22 Sep 2023
A Scout leader has been recognised for his 60 years of service to the organisation.
Ian Woods, Group Scout Leader at the 4th St Albans Scout Group, was presented with his 60 year Chief Scout’s Length of Service Award by Herts Deputy Lieutenant David Williams, with MP Daisy Cooper also in attendance.
Ian said: “It was an honour to receive this award to mark 60 years as a warranted leader in the Scout movement and a delight to have so many friends and ex-Scouts from those 60 years attending the event.”
The Mayor, Cllr Antony Rowlands, was unable to attend but sent this message: “To have served the Scouting movement for 60 years here in St Albans is a truly extraordinary achievement.
“For many young people scouting is a crucial part of their development towards adulthood nurturing as it does many of the skills and attributes which enable people to go on to contribute to society. Ian has also been a stalwart of the much loved Gang Show.
“Amazingly, he has also over very many years also been a pillar of St Albans City Youth FC, now one of the largest youth football clubs in the region. It is a unique record of service.”
Matt Hyde OBE, Scouts chief executive also sent his apologies: “I wholeheartedly congratulate Ian on his 60 years of service. To have served young people for such a long time is an incredible achievement and everyone in Scouting is extremely grateful for everything he has done for the movement over the past six decades. Ian really does represent the best of Scouts. Thank you Ian for everything you have done for Scouting and long may it continue!”
Milestones in Ian’s career:
1951 – Ian joined the 4th St Albans Scout Group as a Cub Scout
May 1963 – Assistant Cub Scout Leader
1966 – Cub Scout Leader
1968 – Scout Leader
1974 – Assistant Venture Scout Leader
1980 – 2013 Scout Leader
1993 – Group Scout Leader
2015 – Silver Wolf Award – the highest award made by The Scout Association “for services of the most exceptional character.” It is an unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout.
District Sports Events 1970 – 2016
District Gang Show Producer 1991 – 2002
District Scout Camp Coordinator 2002 – 2012
Derek Turner Trophy Coordinator 2006 – 2018
Outside of Scouting, Ian has been closely involved with St Albans City Youth Football Club as its founder in 1971 and is currently a trustee serving as club secretary and child welfare officer.
The 4th St Albans Scout Group was founded in 1909 and currently runs two Beaver Colonies, two Cub Packs and two Scout Troops. Should anyone wish to ‘join the adventure’ as a young person or adult volunteer please visit https://www.stalbansscouts.org/scouting-st-albans/
