St George’s Day sets record

A record turnout saw Bognor Regis Scouts stage their annual parade with a difference.

Some 1,000 people watched the first open air ceremony for St George’s Day by the organisation.

The event has been held in Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church for decades.

But Sunday saw it moved to Hotham Park because so many Scouting members and supporters wanted to be involved.

The hour-long celebration of the patron saint of Scouting, as well as England, was led by the Explorer Scouts this year.

Explorer Scout section leader Oliver Lewis, who compered the event, said: “It was fantastic. It was a really good turnout. There must have been a 1,000 people here.

“This was the first time we have been in the open air for a long time and it went very well. The response from everyone has been very positive.”

There are about 55-60 Explorer Scouts, aged 14-18, in the district. Most of them took part in the ceremony.

“It was difficult for some of them to come out of their comfort zone but they all did very well and they are an absolute credit to their age range, said Mr Lewis.

The event began with the traditional parade through the town centre from the London Road car park and along the precinct and High Street.

Once by the park’s bandstand, the Explorers included the traditional hymns, promise renewals, blessing of the flags and presentation of awards.

But they added a sketch and entertainment which starred Lord Baden Powell, 162, the founder of Scouting, and a modern relative, Bartholomew (Blaze) Powell, defeating the dragons and thunder which threatened to overcome some hikers.

One of the hikers, Georgia Robson, 14, of Arctic Fox Explorers, said: “I was a little bit nervous but, we had done so much preparation, it was fun.

“I’ve been in Scouting eight years and this year’s ceremony was different but it was good.

“I like Scouting because it gives you a lot of opportunities and the chance to do something different.”

District Scout chaplain Steve Lomas also staged the parable of the Good Samaritan with the help of volunteers to add to the entertainment.

Chris Boreham, the assistant district commissioner, said: “There are about 800 people involved in Scouting in the Bognor Regis district.

“The number keeps growing. Scouting keeps its traditional values of honour and respect but with a modern touch.

“We move with the times but our core beliefs stay the same.”

The awards went to: Freddie Morris, Daniel Scott, Harry Mason, Alison Merrick, Timothy Holland, Katherine Bilham, Paul Embleton, Anthony Hellyer and Megan Scott.