Silver Wolf awarded to Bob Benton – 32nd Cambridge (Waterbeach) Group

December 2025

Bob Benton, Cub Scout Team member at 32nd Cambridge (Waterbeach) Scout Group, was recently presented with his Silver Wolf by Colin Daniels County, Support Team Leader, at a Section meeting. Rob Farrington, former District Commissioner for Cambridge North, was also present.

The Silver Wolf award, worn on a green and yellow ribbon around the neck, and emblems or pin badge with a yellow and green knot is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout, awarded for service of the most exceptional nature. Colin advised the young people and adults present that the award recognised that:

• “For 48 years Bob was Akela at the 32nd Cambridge before stepping back in 2013. His dedication to the Cub Pack is second to none and he continues to attend meetings almost every week without fail.
• Bob’s greatest achievement has been to sustain Scouting in Waterbeach village for so many years. Since 1963 he has been ever present running the Cub Pack and guiding the Group through many good times and challenges. He has been the one individual, more than any other that has held Waterbeach Scouts together.
• Bob is also the Cambridge District Badge Secretary and was manager and member of the volunteer staff at the joint Cambridge and Crafts Hill Districts Scout Shop until it closed in 2020, at the time of the lock-down restrictions.  
• For a long time, Bob has assumed the role of quartermaster and building caretaker. He has spent many volunteering hours on equipment renewal and building maintenance. He has always played a major part in the overall management of the Group headquarters building, which is jointly owned with the local Guides.
• In 61 years’ exceptional service to Scouts, it would be fair to say that Bob has never let up. He is still active, well into his late 70s and cares as much about Scouts these days as he did back in 1963. He is, and has always been, passionate about the 32nd Cambridge and is dedicated to its continued success in the village of Waterbeach.”