Polegate Town Council Civic Award 2011 was presented to the Steer Family for outstanding service to Guiding and Scouting at a presentation evening on 13th September 2011.
The Steer family has a distinguished history of involvement with the Scouting and Guiding movements, spanning almost a century.
Frederick Steer joined the Scouts at Christchurch, Eastbourne in 1915. His wife, Lily Steer, received the Thanks Badge for fund raising with the 5th Eastbourne (St. Mary’s) Scouts.
Their son, John Steer, joined the 5th Eastbourne (St. Mary’s) as a Scout in 1944, on his return from evacuation. He became Patrol Leader, Senior Scout, Assistant Scout Master and Assistant Cub Scout Master. As a Queen’s Scout, he attended the Queen’s first St. George’s Day Parade at Windsor Castle. He was with the Scout Police at the 1957 World Scout Jamboree in Sutton Coldfield. He moved out of uniform in the mid-sixites. His wife, Joyce Steer, joined as Assistant Cub Mistress with the 5th Eastbourne (St. Mary’s). She was also Secretary of the Bushy Wood Campsite Committee, leaving after several years to have Audrey.
Nigel Steer joined the First Polegate Cubs at the age of eight, moving to Scouts and then became a Cub Scout Instructor at Sixteen. At University he assisted the 7th City of Bangor Cub Scouts, continuing at Polegate Cubs on his return. In 2000, he moved to the Scout Section, becoming Assistant Scout Leader.
Audrey joined the Brownies at the age of 7 and was invested on the 19th October 1970. As a Guide, she was Pack Leader with the Brownies, and then became a Young Leader. In 1981, she became an Assistant Brownie Guider, also assisting the Easter Pack Holiday of a Brownie Pack in Clifton. Audrey has been involved in Capital Jig, which raised funds for the International work of Moorfields Eye Hospital, visiting Copenhagen, Denmark with other UK Guiders helping to build international links in Guiding as part of Guiding’s Centenary year.
The Mayor of Polegate, Cllr Tim Voyce presented the Steer family with a cut glass bowl engraved from the Council not only for services to Scouts and Guiding but for the many years of volunteering to help young people within Polegate enjoy positive activities. It was acknowledged by the Mayor than many young people have benefited from their collective service within the community. As Civic Awards are nominated by members of the public, the Steer Family were unaware of this award and were led to believe they were invited to attend a meeting to discuss youth work in the area. The Steer family featured in the picture were overwhelmed to receive the award and thanked the Mayor, Councillors and those present. The photograph features Audrey Steer, Nigel Steer, John Steer (seated) and Joyce Steer (seated). Also pictured is Nigel Steer accepting the award from the Mayor, Cllr Tim Voyce.
