Sunday 27 April was one of the most memorable days at 3rd Whitton. For the first time, a full compliment of St Edmunds and Ibn Battuta sections, leaders, parents and supporters gathered to celebrate 70 year of Scouting with 3rd Whitton. It was also the first time that both sections took part in the same District-wide event - the St Georges Day parade between Richmond Green and Marble Hill Park.

The day started overcast and, whilst we were gathering on Richmond Green along with all the District’s Scout Groups, a few short bursts of rain sprinkled down. However, it was fine enough us to join in the long snaking line of Scouts   from Richmond Green to Marble Hill Park, gamely led by Christa and Katie, bearing our special 70th anniversary banner. Once at Marble Hill we scuttled inside a large tent erected for a Scouts Own - just in time as the rain then set in for an hour. Amongst the presentations was the award of the wood badge to Scout Leader Caron and the 15 years service award to Group Scout Leader Phil.   

After the Scouts Own we travelled in convoy back to 3rd Whitton HQ and gathered for the official group photo, taken by Cub Scout Skills Instructor Peter. We then went outside for some fun photos! It was then time for lunch - and it was terrific! The Ibn Battuta parents had been hard at work and provided a HUGE lunch for us. We were  stuffed with all sorts of eastern food, pasta, sandwiches and cakes (as well as fizzy drinks).

A few of the really-old boys came along and we had a toast in fizzy apple juice. Group Scout Leader Phil made a short speech (and presented Kent with his Gold Award, the highest award which can be gained with 3rd Whitton) and we had a lovely cake to celebrate, decorated with our 70th anniversary badge in edible icing! It was soon time for most to depart and at the end of the afternoon, some of the leadership team were joined by the District Commissioner to complete the celebration of Whitton’s 70th birthday.

Let’s look forward to another 70 years!

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