To mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Rainbows and Beavers among many others celebrated and rejoiced at the Hayes Division Remembrance Parade on the 11th of November, in the memory of the soldiers lost in battle from 1914-1918. The parade, which takes place annually to commemorate the famous war, consists of a march from Barra Hall Park to St Mary The Virgin Parish Church in Hayes, where a short service is conducted, comprised of hymns, readings and Communion to reflect on the events of the First World War. Simone, who has been in Girl-Guiding for 6 years, said “it’s important to remember those who fought in the First and Second World Wars – the people saved the generations before us” and how lovely it was ‘”to see young people coming together to celebrate our ancestors who dedicated their lives to helping others”. The church service was then followed by a two-minute silence and a flag-bearing ceremony at the cenotaph in which red poppy wreaths were laid from different Scout groups. The parade was drawn to a close after a march back to Barra Hall park. This meaningful Guiding tradition provides all members of the Guide and Scout community (and many parents too) with an insight into the importance of the World Wars and how they affected society and our ancestors soon after. As long as the world of Guiding continues, so will this wonderful remembrance procession, as it carries the meaning far into the future.
