I have always loved St George’s Day.  One of my first experiences of doing something in front of a large crowd of people was when I had to read the Cub Scout Law in the Worthing Assembly Rooms flanked by the District Commissioner and the ADC Cub Scouts in front of the entire District.  On another occasion it was a real honour to carry my Troop colour even if I did manage to give the Mayor a whack with the tassels on my flag as I did a smart about turn at the end of the service.

But has the time come to move on?  We no longer know how to march and drill so why pretend we do?   Our uniforms have lost their military imagery so is parading through the streets with colours flying a positive representation of Scouting in the 21st Century?  If we are serious about diversity and multiculturalism why are we venerating a Christian saint, mostly in Christian churches, employing Christian clergy intoning Christian hymns and prayers?  And then there is the increasing problem of St George being both the patron saint of Scouting and of England and the inevitable confusion that that leads to in the minds of our members and the general public.

I know Groups and Districts have wrestled with this problem for several years now and there are no easy answers.  We want to be visible and the sight of children in a procession provides easy copy for the newspapers.  We want to remind ourselves of our promises and to make time for a degree of reflection on what they mean for us all.  We want to celebrate Scouting and its values in a way that is meaningful for all our members.

I know that the misalignment of St George’s Day and the Easter and school holidays has played havoc with Districts’ plans this year and congratulations to all those involved in arranging those events that have taken place this year in very difficult circumstances.  But can we go on like this?  Is it time for a change?  Should we change the focus of our attention to Founder’s Day rather than St George?  Is there some other anniversary we could celebrate?

Do share your thoughts.  Did you go to a parade or service this year?  Did it meet your expectations?  What would you like to see happen instead?  I look forward to reading your comments.