A HUSBAND and wife team who founded a scout group have been recognised for their ‘long and devoted’ service.
Pam and John Hinks, age 70 and 77 respectively, have worked with scouts in Warwick district for more than 80 years combined – and they don’t plan to give up any time soon.
John founded the 7th Warwick Scout Group in 1976 when the Woodloes estate was being built.
The group started meeting in a local school hall before a scout hut was built in nearby Bluebell Wood – between Woodloes and Wedgenock – where it remains today.
Wife Pam joined as assistant leader and soon Beavers, Cubs and even Explorers groups were formed.
The pack has grown dramatically over the past four decades when it had just eight members. Now more than 120 youngsters are involved.
Despite being busy with scout duties, the husband and wife team refuse to slow down, spending their spare time helping organise the WAGS Gang show – with Pam doing make-up and John taking on a role working in props.
The pair – who recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary – received their award celebrating 40 years service to the scouts, and were equally as happy when they realised it was their son who was presenting it to them.
Pam told the Observer: “We were both delighted to receive our award for our involvement in scouting and were proud to know our son Andy, who is deputy district commissioner for Warwick, presented us with our awards.
“We still enjoy scouting after all these years with me as a scout leader and John as the district president and badge secretary.”
