Water way to retire from Beavers

Beavers from the Wednesday evening Brown colony of 7th Lichfield Beaver Scouts were keen to ensure that mother-of-three Cath Babbington did not miss out on the fun at their end of term water games night. They soaked her in the wet sponge race and then brought out supersoakers to finish her off.

Later, as she stood dripping at the end of the evening, laughing Cath was presented with a signed commemorative bowl.

"It may not be the traditional send-off you would expect on retiring from scouting. However, it was certainly memorable and entirely appropriate given the activities the Beaver Scouts enjoy on a weekly basis."

Seven-year-old Chris Martinez said: "We have such great fun at Beavers and all our leaders get involved with our games and challenges.

"It was brilliant to soak Cath at our games night, and she was really pleased to get the bowl we had all signed for her."

Cath has been involved with 7th Lichfield Scout Group since 1993.

She originally joined when her eldest son James became a Beaver Scout at six. She stayed to help as middle son Richard then youngest George pass through from Beavers to Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

Cath has been in her current role as Brown Colony Beaver Leader for the last eight years and has also held the role of Group Scout Leader for 7th Lichfield for the last five years.

"It has been a wonderful experience for me to watch the children grow up and develop confidence, leadership skills and maturity within the comfort zone of their section. It will be a big change for me to retire, but I plan to join the Scouting Fellowship to ensure I keep in touch with scouting."