Medal of Merit for Rushden Scout troop chief
HARRY WOOD relived nearly 45 years of Scouting last night and to cap it all, was presented with the coveted Medal of Merit at the church room in Midland Road, Rushden.

County Commissioner Dr. S. J. S. Hughes in pinning the medal to the chest of 53-year-old Mr Wood said: “Having people like Harry Wood around makes my job easy.”

Mr Wood’s Scouting days began in 1924 as a Cub. His association with the 3rd Rushden St Peter’s troop, of which he is now Group Scout Leader, started in 1935 when it was formed.

In 1940 he left for war service, but in June 1946 he was back trying to reform the troop. But his attempts were unsuccessful and it was not until 1961 that his wish came true and he rejoined the troop as Group Scout Leader. Last October he was given the additional job of Scout Leader.

Mrs W. J. Anker, secretary to the 3rd Rushden Scout Group Council, told Mr Wood's story to parents and members of the troop packed into the church room.

Thanking everyone, Mr Wood said that the troop now had 41 boys and there were 26 in the pack. When he joined there were only about a dozen.

Mr Wood, who lives with his wife at 80 Washbrook Road, Rushden, then did a presentation ceremony himself. He presented a quarter-master's badge to 15-year-old Stephen Moore, of 3 Beech Road, Rushden.

Also at the ceremony were District Commissioner Mr John Oritt and his wife; Mr George Marriott, president of the local association of Scouts; Assistant District Commissioner Mr Bill Knott; Assistant Commissioner of Cub Scouts Mr Reg Brown; treasurer of the local association, Mr John Spencer, and his wife; and Mrs Hughes, wife of the County Commissioner.

Guests were welcomed by Mr G. B. Mackness, chairman of the 3rd Rushden Group Scout Council.