At a recent meeting of 1st Wargrave Scouts, Thomas Hicks aged 14, was presented with the Gold Chief Scout Award. Thomas, who lives in McCraes Walk, joined the village troop in 2009 as a Beaver progressing through Cubs to Scouts.

The Gold Chief Scout Award consists of a badge and certificate signed by UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls. The award represents significant personal achievement at the highest level of Scouting, and marks the completion of various adventure, community, creative, outdoor, global, promise and fitness challenge badges.

Mark Ballard, District Commissioner for Loddon District highlighted the commitment made by Thomas by attending a large number of camps and outdoor challenges, despite having other sporting and hobby interests outside of Scouting: “This is a significant achievement for Thomas and I’m delighted to present his Chief Scout Gold Award”.

Pete Walsh, Scout Leader commented: “We run a varied programme of challenging activities at 1st Wargrave which enable young people to try new things and learn new skills. Thomas has always been keen to jump in and get involved and complete various badge work, and this award is recognition of his hard work and efforts. We are really proud of Thomas and thank him for his significant contribution to the troop”.

Thomas is one of 12 scouts and 4 Leaders from the 1st Wargrave troop who will soon be travelling to Finland to take part in an International Jamboree. Over 16,000 Scouts and Guides from across the world will assemble in Roihu at the end of July for a week of hiking, climbing, sailing and swimming. The Scouts have been planning the trip for the past 18 months, and have raised over £2,000 at various local village event to help fund what will be a trip of a lifetime.