NEWLY reformed West Devon Explorer Scouts group recently enjoyed their first investiture ceremony, with a difference, at the summit of Cox Tor. It is customary for the explorers to choose a special place or event to invest new members and this was no exception. One of the new explorers, Adam Browner, of Tavistock, recently broke his ankle in a skiing accident, so in order for him to make it to the summit, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team came to his aid. The team brought along a wheeled stretcher for Adam to be transported to the ceremony at Cox Tor, with assistance by fellow explorers ? rescuers found it a welcome diversion to be transporting a casualty onto the moor instead of away from it. Eight new explorers were given their badges and West Devon scarves by district commissioner Cath Monks. The group was also presented with its own flag ? a gift from the West Devon District Scouts. Assistant explorer leader Susan Jones said: ?Everybody who attended said it was a complete success and the eight new members seemed to enjoy it. They enjoyed taking Adam up in the stretcher as much as the investiture.? The West Devon group has recently been recreated after a six-month break and now has 16 members, with more scouts to progress to explorers this September. For further information on the explorer scouts contact Mark Rogers on 07866183716.
