Half-century of working with young wins Rachael highest honour in Scouting

Rachael Ridsdale was presented with the Silver Wolf for her commitment to Cubs and Scouts since she first helped out at the 30th Rotherham based at Herringthorpe United Reformed Church at just 15.

By the age of 18, she was acting as the group’s leader — known as Akela after the Jungle Book character — and under her leadership the group has grown from just eight boys to an organisation which has more than 90 young members including active Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout sections.

And when the neighbouring Whiston Scout Group closed due to a lack of leaders, Rachael stepped in to enable its young members to continue their Scouting, resulting in 42 children regularly attending Cub nights.

As well as supporting the children at 30th Rotherham, Rachael has also held numerous district roles over the past 50 years including twice being both Assistant District Commissioner for Cub Scouts and District Cub Scout Leader.

She is currently Assistant District Commissioner for General Duties and provides support and guidance to struggling groups around the area.

Rachael was presented with the award by the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Mr Andrew Coombe, on behalf of Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

She said: “I have always felt a sense of achievement seeing the young people who take part in Scouting activities, not just in my own group, but within the Rotherham District to grow and develop as they learn new Scouting skills.

“Scouting is a unique organisation which offers the chance for young people to enjoy many new experiences and I always find it very rewarding to see them grow, develop and indeed return with their own children — and in some cases grandchildren.

“All three of my sons were members of the group from eight to 18 and my twin grandsons are currently members of the Cub Scout Pack.”

In 2011, Rachael was responsible for chairing the committee which was responsible for organising Rotherham Scout District’s centenary celebrations, planning a series of events which took place throughout the year to mark the special milestone.

Throughout her Scouting career she has been responsible for organising a wide range of events including district Cub Scout competitions and is involved with the annual St George's day and Carol Service celebrations.

In the mid-1970s she worked with South Yorkshire Police and helped to launch the launch of the Cub Scout Police badge and in 2015 she co-ordinated the 50th Anniversary of the opening of 30th Rotherham.  

The Scout Association said the Silver Wolf was only awarded for “service of a most exceptional nature”.

Chris Croker, chairman of South Yorkshire County Scout Association said: “Rachael has shown a considerable amount of dedication to Scouting over the years.

“I've known her personally for over 40 years and after enjoying my own Scouting as a boy, I worked alongside her at the frontline of scouting at the 30th Rotherham, when my own children reached Scouting age.

“I was always fascinated by the creative programme ideas she has developed and it's incredible to think that many of her former Cubs and Scouts are returning to the group with their own children.

“It’s genuinely surprising how many people in Rotherham know her as Akela!

“Rachael has played an invaluable role, not only at the 30th, but in supporting the growth of Scouting within Rotherham and I can’t think of anyone who is as deserving of the highest adult award in Scouting.”

Two other leaders received awards for long and outstanding service at the Sheffield ceremony.

Barry Dale of 27th Rotherham (Woodsetts) and Paul Harvey of 9th Rotherham (Rawmarsh) were presented were presented with Silver Acorns and invited to Windsor Castle to attend his year’s St George’s parade.