Flags

Yesterday the Scout Troop’s new flag was finally blessed in Church. I say finally as it was supposed to happen during our family celebration camp back in May, but the suppliers were too slow!

We’d decided to get a new one as the old one is, we think, over 60 years old and is showing it’s age. It sat in the District’s  cupboard for around 20 years before the Troop was restarted in 1983 and it suffered somewhat. It was given to my Grandma who was a wizard with the needle to fix up and over the last 25 years or so, it’s been back to her and my Mum  (who is also great at sewing) for more running repairs. In fact Mum has it again, along with our old Cub flag, to repair it before it’s finally laid up in Church.

We had it blessed rather than dedicated as if a flag is dedicated it cannot be removed from Church without a formal colour party. This, while making the flag very special, can be somewhat inconvenient when trying to move it around!

What was nice was the way the Vicar conducted the blessing. It was as follows –

Almighty God, we give thanks for the last 100 years of Scouting in Porthill: for the foresight of those who set up the Troop, for the dedication of those who have been its Leaders, and the loyalty for those who have been its members.

We give thanks for those who have gone on to serve their families, their communities and their nation, especially those who gave their lives at time of war.

We thank you that the values of loyalty, service and dedication are still held dear, and we pray that our Troop and the whole of the Scouting Movement may go on from strength to strength in the next 100 years. These things we pray in the name of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

AMEN

Receive this Colour on behalf of the Troop. Remember that it has been dedicated to the service of God. Let it be respected by you. Let it be a symbol of loyalty to your Troop and to your Movement the world over.

 

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New Flag    –      Old Flag

I must admit, I prefer the old one partly because of its history and also it looks nicer as it was silk screen printed rather than having the letters sewn on. But as you can see from the patches it needed to be retired! Hope the new one lasts over 60 years!

3 Replies to “Flags”

  1. A wonderful testament to the Scouting movement.
    Hip Hip Horray! for the 1st St. Andrews Porthill Scout Group.
    May you all keep Scouting alive and well, and carry your flag with pride and honor.
    Your new flag looks great. Get the old one framed and hang it somewhere special for everyone to see the great Scout group that is still alive and well!

    Congratulations!
    Have a Great Scouting Day!

  2. Thanks Jerry,
    I know I do keep banging on about the age of our Group, but I’m really proud that we’ve reached 100!
    The flag is going to be hung in Church above our St. George War Memorial window. That seems to be an appropriate place for it really.

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