Eastleigh Remembers St George
The County Commissioner, Mr Dick Whittington, himself a former Scout Leader in Eastleigh, was the principal guest at a special dinner last Friday, to mark St George’s Day. A date traditionally celebrated by all Scouts in the UK.
The Dinner, hosted by The District Commissioner, Mrs. Margaret Patrick, was held at The Otter in Otterbourne, nr Winchester, and was attended by twenty-five Eastleigh Commissioners and Group Leaders. In an atmosphere of fellowship and goodwill a traditional pub dinner was enjoyed, while at the same time reflecting on the leadership and inspiration shown by both St. George and Robert Baden Powell.
The District Commissioner thanked her leaders for their support and tireless commitment in leading their young people through another year of accomplishment and achievement. “Their awards are our reward,” she said.
During the evening the County Commissioner presented Ian Patrick of the 7th Eastleigh with The Silver Acorn for especially distinguished service to scouting over 35years.
He commented that Ian was no ordinary leader. “It is true”, he said, “that Ian has done all the usual things a good scout leader does but it’s his style and manner that has set him apart from the others.
Ian ‘s enthusiastic approach to leadership, his willingness to accept new challenges together with his sense of humour and keen eye for life’s little idiosyncrasies has coloured his approach to life and made him fun to work with.
There are few leaders in Eastleigh who have given the whole of their adult life to being a scout leader. Ian is one of those special people who have given freely and generously of his time in many roles since 1968. He continues to be just as enthusiastic today as he has been throughout his entire 35-year service”.
On Saturday afternoon the scouts, led by Explorer Scouts Jack Lewis carrying the St. George’s Colour, supported by Lucy Cole and Richard Whittington, held their annual parade through a busy town centre to The Baptist Church in Desborough Road where the Reverend Ian Hayes-Anderson conducted a short service of remembrance and dedication. After renewing their Scout Promise the minister spoke of the enormous potential of hidden talents and abilities waiting to be discovered in everybody, that everybody can make a difference to somebody. He asked the scouts “who could you help today?” having first shown a film clip from The Incredibles to illustrate his text.
A collection was taken among the congregation for Sophie’s Appeal. A charitable fund established following the tragic death of Sophie Barringer in 2003 following a rare kidney cancer. Their generosity raised £250.
The Mayor, councillor Mrs. June Hughes, herself a former Cub leader, and guests representing the Girl Guides, The Boys Brigade and The Girls Brigade reviewed the parade as it returned through the town to Leigh Road recreation Ground.
In the evening a special presentation event took place, also in the Baptist Church, for 25 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who all have achieved their Chief Scouts Award in the past 6 months. The award represents the completion of a programme of achievement based on a number of personal challenges, tailored to the individual’s skill and ability. It is the highest progressive award in each section before embarking on the prestigious Queen’s Award.
The County Commissioner, in presenting the certificates, praised the variety of activities undertaken and the skill levels achieved by all the recipients. He thanked, too, the parents and leaders for their continued dedication and inspiration in driving the young people toward a very worthwhile goal.
The evening closed with a buffet reception where the young people were the guests of honour.