Admiralty inspector Lt Commander David Griffiths RN gave the First Luton Sea Scouts a rare honour after their recent inspection. Not only did they emerge with their important Admiralty recognition intact, but they were also awarded the title of the best group out of 450 in the UK. In the 100 year history of the group this is the first time they have received such an honour.

From the time that Lt Griffiths was piped aboard at the group’s Bowling Green Lane headquarters at exactly 19.30 hours to the end of the inspection two hours later, it was clear the Scouts meant business. From the youngest Beaver Scout aged six to the oldest Explorer Scout at 16 they gave an impressive display of smartness, skill and discipline. As Group Scout Leader Terry Jones said, “When you deal with water activities you have to know the boundaries and obey the rules of the sea. It’s also all about team work and being able to rely on your colleagues in an emergency. But we enjoy ourselves and learn an awful lot at the same time.”

All the Scouts had gained activity badges and taken part in challenges for their Chief Scout Award. One Cub said his personal challenge was to gain his sailing badge which meant overcoming a fear of water. Another did not like heights but went abseiling during a recent camp. Scout Gemma Montford (12) said, “I like capsizing the canoe and getting really wet. I’m working towards my sailing award.” Youngest Scout Helen Slater (11) had been invested just three months earlier but she would not miss it for the world. She said, “I hurt my back in a swimming accident but that didn’t stop me taking part. I just can’t sit cross legged at the moment.”

There was an opportunity for the inspector to see a whole range of activities after the formal inspection was over. Scout Leader Nicola Marshall along with several Scouts demonstrated sailing skills. One Scout was even able to furl and unfurl sails while blindfolded.

Back in the main hall, the Cub Scouts were showing VIP visitor Deputy Mayor Mohammed Riaz the duck race where a plastic duck was wound up rapidly on a string. He was a quick learner and surprised them all by winning his race.

While all this was going on a team of Scout cooks, led by Ruth Beeley (13), was cooking a traditional breakfast for the inspector of bacon, fried bread, mushrooms, fried egg and tomato. It was all served Jamie Oliver style in cook’s aprons. Lt Griffiths was joined at breakfast by County Commissioner John Duley. Afterwards the inspector said, “This is the first time I have been treated to a breakfast. It was very tasty. Well done.”

Lt Cmdr Griffiths ended the evening with his report. He said, “You have a great programme and a tremendous lot of leaders who give an awful lot of time and energy for your benefit. You have a great site at Luton Hoo. You help in the community and, after visiting all the Sea Scout Groups in the last 18 months, I can say this is the best one in Great Britain. I have no hesitation in awarding you your Admiralty recognition certificate for what I think is the 40^th time.”

At the end of the inspection, in front of County Commissioner John Duley, District Commissioner Martin Wesley and other visitors, Lt Cmdr Griffiths announced his selection of James Bottoms (13) as the smartest Scout on parade.  He said, “It was a very difficult choice because you are all so well turned out. Next time it could be one of you.”

James and fellow Scout Adam Smith were awarded their Chief Scout Gold Award by County Commissioner John Duley. They had both completed a range of challenges.

Deputy Mayor Mohammed Riaz, fresh from his success at the duck race said, “The Scouts have put on a really impressive display. I congratulate them and their leaders on their success.”

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