Scouts on parade for St George

Young people aged six to 18 represented the district’s 11 Scout Groups (Billinghay, Coningsby & Tattershall, Cranwell, Heckington, Horncastle, Leasingham, Metheringham, Ruskington, Sleaford, Wellingore and Woodhall Spa) and two Explorer Scout Units (“The Dodgers” based in the south, and “The Nomads” based in the north).

They mustered and marched from the district council car park on Eastgate to Market Place and into St Denys’ Church, where there was a short service.

During the service members were reminded of the adventures of last year and encouraged to look forward to the adventures of the summer and beyond.

District Commissioner, Ian Kingdom said: “St George’s Day is a highlight of my scouting year, not only do we as a district come together to celebrate scouting, but we also get to say thank you to our leaders and supporters – as well as remind the public that we are here and still going strong.”

During the service a number of awards were presented to leaders in recognition of good and outstanding service.

Members of Sleaford and District Lions Club also presented Young Leader in Service certificates to a number of Scouts at the church service.

Several members of the Dodgers Explorer Scout Unit have spent hundreds of hours of their time helping others in the community.

The Lions congratulated these young people and recognised their contributions with special patches and certificates, signed by the Lions International President and presented by Sleaford Lions’ President Bob Coxhead.

Local Explorer Scout, Harry, 17, explained: “St George’s Day is an important day to Scouts, it reminds us that it is more than just another club, where you go climbing or kayaking, have a go at archery or gliding, but you can also make a positive contribution to our community.”

On St George’s Day Scouts remind themselves of their promise to do their best, to help others, and to follow the scout law.

Adam Jacklin, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, explained that Scouting is as popular as ever. He said: “Our main failing is our success, we have more members than at any point in our history, but sadly also long waiting lists of young people wanting to join us. Unfortunately we don’t have the leaders.”