As Scouts, we’re guided by our values. Whether we volunteer for a few hours a week, a few sessions a term, whether we’re helping at sections or delivering vital behind the scenes support, at the heart of Scouting are key behaviours that shape our movement.
Like all organisations, we evolve over time. Those in Scouting who have been fortunate to witness our growth and development, remain true to those core values: integrity, respect, care, belief, and cooperation. Long-serving Windsor Scout, Rupert Allison, is testament to that – and much more.
82-year-old Rupert was recently presented with his 50-year Long Service Award by Windsor & Eton District Lead Volunteer, Stuart Ford. An impressive achievement that was picked up by local media outlets – complete with a very poignant tribute from the Scout Association.
“Rupert, congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone and achieving your 50 years of service award. Your dedication, commitment, and selfless contributions as a volunteer over the decades is what keeps Scouting going. Your efforts make an unmeasurable difference to your community and we’re grateful for your unwavering support. Volunteers like yourself give over half a million young people the chance to build skills for life and take on new experiences every week.”
Upon presentation of the special award, Stuart thanked Rupert for his loyal and invaluable service to young people in Windsor and Eton District, which date back to 1974 when he began volunteering as a Scout Leader with 4th Windsor (Trinity) Scouts.
Rupert oversaw the merger between this group and the 1st / 6th Scout Troop in Green Lane in 1977, forming the Central Windsor Scout Group. Rupert later served as the Venture Scout Leader before taking over the Leadership of Central Windsor Scout Group in 1995.
The council lease on the old Scout premises in Green Lane was due to expire while Rupert was Group Scout Leader so, over a period of almost 10 years, Rupert was able to mastermind a deal between RBWM and Airways Housing that led to the construction of the new Scout Hut in Green Lane in 2004.
Rupert stepped back from the Group in 2009, to concentrate on his role as the Berkshire Scouts Archive manager but, in 2012, he returned to active Leadership and ran the 5th Windsor Scout Group in Wolf Lane for another 5 years. He upgraded the Scout Hut to modern standards of heating, lighting and insulation and inspired the Section Leaders to grow the Group successfully,
Rupert has led numerous Scout camps over his fifty years of service, notably the international Scout Camp to Slovenia which made the cover of Scouting Magazine in 2008. He continues to serve the Scouting Movement as an active supporter and County Archivist and remains in contact with many of the Scouts who benefitted from his leadership over the years.
“I felt very honoured because I do feel 50 years is a long time and at my age – I haven’t done too badly,” said Rupert. “I’ve always had very good support from people, good leaders -we’re all friends now – and I had a marvellous lot of kids. It was 50 years that I thoroughly enjoyed,” he said. “I hope I can do another 10 years.”
With thanks to Peter Archibald and Stuart Ford for the content and photo!
