St George's Day Parade
St. Georges Day Parade and St. Georges Day Awards
May I thank you all for the great turn out at this morning’s St. Georges Day Parade. From a quick count up we had well over 100 members and leaders parading including our newest recruit Harvey Gillett (aged 3 weeks). It is always a wonderful sight to be able to see the 8th Hornchurch stretching over some not inconsiderable distance with the three Beaver Colonies followed by all four Cub Packs and then bringing up the rear our two Scout Troops. To see the nine sectional flags flying with pride is very pleasing. Thank you to all the parents who supported this very important annual parade service.
This is also a good time to congratulate the recipients of St. Georges Day Awards:
Nicky Gillett and Bob Wallace both received The Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service. This Award is given in respect of greater than 5 years good service which stands out and should be regarded as the Chief Scout’s recognition of the very real contribution to the Movement.
Stuart Brown was awarded The Medal of Merit which is given for outstanding service of not less than 15 years. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period.
Andy Rice was awarded The Silver Acorn which is awarded for not less than 20 years service which is considered to be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
Congratulations to all the recipients of awards but also Scouting is all about teamwork from the youngest Beavers in their lodges, Cubs in their sixes, Scout in their patrols and indeed leaders in strong teams working together to achieve some amazing things with their members and the 8th Hornchurch Scout Group. With the great leaders within the 8th the Group is sure to move from strength to strength.
The St George's Day Parade pictures are now here.
Scouts Adventure Island
28 Scouts, 2 Explorers and 3 leaders from the 8th braved the April showers and went to Adventure Island for the day. After an eventful journey by train with one scout suffering from travel sickness we had a great day out. The forecasted bad weather never really materialised and we had an enjoyable day on the rides with the scouts gaining their hikes away badge by walking the entire 1.33 miles length of Southend Pier. Later, despite numerous complaints we walked the 1.33 miles back as well but they all have a certificate to prove they have walked the entire length of the longest pleasure pier in the world. What an achievement !
We then had fish and chips on the seafront before returning to our Scout HQ for a giant sleepover followed by the St.George’s day parade on the Sunday morning.
Mark Gibson SL
The Scouts Adventure Island pictures are here.
Scouts Own
Let me start by thanking everyone who joined us for the recent Scouts Own service. We had a great turn out from the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts but more pleasing was the number of parents who stayed for the service as well. In total we reckon we had approx. 150 people taking part.
A Scout’s Own is a short church service which is run by the leaders and involves the various Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of the 8th Hornchurch Scout Group and is held each year to commemorate the birthday of our Founder Lord Baden Powell. BP was born on 22nd February 1857.
