100 years of Cub Scouts, 30 years of Beaver Scouts, and Silver Acorn Presentations at 6th Motherwell

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Scouting in Calder takes many shapes for our youth members, and adult volunteers. This is shown by one group through their drive for adventure and passion for Scouting is prominent throughout Calder District – 6th Motherwell Scout Group.

Lead by Sandra Caddow and her team of dedicated volunteers, they hosted a Cubs 100 party at South Dalziel Historical Building in Motherwell aiming to showcase all that their Cubs can offer. This event also hosted the presentation of the Silver Acorn award, one of the highest awards for adults in The Scout Association, to Lesley McManus and Joe McManus.

The Scouting journey for this couple began when Lesley was asked to take over as Beaver Scout Leader at 6th Motherwell where she took an interest in the development of children with special needs and this has been demonstrated ever since by her admirable leadership capabilities and drive for success. Beavers at 6th Motherwell were a success before she even began.

Joe was an Assistant Scout Leader at the 21st Biggar Scout Group where he developed his Scouting skills and moved on to the Scout Leader position at 2nd Motherwell Scout Group in Newarthill, Motherwell. Throughout this time, Joe has delivered a balanced programme for all youth members coming into his section and due to his experience of International Camps, took on the role of International Advisor for the then Lanarkshire Area.

During this time Lesley was appointed to the role of Special Needs Advisor for Motherwell District Scouts and was heralded in her development of programming capabilities for all youth members regardless of ability.

A bond was made between Lesley and Joe as they became married to each other after meeting during a walk up Tinto Hill with their respective scout groups. Scouting became more than a hobby for them from this point. Joe was asked to be the section leader at 6th Motherwell after this and after a time balancing running 2nd Motherwell and 6th Motherwell Scouts, he focussed solely on running 6th Motherwell’s Scout section.

A fond memory of both Lesley and Joe was during a cycle between Motherwell and Corehouse Estate, Lanark they helped a blind member ride on a tandem for this journey.

From this excellent dedication they were awarded the Silver Acorn award by Karen Limond, who is a former Chief Commissioner of Scotland for The Scout Association, and both a mentor for Lesley and Joe in their Scouting careers to date.

This was not the only achievement to celebrate on this night however, as Beavers who are celebrating their 30th anniversary and Cubs who celebrate their 100th anniversary, both renewed their promises in front of the audience of over 100 parents, former members and dedicated volunteers of 6th Motherwell Scout Group.

The adventure of 6th Motherwell Scout Group is far from over, and as one of Calder Scouts biggest groups with over 70 members across their Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts sections continue this drive, passion and amazing experience for all youth members and adult volunteers for many years to come.