The Skip of 6th Kingsbridge Sea Scouts, Bruce Pritchard has decided to stand down after 28 years of service.

Bruce said: “Scouting, for me, has been a fantastic opportunity to have fun and has given me the chance to do things I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to do - try swinging on a circus trapeze when you’re 65!

“Imagine the looks on the faces of a bunch of scouts at the end of a summer camp, tired but having had an awesome time (their words) and knowing that you and your team has made it happen for them.

“Over the years, I have met and worked with some really interesting people and have made some great friends,” Bruce continued. “I am standing down now because our young people deserve a younger, more energetic leader.

“Scouting has been a part of my life for 38 out of my 66 years. I am not about to give it up just yet, I have taken on the role of administrator, looking after the accounts for the group, and no doubt I’ll turn up at camp!”

Group chairman, Mike Court said: “I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Bruce both personally and on behalf of the 6th Kingsbridge Scout Group for everything he has done and achieved for the group over a period of almost 30 years.

“During that time, Bruce has been a great leader, an inspiration to hundreds of young people and played a significant role in the building of the current scout headquarters some 13 years ago. The group will be very sorry to lose Bruce when he stands down as leader later this year.”

Scouting is a great opportunity for fun, challenge and adventure, and can change the lives of young people and the adults that volunteer. The troop is now looking for a new Skip - a team leader who can motivate the team, not someone to do it all. Important qualities are a great sense of fun, a love of the outdoors and an enthusiasm to change the lives of young people.

The troop is also looking for a new assistant leader to replace Andy Sinclair, who has left the group after many years of service to the movement.

The scout troop is for boys and girls from the age of 10½ to 14 years old, and the troop numbers vary from 25 to 30.

If you think that scouting sounds like a great voluntary opportunity for you, then please get in touch. They can support and train you, and help you as much as you need.

To find out more about volunteering with the scout leadership team, then please get in touch with Bruce, either by email at [email protected], or by telephone on 07970 030089.