Having been approached by a fellow Scout Group, the 107th of Whitchurch, asking if the 148th would care to join with them and others in a Remembrance Day Parade and Service, the leadership decided that it would be a good opportunity for our Beavers, Cubs & Scouts to join in with this special day.
The Royal British Legion were also celebration 60 years of helping ex-servicemen & women along with their families in their times of hardship.
We issued the invitation to all within our group and about 50 youngsters from the 148th were at the parade. From our Cub section we had 18 representatives and Tom was chosen to carry our flag with Jess M and Megan (1) as his escort.
We paraded at the Royal British Legion headquarters in Whitchurch and had a short service at their memorial garden where the wreaths of remembrance were laid. Following this we ‘marched’ – some marched some ambled – along the main A37 into the side roads and on to the church. So many of us were there that the Church hall had to used with sound and pictures beamed by computer link to enable us to enjoy the service and understand what was going on. Only Tom, our flag bearer went into the main church.
It was unfortunate that the commanding officers of some of the military cadet forces choose to stand outside whilst the boys and girls in their charge were left without an authoritive figure to help maintain order. The behaviour of some of the cadets left something to be desired and representations were made to their commanding officers, not only by Scouters but also by members of the public.
I am proud to be associated with the Cubs and Scouts because whilst their was a little fidgeting, after all the average age of our Cubs is a little less than 9 the overall behaviour was fantastic and has been commented on by a couple of people who were there, since the event – well done the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
It should also be mentioned that the sun shone and the skies were blue, I was there so little wonder!!
Pictures are by Mr A Francombe, Group Treasurer
Report by Akela