Barry scouts meet their leader, Bear Grylls! (From Barry And District News)

Barry scouts meet their leader, Bear Grylls!

4:00pm Saturday 13th October 2012 in News

SCOUTS in Barry saluted a 'Bear' emerging from a helicopter as he descended onto a powerboat - to encourage more adults to become inspirational volunteers.

UK chief scout and survival expert Bear Grylls took to the air and water in a mission to recruit and illustrate the adventure activities organised by the youth movement.

He met youngsters and leaders involved with 1st, 5th, 6th and 11th Barry sea scouts and 2nd and 4th Barry scouts during his visit to Barry Docks, with chief commissioner for Wales Jill Glocester.

His trip to Barry was one of nine events in Wales he attended on the weekend, as part of his mission to encourage more adults to volunteer for Scouting, as well as to celebrate the important role of Scouting in Wales. His plan is to visit the whole of the UK during his term as Chief Scout.

"I'm super-excited to be in Barry - it's a great place to end my tour of Wales, " said Bear on Sunday.

"I've had a lot of fun meeting the Barry Scouts, and seeing first-hand the kind of activities they get involved in.

"It's really important that more adults sign up as volunteers to make sure that even more young people in Barry have the opportunity to join in the adventure.

"Days like today make me really proud to be Chief Scout."

District commissioner for Barry, Keith Williams said it was a privilege to welcome Bear.

"For most children it will be once-in-a-lifetime," he said.

Assistant group leader with 5th Barry sea scouts, Chris Parsons added: "The children talk about him quite a lot, so him coming down to see what we were doing was absolutely brilliant."

Richard Edwards, Area Commissioner for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, said: "It was great for over 1,000 Scouts to have the opportunity to see, meet and talk to our Chief Scout."

To apply to volunteer and help youngsters in Wales, visit www.scouts.org/join

SCOUTS SUMMER FETE LUCKY PROGRAMME WINNERS

1st - Mrs E Ward, Barry

2nd -E Thompson, Barry

3rd Miss Maria Thompson, Rhoose

4th - R Adams