Hundreds on parade for St George

The Tameside Scouts were out in force on Sunday to mark St George’s Day.

Hundreds from Tameside’s Scouting districts took part in parades in Denton, Ashton and Dukinfield.

Tame Valley Scouts paraded from Concord Way to St Mark’s Church, heading past the town hall, while Tameside South Scouts were on the march in Denton, holding a fabulous family fun day blessed by the weather. 

Young people and parents enjoyed a variety of activities, including stalls and outdoor games with DJ Steve Day and the Rock Choir Greater Manchester providing the entertainment at St George’s Church and Community Centre.

Meanwhile, some 300 scouts joined the parade in Tameside North District, marching through Ashton to Albion Church for their annual service.

St John’s Band, Droylsden, led the way through the town centre for the service, supported by the Rev Jean Hurlston and Andrew Morton, North Tameside's District lead volunteer.

The service was superbly put together by Scouts and Leaders from the Districts 2nd/1st Hurst Group. There was an amazing re-enactment of St George and The Dragon and some uplifting and well-selected hymns.

Explorer Scouts provided the Colour Party, with flags from across the district, covering the areas of Ashton, Audenshaw and Droylsden.

The Albion was full with a further audience made up of Scouts, parents and guests. It was an honour to welcome the Deputy Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Andrew McLaren, a former Beaver Scout leader and advocate for the Scouts, who addressed the congregation. He led the presentations to Scouts receiving Gold and Platinum Chief Scouts Awards and a number of Explorer Belts.

A number of awards were made to leaders for their long service. The District is focussing on the top Scout awards at present for Scouts and Explorers, as these sections are the biggest growth area for Scouts nationally.

The service also included a video featuring Jack Millin, a former District Commissioner for the district who served in the RAF in World War Two. Jack was unable to attend the service personally, but Alan Fish had visited him to present him with the Scouts VE80 commemorative badge from the district.

The service concluded with the renewal of promises by each section and refreshments. 

It was fabulous to see well over 300 people at one of the biggest events of the Scouting calendar.

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