Nick Lambourne, Nigel Evans and Jan Humphreys all belonged to the 4th Chandler's Ford Scouts in Hiltingbury and have volunteered for a combined 34 years between them in various roles leading their group.
The three stood down at the group's AGM but was postponed a number of times due to the pandemic. Finally on 29th January, the group held their AGM virtually but weren't alone.
Wanting to mark the dedication given, Lianne Marsh contacted the Scouts to see if a surprise could be arranged. Suffice as to say when UK Chief Commissioner, Tim Kidd OBE, joined their AGM she was over the moon.
I could never have been more surprised than to receive Tim's email. I felt strongly that their combined service of 34 years was deserving of a special send off, but given the pandemic we had had to reschedule 3 times. Therefore, I thought that if someone from the Scouts could attend it would be a real boost to morale in what has been a really difficult year for us all.
Lianne Marsh, Group Scout Leader, 4th Chandler's Ford Scouts
The group have plans to celebrate at district activity centre Cranbury Park when they are next able, but it certainly brought a smile to everyone's face.
As UK Chief Commissioner, Tim Kidd is the lead volunteer for the UK, behind only Bear Grylls as Chief Scout. Nick had been Group Scout Leader for the group for eleven years, Nigel had been Group Chairman and previously the Treasurer for a total of nine years and Jan had been in Scouting for fourteen years finishing as Group Secretary.
Story by Steven Osborn
We're always looking to grow the Hampshire Scouts family, even now. You can find out more at our Volunteer page.
