History was made recently when Bernard Moore, a Scout Leader with 1st Marown Scouts was presented with one of the highest awards in Scouting, the Silver Acorn, by His Excellency Sir Richard Gozney, Patron of Scouting in the Isle of Man.

For the first time in the 113 years of history of the Scout Movement the recipient and the reenter were in two totally different places. Due to the present pandemic restrictions His Excellency was at Government House and Bernard was in Ramsey. Using the same technology as is currently used for meetings of Tynwald and the House of Keys the ceremony was able to take place and at the same time be witnessed by other members of the local Scout Movement from their own homes.

Bernard has been an active volunteer providing adventurous activities to young people for over 30 years. He’s lead hundreds of young people into the hills for many years, giving them and leaders alike, an introduction to climbing. He was due to go to Wales to support the training of less experienced leaders in hill activities this Easter, but hopes to go next year instead, due to the pandemic.

Bernard, in accepting his award from home said, “This is an absolutely fantastic privilege to be receiving the Silver Acorn, and it has been great over the years to see generations of young people embrace the great outdoors and the skills that scouting offers to young people and
volunteers like alike”

Dan Phair, a leader from 2nd Onchan described Bernard as “a true inspiration to young people in giving back so much to the Island” A small group of leaders also attended the meeting on Zoom.

The Silver Acorn is normally presented on St Georges Day – St George is the patron Saint of Scouting.

This year the service and parade were to be held at Government House, and the award presented then by His Excellency, but the event was cancelled.