An emotional St George's Day parade
This year’s parade was an emotional one for many within the St Albans District with Anne Barns stepping down as St Albans District Commissioner finishing her 10 year tender, and a greater loss closer to home – with this being the last official act for Mrs Niki Dunn as the the groups GSL, stepping down as group scout leader after 6 years.
1st Park Street members from all our sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts turned out in the sunshine to participate in the annual St George's Day parade in St Albans on Sunday 26th April.
Led by the Mr. Geoff Harrison Mayor of St Albans, The Reverend Canon Richard Watson and Mrs. Anne Barns - St Albans Scout District commissioner, the parade started at St Albans Civic Centre at 2pm and then paraded through the streets of the city centre to the abbey, where a service was held to celebrate St George's Day and the UK Scouting movement. Despite a smaller turnout from some sections than in previous years it was very clear from our numbers that our group has now become one of the largest in the district and all that attended behaved extremely well under the guidance of the leaders present.
Following the end of the service all the group’s members present and their parents stayed on in the orchard outside the abbey for a presentation led by Christopher Holliss “CSL” to Mrs Niki Dunn GSL.
His emotional speech was testament to how much Niki has meant to the group, performing many thankless tasks as GSL with quiet resolve and compassion. Niki was presented with various gifts and cards from the group’s leaders and group members and she gave a the following emotional speech:
"First I would like to thank all the young people, leaders and families who have given their time today to join in this annual event in our scouting calendar. We can all be very proud of the young people who took part in this year's parade and service. They set a great example for the Group and for scouting. I am touched to receive so many beautiful (and alcoholic) gifts and the kind words from all at 1st Park Street Scout Group. I will miss the children, leaders, parents and mostly all the amazing friends I have met along the way! I thank you all for your hard work and dedication and hope that with more parents becoming leaders, joining such a great team the group will continue to grow and become an even bigger force in the district”
This year's flag bearers for Park Street with the important task of carrying the heavy flags during the parade and forming corridor of flags as the procession entered the abbey were representing our Beaver colonies, Oliver Robins and ? for our Cub packs and ? on behalf of our Scouts.
