St George’s Day Parade Sunday17th April 2016 - … St George's Day 2016.pdf1 North East Norfolk Scouts St George’s Day Parade & Celebrations Sunday17th April 2016 4th May 2016

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North East Norfolk Scouts St George’s Day Parade & Celebrations

Sunday17th April 2016

4th May 2016

The ‘St George’s Day Parade’ of North East Norfolk Scouts was hosted by 1st Salhouse Scout Group, this year and held in the quaint, little village of Salhouse, on Sunday 17th April 2016. The parade of nearly 800 uniformed Scouts, from 14 Groups within our District, was led by ‘St George’ on horseback and supported by the ‘TS Norfolk’ marching band. The parade assembled on the playing field at Thieves Lane and moved off at 11am, taking the route up to Gorse Meadow, at Salhouse Broad, which was quite a trek for the younger Beavers, being nearly a mile long. We were astonished and really pleased to see so many people lining the parade route, right up to Upper Street, with villagers cheering from their houses and waving their flags in delight as the young people, marched by. The Scouts, who looked very smart in their uniforms, wore their ‘wellies’ in preparation of all the mud that lay ahead, an unusual sight but it didn’t seem to bother anyone taking part. Once at Gorse Meadow, the sun came out and we were blessed with the sunshine and warmth, being very different to the week before, where it had rained non-stop. Following the assembly of flags, in front of the stage, the Scouts then took part in an ‘open air’ service, led by Rev Andrew Beane, our District Chaplin. The first task was for each Group to take one of their Group neckerchiefs to the front and link them together with a ‘friendship’ knot, to symbolise our ‘friendship’ in scouting. This was followed by a reading from our special guest, Mr Robin Clay, grandson of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, our founder of Scouting. Everyone then joined in with the singing of some traditional ‘camp songs’ and then they all made a ‘Mexican Wave’. The historical tale of ‘St George and the Dragon’ was then read to the audience by Dave Tonge, the ‘Yarnsmith of Norwich’, which was followed by the renewal of Scouting Promises by all. After the service, every uniformed member was treated to a delicious ‘Hog Roast’ as well as others attending, being able to purchase one for themselves. The youngsters were then able to roam the meadow and participate in the ‘Medieval’ entertainment, which was provided for all to enjoy.

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This included watching the ‘fighting knights’ and learning all about medieval archery and how to use a ‘bow and arrow’. There was ‘hobby-horse’ jousting to try, coin strikes, medieval games, a look at ‘weapons’ used and a chance to try on the armour. There was a static ‘Birds of Prey’ display with a chance hold them plus many more activities. The younger Beavers were able to make their own ‘swords’ and practise what they had seen in the ‘fighting knights’ arena! It was amazing to watch everyone looking, listening and learning as they walked amongst the ‘Living History Medieval Village’ and trying the different activities from writing with a ‘quill’ and even making their own coins. A few Scouts took on the challenge of the medieval quiz, prepared by the Norwich and Norfolk Medieval Association (NANMA) finding the answers from the group as they spoke to the youngsters. As with every organised event, there are people who deserve recognition for their contribution in helping and making the event, a success. We would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to the following people and organisations, who have helped us to achieve our overall aims of being able to give everyone a ‘Day to Remember’ in Salhouse. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in our project and made it possible, to hold such a large event in a very small village. This was our initial problem, way back in September, of finding somewhere large enough to hold nearly 500 young people. We approached the land owner, Mr Henry Cator and asked for his help and he very kindly offered the use of ‘Gorse Meadow’ for our ‘St George’s Day’ Parade and Event. Finding our about the links to Salhouse Broad and Scouting, with the founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, attending a Jamboree on the same site in 1930, Mr Cator was really keen for us to hold it at Salhouse Broad. Our event was only made possible from the generous donations and financial support we received from the following sponsors; Redhouse Youth Projects, Hoveton & Wroxham Lions Club, The Freemasons - Norvic Conclave, Boileau Lodge, Cabbell Preceptory No 69, Scout Lodge 9850, Salhouse Parish Council, Broadland District Council, Salhouse Saga and Cafe2U. We are very grateful for all the financial assistance we received for our project because without their support, our event would not have taken place. To all the ‘Entertainers’ who provided ‘top class’ entertainment and exhibits for everyone, we are extremely grateful. Mr Robin Clay, grandson of Lord Robert Baden Powell, for his attendance and reading an extract from his Grandfather’s diary, from 1930, during his visit to Salhouse. Dave Tonge, The Yarnsmith of Norwich, with his tale of ‘St George and the Dragon’, read to everyone with audience participation too.

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Fenella Littleboy, for singing the ‘National Anthem’ so beautifully and assisting the Scouts, in the lowering of their flags. Andy Betts and Andrew Hudson for playing and singing “Give me Joy in my Heart” so professionally. Tim Wilson, for his extensive weapon display and for his lovely assistant, Suzanne. Ian Pycroft, as ‘St George’ riding on horseback and leading the parade. ‘Hoggies’ for providing a very tasty Hog Roast for over 900 people, in 90 minutes, well done! David and Jane from ‘Hawking Experience’ for their ‘Bird of Prey’ display, which was actually donated, ‘free of charge’ and finally for the ‘Norwich And Norfolk Medieval Association’, who gave us an amazing display of Medieval culture and history.

To the following people, who assisted us and kindly donated their services, to benefit the Scouts of North East Norfolk. Thank you. Rev. Andrew Beane, for his suggestion of having an ‘open air’ service at Salhouse Broad, for his service and for arranging the ‘glorious weather’. To the ‘Salhouse WI’ Doreen Dye, Mollie Thompson, Jean Curtis and Merle Edwards for preparing and assisting us with the catering in the Jubilee Hall, for our ‘VIP’s. To Daniel Dawson-Gordon, from the ‘Norfolk Reclamation Centre’ and ‘Norfolk Scouts’ for the loan of the ‘Dragon’s’. To ‘Longwater Gravel’, for providing us with a generator and several tons of ‘gravel’ for ‘track repair’. Thanks to Salhouse VC Primary School for lending us their ‘stage’. PCSO Bob Hall for assisting us with the planning and help on the day with road closures and safety matters. To Amanda Geary, for the use of the Riding Stables car parking area, to park all the cars. Thank you to all our ‘Stewards and Marshals’ who helped us on the day, carrying out their allocated tasks, throughout the event. We are very grateful, for their assistance. We have been overwhelmed with support from everyone within the ‘Community of Salhouse’ including help and advice from Mr Colin McCormick and members of the Parish Council and also to the residents, for their patience on Sunday 17th April, with all the disruptions in the village! And one final ‘Thank you’ goes to the lovely lady from Upper Street, who made hot drinks for everyone raking gravel in the rain on Saturday 16th April, That’s what we call ‘being thoughtful’ - Thank you. Thank you all once again and we hope that you, like us will cherish and remember this great day, of Sunday 17th April 2016, when North East Norfolk Scouts ‘St George’s Day Parade’ came to Salhouse, for many years to come! Jackie Rose, Claire Pyatt, Andrew and Tracey Hayton, Richard and Lita Baker 1st Salhouse Scout Group, North East Norfolk

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A selection of pictures from the day

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