St. George’s Day Parade

Today hundreds of Scouts will parade through Windsor to meet up at Windsor Castle, will then inspected by Prince Charles and finally attend a service in St. George’s Chapel where they will renew their Scout Promise led by the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls.

To be able to go on this parade is an honour for all those Scouts who have become Queen’s Scouts over the past year.

I was able to attend this parade in 1992 when I was 21. I remember having to leave home at around 5 in the morning and being in an absolutely foul mood as I’d been to a friend’s 21st birthday party the night before! When we arrived in Windsor we had to go to an army barracks to do some marching practice. As a rule we don’t do marching in scouting these days, so the Sergeant  Major who was instructing us got a bit frustrated to say the least!

It was a cold and damp morning and we weren’t allowed to wear coats over our uniforms, so I was glad that I’d worn extra layers under my shirt! We paraded to the Castle and lined up on the parade ground and were then inspected by HM The Queen! I was terrified as I was on the front row and didn’t want to make a prat of myself if she decided to speak to me. She didn’t however, but at least I can say was inspected by the Queen!

We then marched into St. George’s Chapel for the service where we were led in the renewal of our promise by the then Chief Scout, Garth Morrison.

After the service, the time was our own and I spent the rest of the day sightseeing in Windsor with Mum and Dad.

It was certainly a talking point at work the following day, being able to say I spent my weekend being inspected by the Queen!

It was a great honour to take part in the parade.

If I can find them, I’ll put some of the photos on here!