. The youngest, Beavers start at 5.30 pm, Cubs follow until 6.30, Scouts then to 7.45 pm.