THE longest serving scout leaders at 1st Ben Rydding Scouts have had a room named after them.

Audrey and Paul Cunningham have served at 1st Ben Rydding Scout Group at Ilkley since 1975 as scout leaders. Their first involvement with Hag Dyke was in 1966 with 3rd Ben Rhydding Scouts with Philip Conyers. They previously had also been involved with a scout troop in Glasgow.

Both completed Wood Badge Advanced Leader Training over the years many times. In 1981 Audrey completed her Mountain Leadership Course summer conditions with Roger Williams, West Yorkshire’s past County Commissioner, at Kettlewell.

Paul and Audrey have both been on many summer camps in this country and abroad especially in Holland.

After 50 years’ service each they have decided to take a well-earned rest, helping on just a few occasions now. They were both at the recent Remembrance Parade.

The room has been named Hopi Hall. Hopi is Paul Cunningham’s Scout name following his interest in the Hopi tribe of North America. For their entire life, a Hopi lives out their sacred traditions.

Robin Beaumont The Scouter in Charge at 1st Ben Rydding congratulated Paul and Audrey on their combined 80-year service to the Group and wished them every success for the future and said it was an honour to name their main hall after them, adding: “Their service is an example to all.”

1st Ben Rhydding Scouts are part of the Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout & Guide Group and the headquarters are on Wheatley Lane in Ben Rhydding. It is for boys and girls aged ten-and-a-half and fourteen-and-a-half. If you are interested in joining 1st Ben Rhydding email with your details to:leaders @1stbenrhyddingscouts.org.uk