Brian Zimmerman, Group Scout Leader of the 1^st Harwell (St Matthew’s) Scout Group, will receive a Scout Association distinguished service accolade on 22 April.

The Silver Acorn is awarded to exceptional leaders, and Brian’s service to the country’s largest youth organisation has been long and outstanding: having moved through all the Scouting sections as a boy, Brian became a Scout Leader in London at just 18 years old.

He followed this by founding the Toll-Gate Venture Scout Unit (now known as Explorer Units), which was to become one of the strongest Venture Units in London, becoming Assistant District Commissioner for Venture Scouts and then District Commissioner for Camberwell (London) at the unusually young age of 32.

Brian (pictured with the Leader team of Harwell Scouts, which caters for boys and girls in four sections, aged 6 – 18) has twice lived in Harwell, this time round since 1995. He says “I am delighted to receive this significant recognition as Scouting has brought me untold benefits, not only in terms of the rewards of seeing young people blossom and flourish but also professional and personal skills. I do urge anyone interested in helping us lead Harwell Scouts into the next century of Scouting to come along and give us a try!”

Ends

Notes to Editor

(1) Further jpgs and more detailed biography available if required.

(2) Scouting celebrates its Centenary in 2007 and Harwell Scouts is offering a packed programme of commemorative events to mark the anniversary. For more information about Scouting in Harwell, please contact Liz Roberts on 01235 83 42 95/07745 80 20 30 or [email protected]