A life in scouting wins Warwick award

John Hinks, now aged 76, was just a boy when he became a Cub, while Pam, who is 69, grew up to join the Brownies.

When the pair met and married, they moved to Woodloes Park, where they quickly realised there was little to do for children living on the estate, especially the boys.

It wasn’t long before the pair set up what was to become the 7th Warwick Scout Group, starting with just eight Cubs and struggling to fundraise until they had enough money to build a headquarters in nearby Bluebell Wood.

The dedicated pair also had two children of their own, Andrew and Julie, who grew as the Scout group expanded. Today, 34 years on, there is also a thriving Beaver Colony, two Cub packs and a Central Explorer Group - successor to the Venture Scouts, which Julie joined.

And perhaps it’s inevitable that their son, Andrew Hinks, is now deputy district commissioner for Warwickshire.

Pam said: “John and I would like to thank the Warwick Rotary Club for this award - it came as a big surprise - along with a cheque towards future activities.”

Rotary president Jackie Crampton said: “We are full of admiration for John and Pam’s voluntary efforts - even their young grandson is involved, which makes it three generations of the same family.”