Saturday 23 April saw the celebrations of St George’s Day marked with a flag bearing parade from the Memorial Gardens to Queens Square as Crawley District Scouts marked the date of the patron saint of Scouting. After the success of last year’s parade, an invitation had gone out to the Crawley Girlguiding Association to join the scouts in marking the occasion within the town centre. Bunting adorned the band stand and groups carried troop flags and the St Georges cross.

In past years, the celebrations have taken place at the Scout camping ground near Pease Pottage and is one of the most significant formal events in the scouting calendar. On the strength of last year’s successful celebrations in Queens Square and public support to celebrate St George’s more publicly, the decision was made to gather centrally and grow the event gradually.

The beautiful weekend weather encouraged shoppers to listen to the proceedings, led by Eddy Hills, District Commissioner for Crawley District Scouts with invited guests including Karen Jessep, Division Commissioner for Crawley Guides, The Mayor Cllr Lee Burke, Crawley MP Henry Smith and Rev’d Sue Murray from St Richard’s Three Bridges. Scouts and Guides renewed their promises and sang the National Anthem.

Eddy Hills, District Commissioner, Crawley District Scouts commented “Once again we have been very well supported and for the first time have been joined by the Guides from across Crawley. It’s really great to hear the interest shown by the residents of Crawley”

One parent remarked “I am thrilled to see St Georges Day marked in such a positive way in Crawley and can see this growing year after year. It marks the date in a very sympathetic way and involved so many young people and adults across town”.

To get involved in scouting or for more information on scouting in Crawley go to www.crawleydistrictscouts.org.uk