A SEASONED Scout leader has been honoured for his service while a younger Scout was given a top award at Crudwell Scouts’ annual Christmas party.

At the event on December 18 Mike Goodyer, a Scout Leader for 32 years, was given a message of appreciation by Scouts new and old, with some even returning from university to say thank you to their former leader.

Mike was presented with a photo album detailing events from his Scouting career and a book signed by the whole troop as a surprise, as he was attending the event for a different reason.

Mike said: “It was a bit of a surprise as I went down for someone else who was receiving their Queen’s Medal.

“I just want to say a big thank you to everybody involved in the evening and a big thank you to the committee and Rick Applegate who is the person who has supported me for 15 years of scouting.”

“It is a surprise when you hear what other people think of you because you just carry on with it all and don’t worry about that sort of thing.”

Rick Applegate paid tribute to his friend, explaining how as well as Mike’s good work with the Scouts he was a keen orienteer, an experienced ice climber and a former youth worker at Malmesbury Youth Centre.

He added: “Inside that gruff, Northern man, is a very perceptive and caring person who fundamentally believes in Scouting as a way of allowing young people to develop in their own time, in their own way and in line with their own interests, away from the family yet providing similar support mechanisms and a stable environment.”

Explorer Scout Niall Wiggins was given his Queen’s Scout Award, the most prestigious medal in Scouting, at the event.

The 17-year-old apprentice at First Great Western received the award along with a letter signed by the Queen and was presented the accolade by the district’s Explorer Scout commissioner Josh Coombs.

The Crudwell Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers are open for applications for 2015 for any new members and would also welcome any more support from adults as uniformed leaders, helpers or fundraisers.

If you want to join the troop, enquire on behalf of your child or get involved with helping the group contact Group Scout Leader Helen Bleakley-Roberts at helenbleakley@hotmail.com or on 07803 270457.