SCOUTING is alive and kicking in Coventry and there was more to celebrate this week when one of the city’s leaders received a special award for 70 years service.
Roy Nowell MBE has always been a member of the 13th Coventry Scout Group and took up a leadership position in 1949.
The 88-year-old started off as an assistant leader to the Scout Section in 1967 and then took on the leader role for many years.
In 1965 he took on the role as UK adviser for Scout bands a position he held for over 25 years.
He has also held a number of other roles within Coventry, including the County Adviser for Scout Bands, as well as being a long-standing member of the 13th’s executive committee.
It was in 2004 when he was awarded his MBE for services to young people.
Roy has been fundamental with his leadership and has taken the Band to many places, both here and abroad.
The band was renowned to be ‘Britain’s best known Scout Band’ having performed in front of royalty at Windsor Castle and also participated in engagements at the Royal Albert Hall.
Andrew Morris, who presented Roy with his award on Wednesday, said: “It was a real privilege for me, having previously been a member of the band and knowing Roy for most of my life.
“Also being a 2nd generation band member, I am fully aware and appreciate the time dedication and enthusiasm Roy has put in to Scouting and the Scout Band.”
After the presentation of the award Roy and Andrew reminisced about some of the engagements the band had taken part in and remembering some of the members from over the years.
“Roy believes he has had more than 2,000 young people pass through the band and he was able to remember some of their names.”
Scouting in Coventry is in a strong position with almost 2,550 young people and 700 adults involved.
Visit 13thcoventry.co.uk for more on the 13th Coventry Scout Group.
