The 11,000 strong population of Wootton in north Bedfordshire woke up one fine October morning recently to a new sight and sound after one of the biggest investitures of Beaver Scouts in the county’s history. A total of 14 six year olds promised to do their best and to help other people before receiving their group scarves to confirm their membership of the Scout Movement. Another three youngsters will join as soon as they recover from chicken pox. “Trying to keep up with all these excited, and sometimes noisy, youngsters requires patience and a touch of deafness”, said one parent.

District Commissioner Graeham Watt started the evening by investing the two new leaders who will run the Beaver Scout Colony. Sam Bloomer, a parish council member, said, “I needed very little persuading after attending last year’s World Scout Jamboree. She added, “My mother started a Colony here 13 years ago and I helped out for a while. At the Jamboree I realised how much fun I was missing and just volunteered.”

Sam’s assistant Alison Page who is a secretary for an electrical contractor had a similar awakening when she came along to enrol her son. She said, “I was hooked from the start when I realised how much I enjoyed the challenge of keeping these excited Beavers active.” The two completed their training earlier this year in time to open the new Beaver Scout Colony in time for the autumn programme.

The Beavers were fascinated by the left handshake from the District Commissioner that was part of the ceremony. One said, “Does that mean our leaders are now married to Mr DC?”

Group Scout Leader Jenny Lambert said, “I now have a complete group with 18 Beavers, 28 Cubs, 30 Scouts and 4 Explorer Scouts. It’s good to know we have the dedicated leaders to look after these 80 young people while I can get on juggling the finances, looking after the building and equipment and managing a packed programme of events.”

Parish Council member, Paul Quirk, one of several invited guests said, “It takes me back to my days as a Scout in London. We promised to help other people and that is exactly what we try to do on the council. It is so rewarding to see the benefits these youngsters get from the Scout Movement which we support from our Community Fund.”

Council Vice Chairman John Wheeler agreed. He added, “Like us the Scout Leaders are unpaid volunteers. They deserve all our thanks. We wish them well”

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