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Abercarn Scouts celebrated their first face-to-face annual awards ceremony since Covid, with nine top honours handed out.

To earn the prestigious Chief Scout Gold Award, a person has to complete nine challenge awards, as well as six activity badges. 

The award was given to Scout Leader Alan Britt, Assistant Scout Leader Craig Hale and Patrol Leaders Amelia Harwood, Colm Williams and Rhys Richards. 

Senior Patrol Leader Finley Walther-Wright, Assistant Patrol Leader Rhodri Terrell, District Commissioner Symon Dunstan and Assistant Scout Leader Lewis Griffiths also picked up the award. 

In May 2021, a similar ceremony was held over zoom and saw Abercarn Scouts win five Chief Scout Gold Awards. 

Seven Scouts were also presented with the Expedition Challenge Badge this year, which requires a two-day activity in the form of a lightweight hiking and camping expedition – similar to a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. 

Four Silver Acorns – the second highest award of the Scout Association – were presented to three individuals for outstanding loyalty and dedication.

Chair Sylvia Dowden celebrated 50 years service. Meanwhile Scout Secretary Susan Hayward and Treasurer Yvonne Hurd were both rewarded for their 30 years of service.

The UK’s Chief Commissioner for Scouts, Carl Hankinson, said: “What a fantastic achievement for the scouts, the group and all volunteers.

“The commitment shown by the group and young people, and then of course the wider community will have made such an impact on hundreds of young people.”

During the pandemic, Abercarn reached out to scouts around the world, meeting over zoom and sharing stories.

Some of these got back in touch to congratulate Abercarn Scouts this year. Kenyan Scouts made contact, with a representative saying: “A special congratulations to the nine highest achievers.

“The most exciting part is for the un-uniformed members. They must have served with a lot of passion for many years.”

Abercarn Scouts has said it will will remain committed to doing its bit for the community.