Joseph Steel from Bobcats Explorers represented Vale of Clwyd Scouts at a national service of Celebration and Thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey.
Read the full run down written by David Morris (Clwyd Scouts) here:
On Founders Day, 22 February, a service of Celebration and Thanksgiving Scouts is held each year in Westminster Abbey to honour the traditions and values of the Scout Movement. The founder of the Movement, Robert Baden-Powell, is memorialised in the Nave of the Abbey.
This year Scouts from Wales, led by Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer, are representing the Movement as they celebrate 100 years of ScoutsCymru.
The service is also an opportunity for Scouts to celebrate the achievements of some of their longest serving volunteers, and those who have been awarded some of the association’s top honours.
Five Explorer Scouts and three adult volunteers from Clwyd joined Rhian and Scouts from South Wales at the event. Representing Clwyd were Chloe Aston, 16 from Penycae Explorers, Ellie Gladwin, 16 from Fusion Explorers, Freddie Godwin, 15 from K2 Explorers, Joseph Steel, 17 from Bobcats Explorers, William Blanchard, 15 from Echo Explorers, Charlotte Bird from Echo Explorers, Sarah Harrison from Llangollen District and David Morris from Clwyd Area.
Rhian said, “It is a great honour for us to represent Scouts from all over the world at the service in Westminster Abbey on Founders Day and to lay a wreath at the Baden-Powell Memorial. It is the first time Scouts from Wales have been at the event and renewing our promise in the Abbey is part of our celebrations to mark our 100 years of ScoutsCymru.
“Together with the Guides, the service gives us a moment to reflect on the impact we make together and our shared values and common goals – working towards peace, unity and international friendship, still matter.”
After the service and wreath laying the party from Clwyd had chance to explore London, including a trip on the cable car over the Thames and a visit to Buckingham Palace, then stayed the night at UK Scouts headquarters at Gilwell Park.
Joseph said, “The service was brilliant, it made us feel very connected to the beginning of Scouting, but highlighted the progress and developments we’ve made up to today. My favourite moments were the jokes and laughs we had while we were exploring and travelling across the city!”
William said, “I enjoyed the history of the Abbey, choir and organs. I found the new neckers for Clwyd interesting and I also enjoyed exploring London with new friends from within the Scouting community.”
Chloe said, “I felt proud to represent Clwyd at the Founders Day service, and learn more about Scouting and the history of the Abbey. I loved seeing London’s landmarks by night and the trip on the cable car, I’m glad it didn’t bounce!”
Ellie said, “It was amazing representing Clwyd and getting to know people from the other Districts – most of which I’d never really met anyone from. I loved exploring London and learning about the history of Westminster abbey, it was all very fun!”
