Members of Saxon Explorer Scouts, based in Midsomer Norton, were recently awarded badges in recognition of this year’s achievements. A total of over 100 badges were presented by Assistant Leaders, Neil Harrington and Becci Horler.

The awards recognised skills gained, time spent on water activities, nights away and musicianship, but the highlight of the evening was the award of Duke of Edinburgh awards: five Bronze and three Gold. The DofE awards had been gained in co-operation with local secondary schools. Explorer Leader, Nick Lake, said: “We are very proud of these young people. They tell us what Scouting activities they want to do, and we organise them, supported by a fully-trained leader team.

Later in the evening, District Commissioner, Tina Curtis, presented an Award for Merit Medal to Assistant Leader, Phil Elkington, in recognition of his keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service as an adult leader over a

sustained period. Neil Harrington was awarded a thirty-year service certificate.

The evening concluded with a video of the Explorers’ summer camp in Belgium.