Scouts parade to celebrate centenary (From Western Telegraph)

Scouts parade to celebrate centenary

11:25am Monday 23rd April 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Hundreds of scouts from all over Pembrokeshire descended on the city of St Davids this weekend to celebrate the organisation's centenary.

The grand parade was held the day before St George's day, in recognition of the patron saint of scouting.

Margaret Brian, Pembrokeshire area secretary, and assistant area commissioner for the scout fellowship, has been involved in scouting for 44 years, and has seen many changes in the organisation, the most significant being allowing girls to join.

She said: "It's the biggest youth organisation in the world. This year it will become compulsory for groups to take in girls.

"There will be lots of scouting celebrations all over England and Wales this year. We chose to have the parade in St Davids because we wanted it to be really special.

"We invited several VIPs along , including the mayors of Pembrokeshire and local AMs."

After a parade through the city and a service in the cathedral, a tree was dedicated in a special ceremony. A saluting base was then held on the square in the presence of the invited dignitaries.

Pembrokeshire people who have hung onto memorabilia and pictures from their scouting days are being asked to lend it to the Pembrokeshire groups, who are hoping to organise a display in the local libraries.