Sunshine for St George’s Day Celebrations
Around 800 young Scout and Guide members and their leaders assembled in Romsey yesterday (Sunday 21st April) to celebrate Scouting’s Patron Saint. In spite of a chill in the breeze, the sun shone to welcome them and their invited guests.
Lead Groups this year were 4th Romsey (Bramshaw) with 1st Cupernham and 1st Ampfield Brownies. They lead the procession past the saluting base, where Countess Mountbatten, the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Philip Lashbrook, the Mayor of Romsey, Cllr John Ray, Caroline Nokes MP, Scout District Commissioner, David Shill, Guide Division Commissioner, Rachel Hallé, and other dignitaries were pleased to inspect them. The Romsey Old Cadets Band were on hand once again to provide musical accompaniment, keeping the procession on time and entertaining the families and Romsey residents who had turned out to watch.
The procession then assembled in Romsey Abbey – perhaps the only building in Romsey large enough to hold so many people – for a service of thanksgiving and to renew their Scout and Guide promises. The chosen theme this year was ‘Kindness’ with each of the lead Groups making a short presentation about what kindness means to them. For some, collecting for the Romsey food bank run by The Trussell Trust; for others, it also means being kind to the environment, as demonstrated in a campfire song (who knew that those Scout leaders had such good singing voices!). Rev. Canon Thomas Wharton, who was officially inaugurated as Romsey District Scouts’ Chaplin during the service, then lead a reflection on the qualities of kindness: caring, love, commitment, loyalty and friendship – all qualities which Scouting and Guiding endeavour to instill in their young members.
During the service, each Section had the chance to renew their Scout or Guide promise, one of the few occasions during the year that members make their promise in front of so many people and with so many others. Adults were also recognised and thanked for their hard work and ongoing contributions, with the Scout District Commissioner pleased to be able to present three adult leaders with awards for achievement or completion of their training.
After the service, guests and leaders were invited into the Abbey Rooms for a splendid tea, provided by the parents of the lead Groups. The cakes were excellent and some even decorated in keeping with the theme of the day!
The Romsey Advertiser were pleased to send a reporter and photographer to cover the event; you can view their lovely photo gallery of the day here.
You can also read about our 2023 St George’s Day celebrations here.
