On Sunday 28th April 2019, Newcastle District Scouts held their St. George’s Day Parade. This was held outside for the first time ever in the High Street by the Guildhall. This event was organised by the District Youth Executive, and at their request and design, was a mixture of tradition, with some interesting new twists!
The District’s Beavers carried banners about St. George, the Cubs carried swords they had made themselves and the Scouts made dragons for the parade!
Well over 400 hundred Scouts, aged from aged 5 to 75, gathered in the Queens Gardens and paraded at 2.45pm, led by the Drums Corps from 1st Porthill Scout Group, via the Ironmarket, into the High Street, where the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr James Irvine Hinchcliffe-Friend, and Newcastle Mayor Cllr Gill Heesom, took the salute. There was then a celebration of songs and readings, presentations of awards and all Scouts renewed their Scouting Promise.
Other guests were Rev Josh Penduck, curate of St Giles Church and Newcastle District’s Vice Presidents.
Many people came and viewed the celebration and joined in with the fun. Newcastle Business Improvement District supported the event, and hundreds of “George Cross” flags were be given out to friends family and members of the public.
As well as the parade in Newcastle Town Centre, 3 of our Scouts were at the national St. George’s Day Parade in Windsor.
Alice Houldcroft and Heather Locker, two fantastic Beaver Scout Leaders from 107th Westlands Scout Group, joined around 300 Scouts from across the UK in Windsor.
They were honoured by His Royal Highness Prince Edward the Duke of Kent & Chief Scout Bear Grylls at Windsor Castle for gaining their Queen’s Scout Award, the highest honour in Scouting.
This honour is achieved over many years hard work and is an outstanding personal achievement for Alice and Heather.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “This year’s group of Queen’s Scouts have truly tested themselves. In the process, they have become better, bolder and braver. The Queen’s Scout Award is an incredible achievement and today is a fitting celebration of everything they’ve accomplished at Scouts and in life. They have my total respect and admiration.”
Joining Alice and Heather was Newcastle District’s Deputy District Commissioner, David Gray, who had been awarded the Silver Acorn for distinguished service to Scouting.
