St George's Day Parade
This year’s Parade will again be in Scouts Own format. It is our aim to hold it in the open air on Timber Hill Recreation ground. In the event of inclement weather, we have the United Reformed Church, Harestone Hill, on standby.
Parade: All Groups will assemble in the top length of Beechwood Road by 2.20pm. On arrival GSLs please report to the Parade Leader who will issue attendance returns and a collection envelope. Please complete and return the form before you go home.
Marching: Explorer Scouts and Scouts will march three abreast, Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts will march four abreast.
Please be reminded that there are no parking facilities in Beechwood Road. Please ask all parents and leaders not to attempt to enter Beechwood Road, from either end, by car.
Also, please note that we do not want you to park in Timber Hill Road where the service takes place.
Will leaders please ensure that all Parade participants stay on the footpath until the Parade is called to order. Please ensure that we present the best image of Scouting to the inhabitants of Beechwood Road.
Order of Parade:
Warlingham Scout Guild Band
Parade Leader
Union Flag and Escort
St George’s Flag and Escort
The Groups. Each Group will be formed in the following order.
1. GSL or Scouter in Charge
2. BSL or ABSL
3. Beaver Scout Flag with two escorts
4. The Beaver Scout Colony with ABSL’s and Warranted Helpers
5. CSL or ACSL
6. Cub Scout Flag with two escorts
7. The Cub Scout Pack
8. ACSL’s and Warranted Helpers
9. SL or ASL
10. Scout Flag with two escorts
11. The Scout Troop
12. ASL’s and Warranted Helpers
13. Explorer Scouts with Leaders.
The marching order for Groups will be: 3rd Caterham, 4th Caterham, 5th Caterham, 8th Caterham, 11th Caterham, 12th Caterham, Chaldon, 2nd Hamsey Green, 1st Warlingham, 1st Whyteleafe, 1st Woldingham, 1st Caterham, District Explorer Scouts.
ADCs and District Leaders will be advised separately where they are to march.
The Parade will march from Beechwood Road via Croydon Road, Godstone Road and Timber Hill Road.
Service: The service will commence at 3.00pm.
Collection: This year each Group should make a collection in Beechwood Road prior to the Parade moving off, this is to be put into an envelope, which will be provided to the GSL with the Group returns form, at Beechwood Road. At an appropriate point during the service it is to be brought forward by a Patrol Leader from the Scout section to be blessed. This year’s collection will go to Bolgatanga Technical School in Ghana to improve the general education in the sciences. This project actively involves Anthony and Laura Lovat (Son and Daughter-in-law of our Chairman). At the conclusion of the service there will be a short speech.
Dismissal: After the speech, the Parade Leader will give the order for GSLs to dismiss their Groups. Tea is then served in the park to our special guests, plus all leaders, and leader’s families.
Please ensure that no Beaver Scout, Cub Scout or Scout is left waiting on their own in the park. If parents or others are not present to take them home then you must wait with them or, accompanied by another adult, take them home. Parents should be advised that the parade will be dismissed at around 4.00pm.
Points to note: It is most important that we present a good impression of Scouting to the public. Marching should be practised beforehand, and there should be no talking during the Parade. Full and correct uniform, in accordance with POR, should be worn, together with any awards, medals and decorations as appropriate. GSLs are asked to stress the importance of a smart turnout.
Group Flag Bearers and Escorts: Each section will need a flag bearer and two escorts.
District Flag Bearers, Escorts and Readers: In addition to the Group Flag Bearers and Escort, would the following Groups please arrange to supply members for the following activities during the Parade and service:
1. Union Flag Bearer and two Escorts from Chaldon Scouts.
2. St George’s Flag Bearer and two Escorts from 1st Caterham.
3. A Cub Scout from 2nd Hamsey Green to recite the Cub Scout Law.
4. A Scout from 5th Caterham to recite the Scout Law.
Scouts required to help with the service will be advised separately. Would the GSLs of Groups please let me have names of the persons undertaking tasks 1-4 above by Thursday 1st April at the latest.
Rehearsal: FLAG rehearsal will take place at Timber Hill Recreation Ground. Those designated with tasks 3 & 4 above, (reciting Laws) rehearsal will be at the United Reformed Church.
All rehearsals will be at 6.45pm for 7.00pm on 20th April.
I hope that the rehearsals will last no longer than 45 minutes.
All Flag Bearers (but not the escorts) from all sections of every Group, the Union and St George’s Flag Bearers are to attend the flag rehearsal. Please ensure that your flag bearers bring the section flag and carrying straps to the rehearsal. This rehearsal will cover the requirement for an outdoor and indoor service.
Additional Rehearsal Requirement:
The GSL or the person that will be leading your Group in the Parade to Timber Hill must attend the rehearsal on how to form up at Timber Hill.
It is essential that all Groups have a person at this rehearsal and that this person must then lead the Group during the Parade (or it WILL go wrong).
If you have any queries or problems please contact me.
John C, District Advisor