MORE than 500 people gathered at Okehampton during the afternoon Sunday, April 22 for the Mid Devon District Scouts St George’s Day event.

Representatives of Scouting throughout the district took part in the parade around Simmons Park, led by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band.

As the long snake of young people began, each Group with its own standards and flags, a drizzle started, turning into rain as the parade crossed the grass towards the bandstand where the group of dignitaries taking the salute had been joined by a good number of bystanders taking shelter.

The rain stopped almost as quickly as it had begun, everyone heading for the Exams Hall at Okehampton College for the ceremony.

Taking the salute were Marc Coton County Commissioner Scouts, Tigger (Philip Morris) District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Trevor Waycott District Scout Commissioner, Cllr Peter Heal chairman Mid Devon District Council and his wife, Rita, plus Cllr Julie Yelland from Okehampton Town Council. Cllr and Mrs Heal had come from an event in Exmouth that morning.

A presentation was given by 1st Bow Scouts with a hugely amusing video showing a link between St George and Scouting, both representing courage and learning how to deal with adversity.

Promises were renewed and awards presented. Lapford Group won the shield for the best turned out Group that afternoon.

George Davey presented Wood Beads for Kate Charlton and Nicola Glanville.

Trevor Waycott presented thank you awards to: Sarah Hayes, district chairman for services to Mid Devon Scouting.

Linda Atougula for outstanding service to Okehampton Scouts.

Karen Squires of North Tawton for outstanding service to the young people in Mid Devon.

Joanne Pengelly of Bow Cubs, Sarah Harris of Chulmleigh Scouts, Patricia Cunningham of Dolton and Winkleigh and to Philip Morris (Tigger) plus a special award to George Davey as parade master for 42 years.

George has threatened that this was the last time he organises the event. The first he organised was in Crediton.

Chief Scout Platinum Awards - Liam Bayley, Jonathan Bret, Victoria Cordwent, Henry Howard, Cherokee Mitchell, Alfie Mussell, Daniel Richards, Jack Robinson, Emily Salter, Kayleigh Woodman, John Turner.

Chief Scout Gold Awards. South Zeal - Cameron Keegan, Ruth Frangleton, Charlie Harcombe.

Okehampton - Amie Smith, Rowan Trenaman, Amy Pinkett, Jake Pincombe, Olivia Christian.

Sandford - Bryony Wood, Kacey Anthony, Romy Gill, Jack Bisby, Brennan Walsh.

Dolton and Winkleigh - Tom Coles, Eloise Garland. Lapford - Jacob Norman.

Chief Scout Silver Awards. Crediton - Isaac Olsson, Ethan Howard, Louie Gregory, Jack Daley.

Lapford - Emily Passmore, Morgan Hatch. Bow - James Harmer, Joe Sellick, Tony Garton, Molly Smith, Orla Swift, Ryan Woolacott.

Dolton and Winkleigh - Jack Boundy, Robert Knight, Archie Bridgman, Penny Garland, Olly Tucker.

South Zeal - Toby Skilton, Harrison Doble-Headon, Mae Moore, Molly Bushin, William Guscott, Ben Waterman, Stanley Frangleton, Ruby Bushin, Tilly Tarry, Conlaed Hooper, Vinny Pedrick, Jack Granger, Finlay Dwyer.

North Tawton - Leon Radburn Reid, Ewan Buxton, Olivia Edworthy. Okehampton - Samuel Carling, Ciaran Lethbridge, Zara Priday.

Chief Scout Bronze awards. Crediton - Daniel Whetton, James Morgan, Oscar Tancock, William Gale, Benjamin Powlesland, Kyle Hookway, Daniel Saunders.

Okehampton - Catharine Newman, Kieran Saunders, Silvan Ramsey, Charlie Davey, Charlie Hickman, Arthur Hicks.

Tedburn and Cheriton - Oscar Samarasundera Hawkes. South Zeal - Myles Keegan, Freddie Herridge, Sam Bertram.

Sue Read