The Mayor of Watford has proudly presented a Mayor’s Community Award to Captain Mark and Grace Scoulding in recognition of their exceptional dedication and lasting impact on local schools and families.

Mark and Grace first approached the Mayor with a clear vision—to support and uplift local children through meaningful engagement with schools. Since then, the couple have worked closely with the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust schools: Beechfield, Cherry Tree and Laurance Haines.

Over the years, the Scouldings have worked hand-in-hand with these schools, helping create a strong sense of community, responsibility, and care. They have encouraged children to grow food, chaired governor meetings, and provided hands-on support for families in need.

In every role, Mark and Grace have been a steady and compassionate presence within the school community.

Now the Scouldings are preparing to take up leadership of The Salvation Army in the Hebrides, based in Stornoway. We wish them all the best for their next chapter of their journey.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I was delighted that I could present Captain Mark and Grace Scoulding with this community award.

“They have made such a positive difference to our community during their time in Watford. Time and again they have gone out of their way to help others. They’ve been a massive help to local schools, inspiring children to grow their own food, chairing governor meetings with dedication, and offering practical support to families in need.

“From all of us in Watford, we wish them the very best in their new adventure in Scotland. They will be greatly missed!”

Captain Mark shares, “Since the pandemic, through community partnership, we have been privileged to distribute over 42,000 meals to struggling families, more than 7,000 gifts for children to open on Christmas morning, and 600 children have graduated through our allotment project. Watford has been our home for nearly 9 years, and we will miss this wonderful town.”