Blackburn Adult Scouts volunteers honoured for outstanding service The Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Derek Hardman and Mrs Colette Hardman presented awards to volunteers at Blackburn Scouts. They were joined by Abid Saleh MBE, District Commissioner outside at the Canalside Activity Centre. In total the adult volunteers have given 225 years of service to Scouting in the town. The following awards were presented: The Silver Acorn Award which is presented after 20 years’ service went to Stuart Parker, Chairman of Blackburn Scouts; Gary Taylor, Group Scout Leader Cherry Tree Woodlands; Peter Sculpher MBE, District Scout Network Commissioner and Susan Fowler, The Cub Scouts Leader Cherry Tree Woodlands.
A new photography competition is aiming to shine a light on Blackburn with Darwen. Launched by Blackburn Scouts the ‘Beautiful Blackburn with Darwen’ contest is open to entries in two categories – under 18s and over 18s. Comedian Tez Ilyas; Blackburn Rovers striker Sam Gallagher, photographer Shafiq Khan; Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and Director of BwD Council Sayyed Osman will help judge the categories. They will be looking for pictures that best show off the town’s beauty with a prize for the winner of each category. Blackburn with Darwen’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Damian Talbot said: “What a fantastic way to start the New Year, sharing pictures from our beautiful borough while getting out and about for daily covid-safe exercise.”