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RICHARD EDEN: Bear Grylls to step down as Chief Scout - weeks after helping to baptise Russell Brand in the Thames as the comic converted to Christianity
It's a poignant moment for the robust Old Etonian whose time as Chief Scout has coincided with what's been described as 'the biggest surge in popularity' for scouting since the end of World War II .
At the age of 50 he's already notched up a giddying list of accomplishments, from becoming one of the youngest people to climb Everest — just 18 months after breaking his back in three places — to crossing the Atlantic in an inflatable boat and setting a world record for the longest indoor free-fall. That's because his tenure ends just weeks after he took a leading part in the baptism in the Thames of Russell Brand, once described as a comedian though now far better known for messianic utterances in his guise as a 'thought leader' — and for being the subject of lurid accusations, which he vehemently denies, of historic sexual misconduct, currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police. Pete Townshend has swapped The Who's guitar-smashing antics for a background role with The Bookshop Band, a Scottish folk duo who tour bookstores, performing songs inspired by famous authors.
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