Wharfedale Scout District celebrates St George’s Day

The Wharfedale Scout District held a St George's Day Parade and event last weekend at Otley Rugby Club.

There were groups from 2nd Otley, Otley Methodists, Otley Bridge, Menston, Burley in Wharfdale, Ilkley 1st Ben Rhydding, Ilkley Christchurch and Addingham, who joined together to celebrate Scouting’s Patron Saint St George.

The event was organised by The Districts Explorer Groups aged 14 to 18 year olds.

Adam The Explorer Leader from Burley in Wharfedale lead the activities which included, Beaver Scouts 6 to 8 year olds - water and balloon race; Cub Scouts 8 to 10 year olds -  building a Tower and Scouts 10 to 14 year olds - build a flag pole from scratch including full lashings & knots.

A competition to include the smartest Group on Parade took place. The overall Winner was Ilkley Christchurch who were presented with their trophy from District Commissioner (Lead Volunteer) Tim Haskins to Judith Dickinson their Group Leader.

The Loudest Group Cheering was certainly Menston Group in Yellow and Green neckerchiefs.

David Shaw MBE said: “We renewed our Promises which is our duty to our Country, God & King & our commitment to always do our best & Help other people & Keep our Scout Law.   

“This is the second year Otley Rugby Club have hosted this event. We are extremely grateful to them for allowing us to use their ground & facilities which enables us to sit comfortably, Parade & carry out various activities which results in a memorable day for our young People.

“A Role call for Awards for Leaders was carried out with some members attending the Windsor Castle Parade with Bear Grylls The Chief Scout.

“A photo of Ashely France with Bear Grylls Chief Scout receiving his Meritorious Conduct Award for saving for lady’s life by giving CPR at a Church event.

“Iain Paterson from Otley Bridge is featured receiving his Bar to The Silver Acorn for Exceptional Service to Scouting.

“We welcome offers of adult Volunteers to support Scouting in our Area with Groups & campsites plus Duke of Edinburgh Award service opportunities.”

The St George’s Day Awards for 2024 are:

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Iain Paterson – Lionhearts & Otley Bridge.  

Bar to Award Merit

Peter Bastow – 1st Ben Rhydding

Mark Rothery – Otley Parish

Angela Graves – District & formerly Burley in Wharfedale  

Award Merit

Jan Reid – Local Training Manager & Menston St John.  

Mike Fawcett – Otley Methodists

Lucy Wilkinson – Otley Methodists

John Paterson – Otley Bridge 

Kevin Edwards – Reva

Chief Scout’s Commendation

Susan Docker – Otley Bridge

Terresa Varney – 3rd Ben Rhydding

Liz Taylor – 3rd Ben Rhydding

Cameron Wilson – Reva

40 years’ service to Gary Williams 

30 years’ service to Matthew Carter, Beverley Rothery and Jeremy Ince 

If young people wish to join Scouting from age 4 to 25 they are asked to contact Wharfedale Scouts via Facebook, or emailing, DC, Wharfedale dc@wharfedalescouts.org.uk or David Shaw pr@wharfedalescouts.org.uk