Photo Opportunity: 1.30 pm 25th April 2004
23rd April 2004
Press photographers are welcome and need to be at the Advanced Gate, Castle Hill, Windsor no later than 1.30 pm where they will be met by a representative of The Scout Association Press Office.
Hundreds of Queen's Scouts are preparing to step out smartly and boldly for the annual St George's Day Parade at Windsor Castle on Sunday, 25th April 2004. The review will be taken by HRH The Duke of Kent, President of The Scout Association, representing Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of The Scout Association.
The Queen's Scout Award is the highest presented for personal achievement within the Movement and gained only by those showing the highest level of personal commitment. Holders, usually aged between 16 and 25, will have demonstrated exceptional standards of self-discipline and achievement in community service, activities and interests.
Escorted by the Chief Scout George Purdy, CBE, and Parade Leader David Williamson, National Commissioner for Scout Network, The Duke will also meet a group of young people from all Sections of Scouting who have received a Scout Award for Gallantry. Some have been recognised for acts of heroism, while others have been acknowledged for their courage during illness.
On Sunday morning the Queen's Scouts will participate in a full rehearsal at the nearby Barracks with 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 Northern Ireland have the privilege of forming the Colour Party with the 3rd Davyhulme Scout and Guide Band leading the parade, supported by the Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band which will provide the Corps of Drums. The Band of the Coldstream Guards will add its support.
The Parade will be followed by the National Scout Service in St George's Chapel, planned by members of the Scout Network with guidance from the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner, who will provide the address.
The event 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.
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For further information, contact Assistant Director of Communications Simon Carter on 07889 130812 or Deputy PR Officer Chris Foster on 07889 804726.
