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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scouts fly the flag for St George
Over 1300 Scouts take part in half mile long parade
 21st April 2002 -- Over 80 flags were flying for the Scouts
as they celebrated St George their patron saint with a big parade through Luton
on Sunday 21 April. Specially dedicated for the day were five new flags
including the flag of St George that led the parade and two specially designed
flags one for Icknield District and one for Lea Valley District. Warden Hill
Beaver Scouts proudly flew their new flag and St Christopher's Cub Scouts
brought one to be dedicated by the Reverend Julie Cox at the church service
after the parade.
The two district flags carried colourful designs of the district badges and gave
a fresh and eye- catching reference point for the Scouts. The Icknield District
flag was dedicated just a few days before the parade by the Reverend Nick Bell
vicar of St Mary's church.
Over 1300 Scouts took part in the parade which stretched nearly half a mile
through the town centre past the saluting base at the steps of the town hall.
The salute was taken by Luton's Mayor, Councillor Brian Devenish supported by
Icknield District Commissioner Karl Collins and Luton North MP, Kelvin Hopkins.
Marching music for the parade was performed by the energetic Harlington Boys
Brigade Band while the Salvation Army Brass Band played at the town hall for the
march past.
After the parade the Scouts split into their three districts for their church
services. Icknield District, who led the parade, attended St Mary's Parish
Church, Lea Valley District had their service at the Central Baptist Church
while Someries District congregated at the Catholic Church in Castle Street.
At the dedication of St Christopher's Cub Scout flag, one of the Someries
District flag stewards deftly averted a minor disaster with a carefully
positioned pin from her medal when the flag suddenly collapsed. The repair was
completed just in time for the Reverend Julie Cox to bless the flag.
The parade was also the occasion for the Scouts to recognise the contribution
made by some of their members. Alec Brown, Icknield District President received
a bar to his silver acorn for continued distinguished service. Chairman Janet
Lowe and Group Scout Leader Cavan Moore of Someries District and Lea Valley
District Treasurer Keith Potts received a bar to their Medals of Merit for
further outstanding service. And Someries District Group Scout Leader Roger Swan
was awarded a Medal of Merit for his outstanding service.
Luton Mayor Councillor Devenish, who had an excellent vantage point for the
parade, complimented the Scouts on their smart and well turned out appearance.
More Pictures ...
For More Information Contact:
Luton Scouts PR Team peter.sutherst@virgin.net
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