SALTFORD Scouting volunteer Graham Bush has been nominated for an award after dedicating three decades to helping young people.
As well as supporting Saltford Scouts and Wansdyke Scout District, he has also set up a new Explorer Scout Unit linked with Fosse Way School in Radstock.
The unit, launched in April 2024, is for students aged 14 to 18 who have a wide range of needs and abilities.
In recognition of his efforts, Saltford Parish Council has nominated Graham for the Willson Volunteer of the Year award, as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards 2024.
The parish council said: “Graham has created a shining light on the diversity of Scouting in B&NES and opened up fantastic opportunities to young people who would otherwise miss out on the skills for life at the heart of the Scout movement.”
Graham is often seen at Saltford Scout hut helping with sessions of all ages, as well as in his role as district lead volunteer for Wansdyke District Scouts.
Having joined Saltford Scouts as a Cub in 1980, Graham took up his first adult appointment – as assistant Scout leader for Friday Troop in Saltford – on his 18th birthday in 1990.
Graham’s father volunteered for Saltford Scouts for many years. And Graham’s son James – who has autism, delayed development and hearing issues – also joined Saltford Scouts as a Cub, and is now one of the ten new Fosse Way Explorers.
It is the first time in many years that Saltford Parish Council has nominated a resident for the B&NES community awards, reflecting the high esteem it holds for Graham and his work.
Graham’s vision for the Fosse Way unit is not only to provide Scouting for SEND young people but also to hold activities with other Explorer Units across B&NES.
This has already involved a joint trip to the steam railway in Midsomer Norton with Saltford’s Explorer Group (Argus Explorers) in September.
Graham regularly spends four nights a week and most weekends volunteering with a mix of meetings, planning, work with the young people, administration and general support, including weekends away and a week-long summer camp for the Scout section.
When informed of the nomination, Graham said: “I am only able to do this due to knowing I have many fantastic people that support me and give up their time to help make all of this a reality, Scouting truly provides skills for life to both the young people and adults involved.”
Pictured below, Graham Bush as district lead volunteer for Wansdyke District Scouts with four Saltford Scouts who were awarded gold awards in December
