DYB DYB DIG, LOU
Prince of Wales and his family join volunteers at Scout hut renovation
PRINCE Louis had a great time on his first public engagement, driving a digger with his dad, pushing a wheelbarrow and doing some painting as the family helped renovate a Scout hut for The Big Help Out.
And when their work was done, five-year-old Louis had a go at archery along with brother George, nine, and sister Charlotte, eight, who beat the boys by hitting the bull’s-eye.
The Prince of Wales and his family were volunteering at the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, Berks, as part of a nationwide day of volunteering to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
William and Kate and their children helped relay a path, dig a new soakaway and varnish the main door, as well as adding planters to the front of the building and a mural to create a lasting legacy of The Big Help Out’s work.
Louis got to sit in the digger with Wills after seeing George have a go and telling his mother: “I want to go in with him.”
He and Charlotte also helped paint a planter, getting some of it on their hair and legs.
One volunteer told Louis: “You might want to be a painter when you grow up.” He fired back: “No a fighter pilot.” “Just like your father and grandfather,” the lady said.
William and George both wielded drills as they put together a wooden planter. William joked: “So far it’s still holding together.”
The Big Help Out was set up by charities such as the Scouts, Royal Voluntary Service and National Trust, with 55,123 events for 33,228 grassroots and community organisations scheduled.
It is hoped it will now become an annual event.
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition, said: “The Coronation theme has been service.
“Service isn’t just something the Royal Family do, it’s something volunteers do every day. In 10 years I hope we look back on the Coronation, not just for the crowns and carriages, but for the impact on communities. If it institutes a new national day dedicated to volunteering it will be a legacy fit for a king.”
The Waleses responded to the old Scout motto dyb dyb dyb, which stands for Do Your Best, and were rewarded with neck scarves and the chance to toast marshmallows. Louis excitedly high- fived a group of other children, then put his hand over his face as the smoke stung his eyes. “I like mine just like this,” he declared and started ripping the marshmallows off enthusiastically with his teeth. His eyes lit up when he was handed a “smore”, a marshmallow with chocolate sandwiched been two biscuits. William said: “You’ve made his day. We won’t hear a peep out of him.”
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were in nearby Reading, joining a Guide Dogs puppy training class for The Big Help Out.
Talking to volunteers after the class, Edward was asked about how he thought his brother’s Coronation went. He said: “It all went very well.”
The conversation then turned to the concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday night, when Muppets Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy made a surprise appearance.
The Duke gave a disapproving look at the mention of the characters, and said: “We were much more concerned about Miss Piggy turning up in the Royal Box. There was an empty seat behind me... and then we suddenly
thought it could be her and once we started that rumour, everyone around us got very nervous.”
Millions of other volunteers took part in events, big and small, across the country.
In Green Park, London, a sea of blue and purple wildflowers was being planted in the same area where floral tributes were left to the Queen after her death in September.
Brendan Ridge, six, from Croydon, South London, was planting wildflower wilded plugs. He asked his mother Sarah, 43: “Mum, m, can we come back this afternoon?” on?”
Lahari Ramuni, 31, a d data t consultant lt t from London, was with her husband and mother-in-law. She said: “It was a bit last minute.” In Harrogate, North Yorks, charities and community groups met up at an event to spread spre the word about volunteering volunt opportunities. Karen Weaver, 61, who works with Harr Harrogate and District Community Ac Action, a group which promotes physical activity and supports local charities, said: “Community has never been more important and this is a great showcase, a way to shine a spotlight on volunteering – what we do and how it can benefit everyone.” At the North Yorkshire Army Cadets’ stall, Keiran Thompson, 16, said: “I’m getting to do new things and meet some new people.
“I want to join the Army one day and I really enjoy being part of this.”