Scouts march forward into next century

But an annual parade still keeps traditions alive. Once a year, everyone from six-year- old Beaver Scouts to the leaders and commissioners get toggled up and form a procession to celebrate and reaffirm their commitment to the movement. Claire Truscott, once a Venture Scout herself, reports.

Decked out smartly in bright blues, greens, reds and yellows, waving flags and banging drums, the Scouts made their way through the centre of Brighton to kick off a year full of rather more ceremony than most.

This Scouting year will be marked with a worldwide Jamboree, a sunrise ceremony and many other celebrations to mark the movement's centenary.

But for the 1,000 Scouts and Guides of all ages who turned up at The Level in Brighton yesterday, the St George's Day parade is an annual staple.

Dave Jackson, District Commissioner for Brighton, led the service, held a week early this year to ensure use of The Dome, and said the parade was as important as ever.

He said: "We've had lovely weather and a big turnout - 12 groups, four units and eight Guide companies came.

"Scouting has changed in the last few years but this ceremony is still important. It's the only public event within our local community and how often do you see two bands walking down the street behind a procession of flags? The kids renew their promises and hopefully we make them citizens of tomorrow."

Geoff Austen, of the Brighton District Scout Council, was once a Scout in Eastbourne and Bexhill and remains committed to the movement.

He said: "What Baden Powell started out with in 1907 is just as valid now and 28 million people worldwide prove it. The programme that he wrote for the development of citizenship in young people is about growing up and setting values and standards which is really what citizenship is all about."

The Scouts met at The Level and began their parade at 10.30am, led by 6th Hove Scout Drum and Bugle Corps.

Their leader, Philip Clegg, said: "I'm proud and excited to be part of Scouting in the community - we're putting the out' back into Scout'.

"The St George's Day parade is an important part of making sure people know Scouting is a relevant movement for the 21st century and that it's still going strong."

Alan Archer led Kingfishers Eastbourne Scout Band, which played in the middle section of the parade, and said although it was very sunny for marching, it was not the hottest they had experienced.

He said: "We went to Kenya recently so we've marched in warmer weather."

Vicky Kifford, 22, of the band, said: "I've been in the band and a Scout for ten years and we've got a great group of friends. I really enjoy doing the big events and I hope to stay on in the band and help set one up in Kenya."

Councillor David Smith, the mayor of Brighton and Hove, met the procession as it finished its parade and entered the Pavilion gardens. He stood with Dave Jackson and other Scouting dignitaries on a platform which the Scouts saluted as they passed.

Coun Smith said: "It's marvellous to see all these youngsters. It just shows you - usually it's only bad news about youngsters but 95 per cent are super and help out. We should give them credit where it's due."

Jonathan Raggett, 14, Rachel Titheradge, 13, and Rosie Inman, 14, all came to the ceremony from Brighton District Explorer Scouts. Jonathan said: "It's the only time we have to be smart with black shoes and our full uniform. We usually change after fall in' at our weekly meetings and doing this makes Scouting more traditional and shows we don't just do it for the fun, we do it to be part of something."

Rosie said: "It's good so many of us can come together."

Rachel added: "We don't see all these people all the time and we can catch up."

Their District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Fiona Fisher, said: "It's brilliant to be back in The Dome like we always did when I was a Girl Guide. It's the centenary year and it's nice to have the big procession through the city to bring it to everyone's attention."

For the past couple of years the parade has taken place on the seafront but this year the Scout Association decided to raise the £1,700 needed to hire The Dome for the morning as it was traditionally held there.

One leader, in his 50s, remembered carrying his flag standard too tall and banging the ceiling of The Dome.

He warned the younger Scouts not to repeat his own mistake on Sunday, but a couple of flags still banged its lower ceiling.

Keith Fakes, District Secretary, remembered his own parades as a young Scout.

He said: "We would always parade whatever the weather and it wasn't always like today. I can remember walking down with hail and a gale and a police horse alongside us so you had to mind where you put your feet."

The crowd filed into The Dome and took their seats with the flag-bearers waiting at the back to march ceremoniously to the front as a band on stage played them in.

Dave Jackson led the official part of the day and told the assembled Scouts and Guides: "For the last ten years I stand here and I ask you when you make your promises to do it properly and with feeling and when you go home to try to live that promise."

Then he made way for the Reverend Cynthia Park who told the story of Jesus's death and resurrection with lots of audience participation, song and dance.

This year the Guide movement is 98 years old, Cubs and Brownies are 91, Beavers are 25 and Rainbows are 20 years old.

James Daltrey, 14, of Three Deans Scouts in Rottingdean, said: "It's just fun being with friends. I joined when I was eight years old and some of my friends then are still Scouts now.

"I like the camping, canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling."

James Gilfillan, 15, of the same group, said: "There are lots of good activities and you get to meet new people. I like making fires and we practise things like map reading and first aid at our weekly meetings.

"My school friends who are not Scouts tend to just go down to the skate park. They don't get to do all this stuff."

But for a few minutes longer they maintained their solemn respect for the tradition of Scouting as each group stood in turn to renew their vows as they made the Scout and Guide signs.

Four senior Scouts, Elsie Shekle, Vic Pollard, Martin Piggott and John Cripps were then honoured for their dedicated work over the past 30 to 40 years with "silver acorns", and hymns were sung before the mayor made his speech and the ceremony was over.

Were you a scout? Do have any stories to share from your scouting days? If so, please leave them below.