WEST Wiltshire Scouts District Commissioner Chris Broom has presented awards to scouts and volunteers in a year when many activities and events went online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Commissioner’s Commendation for Good Service went to Amanda Wilkes, George Braham, Kirsty Mahaffey, Jake Mazan and Nick Weston.

Thanks Badges were awarded to young leaders Amelia Hendrickx and Tom Holt and parent helper Emily Greswell, all giving outstanding service to the 1st Hilperton Scout Group, Beavers, the District and Scouting.

Meanwhile, the Wiltshire West Scout District is going from strength to strength after spending most of the past few months organising activities online because of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Mrs Broom said: “Once more restrictions are lifted our spirits will soar and we will continue to give young people ‘The Skills for Life’.

“Many Groups from the outset of the pandemic embraced the continuation of Scouting and in March 2020 the first Group to go online were Broughton Gifford & Holt Explorers followed closely by the 1st Hilperton Scout Troop.

“During April there was an abundance of activities with #campathome and St George’s Day events with Mere Beavers, Cubs and Leaders flying the flag to celebrate.

“Shaw & Whitley Beavers and Cubs and Leaders were out and about flying the flag and at the same time taking part in the ‘Hike to the Moon’ and ‘The Great Outdoors’.

“1st Hilperton Cubs held a virtual camp, invited the District Commissioner and a great time was had by all.

“Westbury Beavers made up food parcels and the 1st Trowbridge Scout Group held a virtual camp and 1st Hilperton Scouts did virtual cooking.

“The District Explorers did four challenges, baking, create, cooking, pioneer and knots absolutely wonderful creations appeared and there was no end to their creativity and talent.

“Hilperton Cubs had a ‘summer solstice camp’ and Warminster got outdoors in July hiking socially distanced.

“Remembrance Day was celebrated by Bradford on Avon Beavers who decorated pebbles and these were placed at the cenotaph and looked amazing.

“Our DYC Mollie Beales ran a photograph competition for a District calendar with some wonderful submissions, the dark nights saw sections with sparklers making abstract shapes.

“A new year brought new experiences with 1st Hilperton Scouts making chip cup rockets and now a chip hike in Trowbridge on May 6.

“On the same evening 1st Hilperton Beavers had a great evening at Jubilee Wood fire lighting, marshmallows and den building followed closely by the Cubs doing animal tracking.”

The Wiltshire West District is looking for a new treasurer and secretary. To volunteer, please contact Chris Broom at dc-wiltshirewest@wiltshirescouts.org.uk or via the web site https://www.wiltshirewestscouts.org