County Shield
Horrabridge sweep to victory in County Cub Shield Competition
Cubs from all over the county
gathered at Exeter
for the exciting annual County Shield
Competition last weekend. Over 70 young people competed in a day of challenges
and after 5 hours of activity the 1st Horrabridge Cubs from West
Devon emerged winners. This despite being hit by a sickness
which depleted their team by 2. Second place went to 5th North Devon - Bishops Tawton and 3rd place to Mid Devon's
1st Okehampton.
Leader,
Gary Jones said “This is the first time we have entered the competition. I’ve
seen these young people having fun and enjoyment today, it’s just brilliant
when I see them achieving their best. This is a very creditable performance.
It’s just a pity we can’t bring scouting to more young people.” Gary explained that the
challenge of attracting more leaders was seriously affecting the Okehampton
group. He said, “There is a real vibe surrounding scouting with the group is
full to the brim. I have massive waiting lists but with local businesses
shutting down, leaders from Okehampton are leaving to seek new jobs elsewhere
in the country.” Gary
added “I would like encourage adults from this area to join us. When you are looking for a new job, being a
voluntary Scout leader can give you that edge and companies like people who are
prepared to volunteer. It shows you can work in a team and demonstrates
communication and organisational skills and, of course it’s really good fun.”
Just
behind the top three were another first time group the 1st Dartmouth. Cub Scout
Alice Lowson (aged 9) summed the day up saying “There have been a lot of hard
challenges all against the clock, but it has been great fun and we have all
tried our best.” Adam Callard (aged 10) gave up going for a holiday in London with his family to enter the competition said “I
really wanted to come here so much, the rest of my family have gone to watch
the tennis in London,
but I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.
I’ve really enjoyed the games and the challenges against the other
cubs.”
Dartmouth
Leader Nikki Vosper said, “I’ve been a leader for about two years and although
today is my only day off work I’ve no regrets about coming here, I’ve met other
leaders and had a great time. I get as much out of Scouting as the children do,
volunteering is the best thing I’ve ever done I know that for a dead cert.”
