We were recently honoured to be invited to send a small delegation of Nottinghamshire Scouts to the King's Official Birthday Service. The service hosted dignitaries from across Nottinghamshire, and was hosted by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Ed Attenborough DL, and the Dean of Southwell, The Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans, at the stunning Southwell Minster.
Nottinghamshire Scouts was represented by Jack Kellas (County Youth Lead), Victoria Nicholson (District Youth Lead), Mia, Leighton, and Nancy.
Their visit got off to an exciting start as, by chance the Scouts stumbled into the Lord-Lieutenant on her way to the Minster in her full and impressive regalia. The Scouts shook the Lord-Lieutenant's hand and accompanied her to the Minster, whilst chatting about her work representing the King in Nottinghamshire, and the Skills For Life they develop in Scouting. The Lord-Lieutenant expressed how impressed she was by the Scouts and, in particular, their understanding of the work of her Lieutenancy.
In her foreword, Professor Veronica Pickering said "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this service, to celebrate the official birthday of His Majesty The King, and to recognise the vital role of our communities and all their many achievements"
The Lord-Lieutenant later went on to say "By mentoring our young people, harnessing their creativity and skills and encouraging them to pursue their visions for the future, we lay the foundations of a more hopeful and empowered generation". This statement, and the kind words shared directly with the Scouts, demonstrate that the impact of Scouting in Nottinghamshire is recognised and appreciated in our communities, especially by our Lord-Lieutenant.
