It was with great pleasure that the High Sheriff accepted an invitation to a St George’s Day Celebratory Scout Parade, encompassing the Shropshire Borders Scout District. The ‘District’ covers a large area of north Shropshire with over 1,300 Beaver, Scout and Explorere members, to include girls s well as boys, with 450 adults volunteers running the groups. There was an enormous turn out of wonderfully enthusiastic and excited young people taking part in the march through Ellesmere town and despite the predicted down pour, timed to perfection to ensure that all Paraders were suitably soaked, spirits from the youngest ‘Beavers’ to the mature ‘Explorers’, accompanied by their pack leaders, the Drum Corps and not least a following of very proud parents and siblings remained high.

Just before arrival to Cremorne Park the Salute was taken by District Commissioner Leslie Fardoe, County Commissioner Daniel Potter and President John Abram and his wife Chris. The Parade finished in Cremorne Park, just as the clouds dispersed and everyone was able to dry out under a hot sun whilst awards were presented to a number of much deserving group leaders as well as a jolly sing song to ensure everybody’s participation in the event.

Encouraging words were were spoken by the Mayor of Ellesmere, Councillor Alan Clarke, who himself had been a keen boy scout. The afternoon proceeded with activities for al the families to enjoy. It was an extremely rewarding experience to witness such a huge number of keen young people who obviously still hold great store in the Scout Movement. Enormous thanks and recognition should be given to the tireless Scout Leader volunteers who keep the movement going.