Local Scouts attend organisation’s annual day of recognition

LOCAL Scout leaders’ achievements were acknowledged at Windsor Castle as part of the Scouts’ National Day of Celebration & Recognition.

A proud moment for Jonathan Charmley, left, the recipient of Scouting’s Cornwell Badge for heroism, who took afternoon tea with Chief Scout Bear Grylls at the Scouts’ National Day of Celebration & Recognition at Windsor Castle.

Bailiwick commissioner Andy Snell was joined at the event by Jonathan Charmley, who received the Cornwell Scout Badge last month for dedication to his Scouting duty while undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, and Amy Woodland, who represented Guernsey Scouts at the late Queen’s lying in state.

‘It’s an event that is held on St George’s Day, or the Sunday closest to St George’s Day,’ said Mr Snell.

‘It’s been held every year since the end of the Second World War.’

Senior figures from the Scouting movement were in attendance throughout the course of the day, including Chief Scout Bear Grylls and the Duke of Kent, the joint president of Scouting with the Princess of Wales.

‘As part of the celebrations, Jonathan had pride of place sitting next to the royal box during one of the morning’s events, and then in the afternoon he was fortunate enough to be able to have afternoon tea with Bear Grylls and other members of the Scout leadership team, including Dwayne Fields, who is the first black Briton to reach the North Pole,’ Mr Snell said.

Other events on the day included a parade in the castle’s quadrangle and a subsequent troop inspection by Mr Grylls. He then addressed a congregation, which included Miss Woodland, in St George’s Chapel.

Local Scout leader Amy Woodland, who represented Scouting in Guernsey at the Queen’s lying in state, was invited to the National Day of Celebration & Recognition at Windsor Castle.

‘Bear was clearly thrilled to be there. He was very friendly and also presented Jonathan with a certificate in recognition of his Cornwell Scout Badge,’ Mr Snell said.

He added that about 1,000 young people were at the event, with family members invited to join them. He was also thankful that the weather conditions had remained respectable for the parade in the afternoon.

‘Amy’s mum was there, as were Jonathan’s parents. Jonathan’s father, Mark, is a reverend, so I think he brought a little bit of divine intervention with him in terms of keeping the rain away for us. It was dry for the whole event, but quite overcast.’

He said it had been an honour to get an invitation to go to the event.

‘I think it’s something we will all remember for the rest of our lives,’ he said.