A DEDICATED duo who run a successful long-running Scout group have been put forward for a Your Champions accolade.
Scout and Explorer Scout leader Colin Devine and group Scout leader Jan Devine have been part of the 1st Farndon Scout Group since 1988.
The troop has been going for more than 100 years and in recent times has expanded to offer a Beaver Scout colony and an Explorer Scout unit.
Jan, who has been a Scout leader since 1982, said: “Our son James is keeping it in the family as he is assistant Scout leader. As a family we spend a substantial amount of time scouting, on top of me working full-time in the NHS, and Colin and James running their own businesses in the building trade.
“We have more than 80 youngsters between the ages of six-18 years.
“We actively take part in many activities – for example we attended the district camp on the Duke’s Estate earlier this year.
“We also have our own camps, weekends away, days out and actively take part in the annual Cheshire Hike. Being in a village we take part in village activities and fundraising events as much as possible.
“We meet in a wooden hut in the village. We don’t have all the modern facilities, but believe in traditional scouting values, including going ‘back to basics’ when on camp ie the Scouts cook on open fires.
“This is often a new experience for youngsters who are used to their computer games.
“Over the years Colin and I have found it very rewarding to see youngsters develop and many of them keep in touch once they have moved on.”
Justin Realff, who nominated Colin and Jan for the Volunteer of the Year category, said: “They run the group with enthusiasm, giving spare time to organise village events. They are unselfish and brilliant.”
