At the Worcester District Scouts Annual General Meeting held on 19th May 2008 at Lady Huntingdon's Hall, 5th Worcester Group Scout Leader John Benjamin was awarded the Scout Association's Award of Merit. The presentation was made by Hereford and Worcester County Commissioner Jenny Newman. The Award of Merit is given "in recognition of outstanding service" to the Scouting Movement. John has clocked up over 25 years of service as a Leader starting as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader in 1982.