Pinner resident Fred Beard celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 8, marking his 100th birthday surrounded by generations of the Scouting family he has supported for more than six decades. Mr Beard has been involved with the 5th Pinner Scout Group for over 60 years, becoming a familiar and much-loved figure within the local community. One of his earliest memories of Scouting dates back to when he was just seven years old, watching his local Scout group march past the gate of his family home. Inspired by what he saw, he soon joined the Cubs himself.

To honour both his birthday and his lifelong commitment to Scouting, the 5th Pinner Scout Group recreated that childhood memory. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, leaders and parents marched up to Mr Beard’s home, where they gathered on his driveway to sing “Happy Birthday” and share cake together. Mr Beard’s family said they were overwhelmed by the turnout and deeply moved to see so many young people and their families coming together to celebrate and honour a man who has given so much to the Scouting movement and the Pinner community.