21st April 2002
Stepping out in style for the annual St George's Day Parade at Windsor Castle, the Queen's Scouts were proud to be reviewed by Her Majesty The Queen, who is Patron of The Scout Association.
Accompanied by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, some 550 Queen's Scouts were inspected today (Sunday 21 April). It was among the Queen's first weekend of public engagements after the official period of mourning following the death of HM The Queen Mother and the memorial service for HRH The Princess Margaret.
Also especially invited were 60 Venture Scouts who carried out ceremonial duties at Westminster for HM The Queen Mother's funeral. They assisted with the signing of Books of Condolence and in receiving floral tributes from the public as well as with duties in Westminster Hall.
To mark this year's Golden Jubilee theme of the Commonwealth, the occasion was also made extra special by the presence of over 50 Scouting representatives from Commonwealth member countries sporting an array of different uniforms.
VIP guests included the Secretary-General for the Commonwealth, the RT Hon Don McKinnon, as well as High Commissioners of eight Commonwealth countries; Major General Michael Walsh, Vice President of The Scout Association and Mr William Legge-Bourke, President of the Welsh Scout Council.
The Queen's Scout Award is the highest and most prestigious award presented for personal achievement within the Scout Movement. Venture Scouts aged between 16 and 20 are eligible, and it is gained only by those showing the highest level of personal commitment. Holders have demonstrated extremely high standards of self-discipline and achievement in community service, activities and interests.
Escorted by the Chief Scout George Purdy, CBE, and by Derek Twine, Chief Executive of The Scout Association, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness also met a group of young people from all sections of Scouting who have been recognised with a Scout Award for Gallantry. These ranged from acts of heroism to those recognised for their courage during illness.
As the day was also the Queen's 76th birthday, she was presented with a posy by 13-year-old Heather Bender from Greater London South and Tom Strickland aged, 11 from Nottinghamshire, both of whom are Gallantry Award holders. Heather has bravely coped with a genetic disorder involving thickness and hardening of bones. Tom Strickland gained his Award for rescuing his toddler sister from drowning.
The Scouts gathered in Windsor were part of the UK's largest mixed youth movement, which boasts some half a million members. On Sunday morning (April 21) they were put through their paces with a full rehearsal at the Barracks and a practice marching session conducted under the eyes of the Drill Instructors from the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards.
Venture Scouts from Wales had the honour of forming the Colour Party. The Parade was accompanied by the 2nd Rossendale Scout Band, augmented by a Corps of Drums from the 3rd Davyhulme Scout and Guide Band as well as the Band of The Irish Guards.
The Parade was followed by the National Scout Service in St. George's Chapel. This was planned by the Venture Scouts themselves with guidance from the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner. The service and final dispersal concluded the day.
