ON what was described as the wettest event on record for some years, Scouting groups from across Colchester were on hand to take part in an annual parade.

Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and adult volunteers from 25 Scout Groups from Colchester North and Colchester Estuary District Scouts were part of this year’s St George’s Day celebrations.

The groups all braved the weather and came together to celebrate their Patron Saint, St George on Sunday.

Gazette: Wave - mayor Tim Young congratulated everyone for attending the first parade in the new city of ColchesterWave - mayor Tim Young congratulated everyone for attending the first parade in the new city of Colchester (Image: James Chandler)

Starting off from Britannia Car Park, they marched through the city where the Colchester North District Commissioner Dave Reid and Colchester Estuary Deputy District Commissioner Steve Birkin, took the salute with mayor Tim Young, before arriving at Colchester Castle for a renewal of promise for all members. 

Gazette: Pride - Scouting groups across Colchester took partPride - Scouting groups across Colchester took part (Image: James Chandler)

Tim Young expressed his gratitude to all who attended and congratulated everyone for attending the first St George’s Day Parade in the new city of Colchester.

Gazette: Soaked - the rainy weather failed to dampen spiritsSoaked - the rainy weather failed to dampen spirits (Image: James Chandler)

A member of 6th Colchester (1st Lexden, St Teresa’s) Squirrels received the first Acorn award in Colchester North and Alex Richardson (Colchester North District Youth Team) received the first king Scout award.

Gazette: Crowd - groups gathered outside Colchester CastleCrowd - groups gathered outside Colchester Castle (Image: James Chandler)

Two adult volunteers also received their silver Acorn awards for outstanding and distinguished service with more than 20 years of service, namely Jennifer Jay (26th Colchester) and Dave Reid (District Commissioner, Colchester North).

Gazette: Celebrations - Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and adult volunteers were present on the dayCelebrations - Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and adult volunteers were present on the day (Image: James Chandler)

The service then continued with a round of the campfire song, BINGO, lead by David Evans and members of Thorrington Scout Camp warden teams which concluded with the national anthem lead by a single trumpet player.

Members of both Districts were then dismissed to enjoy refreshments on Hollytrees lawn.

Gazette: Mayor - Tim Young pictured in Castle ParkMayor - Tim Young pictured in Castle Park (Image: James Chandler)

Despite the weather, the Scouts once again enjoyed the annual celebrations.

One said: “It was great to be part of an event with so many people coming together to support Scouting.  Even the rain couldn’t dampen the mood”.

Another added: “It was great to see so many members of Colchester North and Colchester Estuary Scouting, from Squirrels to adult volunteers, renewing their promise”.

For more information on Scouting in Colchester, visit www.scouts.org.uk.