Celebrating One Year of the 11th Abingdon Squirrels

Tuesday evening took me to Abingdon, where I joined the 11th Abingdon Squirrels to celebrate their very first birthday.

For those who haven’t yet met a Squirrel, they’re the youngest members of the Scout family – four- to six-year-olds taking their first steps in early years Scouting. Introduced nationally in 2021, Squirrels are all about giving children the opportunity to learn, play, and grow together through fun, active adventures – a brilliant way to start a lifelong journey in Scouting.

I was joined by Oxfordshire Scouting’s lead volunteer, Wendy Tatham, and the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Rawda Jehanli, who arrived hotfoot from work with barely time to put on her chain of office! We were also joined by Ben the teddy bear, dressed smartly for the occasion in his camp-fire poncho and Scout scarf – a rare outing from the upstairs bedroom he normally presides over at home.

Together we helped the Squirrels mark the occasion in true Scouting style – with a mini campfire, cupcakes, and a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to Us!

It was a joy to see the enthusiasm of the young members and the pride of their leaders and parents. Early years Scouting clearly has a hugely positive impact – helping children gain confidence, curiosity, and kindness from the very beginning.

I stayed on afterwards to spend time with the Cubs and talk with them about my role as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. As always, they asked excellent questions – thoughtful, funny, and full of insight.

My thanks go to the brilliant volunteers who, week after week, keep voluntary uniformed youth work alive and thriving in our communities. Their energy and commitment make an extraordinary difference to the lives of young people across Oxfordshire.