Godalming District Scouts

Scouts and Guides from Godalming and the surrounding area joined together to fill the magnificant Charterhouse Chapel for our annual Carol Service.

The Mayors of Godalming and Waverley attended, along with the County Commissioner for Surrey Scouts, the County Commissioner for Girl Guiding and other dignitaries.

The service followed a traditional format led by Sue Evans, Godalming District Scout Chaplain.  During the welcome Sue asked us to think about those affected by the horrendous events in the United States and parents come to terms with this at a time for families.

The narrative was read by Peter Hewson, Godalming District Scout Chairman.  Readings were read by young people for each of the sections - many developing a tableau in the chapel.

The retiring collection raised £500 to be split equally between Plan UK and the Mayor of Godalming's Charity Waverley Citizen's Advice Bureau.

We thank the headmaster of Charterhouse for the continued use of the chapel, and the the Great Hall where we enjoyed hot chocolate and mince pies.

We Will Remember Them

Godalming Town Council have once again held their Remembrance Sunday Parade and service of remembrance.  The Town Council and around 300 young people and adults from the Twon Council, British Red Cross, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Godalming Fire Brigade, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network, Guides, Brownies along with representatives from Veterans, Royal Navy and Air Force and Jeremy Hunt, MP, paraded through Godalming High Street to the Godalming War Memorial.

 At the War memorial following the Last Post the colours were dipped and the Exhortation given from the memorial steps marking the start of the Silence at 11am to reflect on Britain's war dead in past and present conflicts.  After the service at the memorial the parade then continued into the SS Peter and Paul Parish church.

To a packed church the lesson was read by Cllr Liz Wheatley, Town Mayor of Godalming, prayers led by Crew Manager Croker of the Godalming Fire Service.  The address given by the Reverend Kate Wyles, Assistant Curate The Parish of Godalming, asked the young people to ak their parents, grandparents or other family members about their experiences of war so that these are not forgotton - although for many these may be painful memories.   The Kohima Prayer was read by Mr Andy Jeffery, Command Warrant Office Submarines (Rtd).

The parade then marched back to the Waverley Council Offices, during which the Mayor took the salute.  Before dismissing the parade, Parade Marshall Major G Hodgson MBE TD RE(V), thanked those who paraded on behalf of the Town.

 Witley and Milford Scout groups both attend their local Remembrance services at their local memorials.