Scout and guide groups paraded on the streets of Newark to mark the annual St George Day parade.
This year’s parade, on Sunday (April 28) saw Squirrel Scouts, aged four to six, join the parade for the first time.
Newark District Scounts paraded from Mount C of E Primary School until Market Place, led by the 1st Balderton Scout and Guide Band.
The parade welcomed the 1st Collingham, 1st Coddington, 1st Flintham, 1st Balderton, 6th Newark Sea Scouts of Farndon, 7th Newark of Lovers Lane and the 9th Newark of Hawtonville.
When the groups got to Market Place they entered the Town Hall, where the Scouts had the renewal of promises and awards.
Five scouts were presented with Commissioners Commendations by the District’s Youth Commissioners Victoria Nicholson and Joshua Thorn.
The Commendation is awarded at the Commissioner’s discretion for personal achievement and outstanding commitment.
Commendations were awarded to a cub scout who had shaved off his hair for charity, two explorer young leaders who go above and beyond to support younger sections, an individual who has excelled personally with his passions outside of scouting, and a group Lead volunteer who has excelled in her role.
Many leaders were awarded their Wood Bafge, an achievement and historic recognition of the leaders completing their leadership training, which dates back to 1919.
Jack Kellas, County Youth lead and trustee of Nottinghamshire Scouts said: “Whilst the weather this year was not in our favour, our joint St George’s Day Parade was a fantastic opportunity for our young people and adult volunteers to showcase both wonderful organisations.
“The Scouts and Guides were well prepared with raincoats and brollies at hand for their annual parade around our beautiful Market Town.
“Thanks to all those that took part in the parade, not least our fantastically talented band.
“Thanks also to all those that helped make this year’s parade happen, led by local volunteer Tom Cragg, those with the less glamorous jobs of manning road closures to ensure our young people were kept safe, and especially to the Town Hall staff for offering us shelter from the elements.
“If you didn’t manage to see the parade this year, make sure to come along next year, or better, contact us to see what you could offer to these two fantastic charities in the meantime.”
Due to the weather conditions, the activities showcasing Scouting and Guiding that were meant to take place in Market Place didn’t go ahead this year.
Southwell hosted once again Central Notts Scouts and Southwell, Daybrook and Westdale Guides’ St George’s Day celebrations, which included a parade through the town and a service in the Minster.
Squirrels, Beavers, Scouts, Explorers, Brownies and Guides participated in the parade.
The bands parading included the 5th Carlton Scout Band, Revival Marching Band, Mansfield District Corps of Drums and 37th Nottingham Boys Brigade.
Squirrels and Beavers had a service in Southwell Methodist Church after the parade whilst the other groups attended the service at the Minster.
The parade went smoothly despite a minor change in route due to a sinkhole. The parade had to divert down Church Street rather than Westgate on their way to the Minster.
Achievements of adult volunteers were recognised, and a number of Wood Badges were presented.
The Metcalf Colours 2024 had very close results this year with the 1st Redhill winning in the Squirrels group.
The Beavers saw 1st Calverton win with 90 points, the 2nd Arnold won for the Cubs, the 1st Calverton for Scouts and Griffin won with 92.5 points for the Explorers.
Central Notts Scouts posted on their social media to cheer and appreciate all the young people and their leaders for making this year another successful parade.
