This weekend saw our group taking part in Remembrance Commemorations. They were given two options: Royal Armouries Fort Nelson for a gun firing to mark the silence as well as a Remembrance themed performance, or the local Remembrance Parade at the War Memorial Hospital.
We appreciate that not everyone wants to go to the parade for many reasons, all of which are their own. It might be that they don't think their young person will be able to manage to stand for the entirety of a parade, or maybe they're less keen on the religious aspect of the service. Whatever their reasons, we'd rather our young people participate in something than just don't bother, which is why there are options.
Royal Armouries host a commemorative ceremony that involves firing a wartime artillery piece to start and conclude the silence and also a performance, this year's being based on letters written by soldiers who were based at the Fort during the First World War. They hold the ceremony on both days of the weekend, meaning that not only do people have to option to choose where they would like to go, but if they want to attend both, this is also possible.
On Saturday, Brian went on a long adventure to reach the Fort. He and his mum and little brother had to ride two buses and take a long walk up a hill to reach the venue as there's sadly no direct public transport route. Brian thoroughly enjoyed his adventure "through the forest" to get to the ceremony. It didn't even tire him out, maintaining a respectful focus throughout the two minutes silence. He was then invited into the firing arena to pose with the reenactors before heading to the performance space. He sat and listened attentively throughout then laid a wreath on behalf of our group.
Bagheera was there with them as well, but was less able to participate due to being on duty at the venue.
Sunday saw Evelyn making the journey with Raccoon (her mum) and Bagheera (off duty this time).
As is often their custom, we were joined in marking the Remembrance by firefighters from Cosham Station and they were more than happy for Evelyn to have a quick look around the back of the fire engine and a photo to go with it. We then went round to the arena to take part in the silence and we were also very impressed with the bugler who performed The Last Post. Afterwards there was time for more photos with the reenactors before heading inside to lay the wreath. The fire brigade laid theirs first at Evelyn's request so she could see what they did.
So, that's what happened at the Fort, let's look at what happened at the Parade.
We had a great turnout at the Parade, including our new Cubs. Robin was in her Beaver uniform as she's moving up, but Millie was in her shiny new uniform! We also had Sam, Dulcie (her first time in full uniform since making her promise at the sleepover!) and Annalise and for the Squirrels we had Poppy, Deborah and Brian. Yes, Brian who also went to the Fort the day before!
Our Group Leader was there as well, but he's also the Mayor's Chaplain and so was leading the service.
The young people really did us proud this weekend and you can see more photos, some of which were taken by the Fort's professional photographer, on our public Facebook page.
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