MR ROGER Swabey, an instantly recognisable figure on Gwent’s Scouting scene for the past 30 years, is celebrating receiving the Silver Wolf, the movement’s highest award.

After accepting the honour at the annual meeting of Newport District, Mr Swabey, 73, of Ruskin Avenue, Newport, said: “It’s just nice to have given something back.

“I have had a fantastic time in scouting and the story is not over yet.”

Mr Swabey is a former Merchant Navy officer and began his adult scouting in West Sussex, before becoming Commissioner for Sea Scouts in Hong Kong.

Upon his arrival in Newport he took over leadership of the 29th Newport Sea Scouts with which he has been connected in many adult leadership capacities ever since.

He has served on Newport’s district executive and has advised both scouts and guides on boating and seamanship.

His other scouting awards include the medal of merit and long service decoration, and bar to the medal of merit, the Silver Acorn and bar and the Guides Thanks Badge.

“It’s hard to say what it is about scouting that has been the most fun,” Mr Swabey added.

“I began scouting at the time of the Korean War when all we have was ex-Army kit.

“Instead of zip wires we used to rig up a rope across a river and slide across hanging on to each end of a bent stick. Needless to say health and safety wasn’t a big issue in those days.

“I said the story isn’t over yet.

“I am chairman of the scout and guide Christmas post which delivers to thousands of households in and around Newport every year and a member of the scout active support in which old ’uns like me can continue to do their bit for the movement.”

There are more than 2,000 scouts in Gwent and a permanent campsite at Botany Bay, near Tintern, which has an international reputation. It is exceeded in numbers only by the guides which is the largest youth movement in Gwent and nationally.

“Scouting is growing at the rate of over four percent a year,” Mr Swabey said.

“The movement started by Lord Baden-Powell over 100 years ago must be doing something very right.”