A university student from Sheet has become the first member of village scout group to receive a royal accolade.
Stafford Whelan was recently presented with the King’s Scout award during a special Explorer’s meeting at Sheet scout hut.
The 18-year-old chemistry student is the first member of 1st Sheet St Mary’s to receive the award, which demonstrates dedication, perseverance and a commitment to personal growth.
Stafford – who started as a Beaver and benefited from the guidance of the group’s late Scout Leader and Petersfield Post chief reporter, Jon Walker – said it was a great honour to receive the award.
Petersfield District Commissioner, Mark Knowles, presented Stafford with a badge and booklet in addition to the prestigious award, given to a youngster who has excelled in scouting.
He told the Explorer troop that he hopes Stafford – a serial volunteer and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipient – has inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
Stafford’s volunteering roles have included helping the Broadlands Cubs and 34th Norwich Beavers to obtain badges while he’s also given charities like Butterflies Bereavement Support a helping hand.
He also helped out at CarFest 2023 at Laverstoke Park Farm where he met astronaut Tim Peake and England rugby player James Haskell.
Stafford will be presented with a certificate by the Head of Hampshire Scouts later this summer in Winchester’s Great Hall. He will also get to wear the Silver Elephant – the highest award in honour of Lord Mountbatten – and will receive an invitation to Windsor Castle next April.