Castle trip for Queen’s Scout
A HAYES and Harlington Queen’s scout was honoured at a St George’s Day parade in the grounds of Winsdor Castle on Sunday April 26.
The ‘Day of Celebration and Achievement’ recognises Queen’s Scouts, who have worked hard to achieve the highest youth award within scouting, and Gallantry award holders, who have been nominated for their bravery and heroism.
James Grant, 25, of West Drayton was the first scout in 12 years to achieve the honour from the Hayes and Harlington scout district.
He said: “It was an honour to achieve the highest award and I had to take part in some intense tasks to earn it.
“I did a five-day residential in an unfamiliar environment working as a volunteer in North Carolina and a four-day hike in Snowdonia, it was gruelling!”
The annual St George’s Day Queens Scout Parade took place in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, along with Chief Scout Bear Grylls and other scout dignitaries.
Mr Grant added: “The day itself was really good, I got to meet Chief Scout Bear Grylls and took part in the parade.”
John McDonnell MP presented the Queens Scout award to James on December 9 at St Raphael’s Church hall in Yeading.
He said: “I’m so proud of this achievement by James Grant as this is the first time in at least 12 years we have had a Queen’s Scout award to be presented.”
The St George’s Day event dates back nearly 80 years with a service held annually within Windsor Castle by gift of Her Majesty the Queen.