Head of Catholic Church in UK addresses Queen's Scouts
27th April 2003
Hundreds of Queen's Scouts stepped out smartly for the annual St George's Day Parade at Windsor Castle on Sunday (27 April). After the Parade they moved to St George's Chapel for the National Scout Service where the address was given by His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster
The review was undertaken by a Vice President of The Scout Association, Mr W Garth Morrison, CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Lothian. He is a former Chief Scout of the UK and represents Her Majesty The Queen, who is Patron of The Scout Association.
The VIP guestlist included; Mayor and Mayoress of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Eton, Cllr Leo and Margo Walters; Chief Executive of Chelmsford Borough Council Martin Easteal; representing Epping Forest District Council, Chairman Cllr Doug Kelly and his wife, Charlotte, and Deputy Chief Executive John Scott and his wife, Margaret.
The Queen's Scout Award is the highest award presented for personal achievement within the Movement. It is usually achieved between the age of 16 and 25.
The prestigious Queen's Scout Award is gained only by those showing the highest level of personal commitment. Holders will 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 the Parade Leader David Williamson, National Commissioner for Scout Network, Mr Morrison also meet a group of young people from all Sections of Scouting who have been recognised with a Scout Award for Gallantry. Some recipients have been recognised for acts of heroism, while others have been acknowledged for their courage during illness.
On Sunday morning the Queen's Scouts were put through their paces with a full rehearsal at the nearby Barracks and a practice marching session conducted under the eyes of the Drill Instructors from the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, led by Drill Sergeant Dean Hammond.
Scouts from County Durham had the honour of forming the Colour Party. The Parade was accompanied by the 13th City of Coventry Scout Band, augmented by a Corps of Drums from the 3rd Davyhulme Scout and Guide Band, as well as the Band of the Welsh Guards.
The National Scout Service in St George's Chapel, was planned by members of the Scout Network with guidance from the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner.
The National Scout Service in St George's Chapel, Windsor is always held on the nearest Sunday to St George's Day in honour of the Patron Saint of the Scout Movement. The tradition of this Parade and Service began in 1934 and since then thousands of young people have celebrated their achievement and renewed their Scout Promise under the leadership of the Chief Scout.
The Scouts who gather at Windsor are part of the UK's largest mixed youth Movement, which boasts some half a million members.
