By Nick Nelson, Group Chair, 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group.
We are extremely lucky at 1st Bradley Stoke Scouts to have a Group Scout Leader who has over forty years’ experience of Scouting and is still as enthusiastic as ever. Clive Mason has been a driving force behind our Scout Group and has served as our Chair and as our Group Scout Leader over a period that has seen the group triple in size to become one of the largest in the country.
His skill and expertise is now being utilized to help other groups through his recently appointed role as Assistant District Commissioner (Group Support).
Clive has been awarded the Scouting ‘Award for Merit’ which is given for “outstanding service of not less than 12 years (10 years exceptionally)”. It implies “keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period” and is, in our opinion, long over due.”
After he received the award, Clive posted:
“It’s not often I’m lost for words in a Scouting environment. However, I am absolutely gobsmacked, but nonetheless proud, to have received this award at the District AGM.”
“I only ever wanted to give back the time that a volunteer gave to me when I started my Scouting career well over 40 years ago.”
“The fact that I’m still ‘doing my bit’ for 250 people in the community is merely a reflection of all those fantastic young people, adult volunteers and lifelong Scouting friends (around the world) with whom I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy life’s experiences and make a positive difference.”
“Also timely to express my love and gratitude to [my family] Vicky, Tash and Ben, who still let me disappear for countless Scouting evenings, days and weekends. I couldn’t do it without their understanding and support.”
Thank you Clive – Here’s hoping you will stay with us for the next 40 years!
Photo (l-r): Graham Brant (Avon Scouts County Commissioner) presents the Scouting Award for Merit to Clive Mason.
This article originally appeared in the August 2016 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
