THE four sections of sea scouts in Watchet joined together for St George’s Day last Sunday (April 23) when they paraded for the Royal Navy.
The beavers, cubs, sea scouts and explorer sea scouts were taking part in their bi-annual inspection to ensure they maintain the standards expected of an Admiralty recognised sea scout group.
The scout group formed up in Harbour Road before marching into Swain Street and finishing on The Esplanade.
There they were joined by the inspecting officer Lieutenant Lorna Wilson, Commanding Officer at Bristol University Royal Naval Unit (RNURU).
Lieut Wilson watched as the scouts performed their colours ceremony, piping their Admiralty ensign and RN pennant up the mast.
They also raised the church pennant – a symbol that a ship’s company is at worship – before a service on The Esplanade in front of a gathering of guests, families and members of the public.
The Rev Jane Sperring gave a short sermon about St George and spoke about his relevance to the white ensign that is flown from Royal Navy ships and shore establishments. Previously known as St George’s ensign, it consists of the white cross of St George with the Union flag in the upper canton.
During the inspection, Lieut Wilson spoke to every individual, asking about their badges, what activities they had undertaken and what they looked forward to doing.
The scouts and explorer scouts then headed for their boating centre in Market Street where they changed and progressed onto the water for a demonstration of their sailing, kayaking, pulling and power boating skills.
Lieut Wilson joined them on the water in one of the scout group’s safety boats, the Elliot Stevens, where she saw first hand the various skills that are instructed to the young people, in line with the aims and objectives with the Royal Navy’s recognition of the scout group.
Part of the demonstration involved the Coastguard Search and Rescue team and a Minehead lifeboat – with former Watchet sea scout Harry Mouzouri at the helm – for some simulated rescues with some scouts in kayaks and also sailing dinghies.
Distress smoke signals were released and the coastguards and lifeboat crew jumped into action, showing Lieut Wilson how sea scouts are instructed in rescue techniques.
The capabilities of the RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat at sea were demonstrated before Lieut Wilson rejoined the scout group on The Esplanade for the sunset ceremony.
Before leaving, Lieut Wilson said how impressed she was with the level of facilities, training and enthusiasm from all members of the scout group, confirming that 1st Watchet was exactly what the Royal Navy wanted to see in its recognition scheme.
The 1st Watchet Sea Scout Group has been in the RN Recognition scheme since 1993: “The group is pleased that their Admiralty Recognition continues and for all the benefits it brings to all the young people involved,” said assistant group scout leader Simon Bale.