Hundreds of scouts parade through Winchester to mark St George's Day

The procession met in Colebrook Street at 4.40pm on Sunday, April 23, before heading along The Broadway outside the Guildhall.

Then the group paraded up the High Street to Market Street, to Winchester Cathedral for a service at 5.15pm.

Mayor of Winchester Councillor Vivian Achwal was at the service, which was led by district commissioner of scouting for Winchester, Robin Cook.

They were saluted by each scout group as they went into the service, which renewed the scout promise.

Cllr Achwal said: "It was a huge honour to be present today for the St. George’s parade by so many different units of the Winchester District Scouts.

"At the Cathedral service there was a moving message from the scouts, showing placards on how they would like our World to be now had in the future; peace, use less plastic, save the trees and reduce waste.

"After the service I made a speech thanking all the Scout leaders, volunteers and parents on the marvellous job they do in helping the Scouting movement."

Deputy commissioner Martin Rudd also presented awards for outstanding service, including The Queen's Scout Award - the top achievement for Explorer Scouts - to Kama Miller-Gabbie. 

The parade was the first time Scouts had held a parade in the city for three years due to the pandemic.

It was also the first parade to see Squirrels, a new group of Scouts aimed at younger ages of four and five, take part.

Other processions also took place around the county, with large processions meeting in Gosport town centre on Sunday morning and in Fareham town centre on Sunday afternoon.

Pictures by Keith Woodland. Click the top image to see more photos from the day. 

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