I WOULD like to express my sadness and disappointment after hearing that the South Marches Scouts were not staging the St George’s Day parade this year.

I have always had great respect for the Scouting movement and the work they do preparing young people to achieve their full potential.

I also hold the leaders in the highest regard, knowing how much time and commitment they put into making the movement a success.

To hear that they would not be holding the Hereford St George’s Day march, an event in which Scouts and Guides participate across the country, is in my view, disappointing in the extreme and, I suspect, does not reflect the views of all Scout leaders and young people.

Last week’s Hereford Times article said that the move comes after younger members were consulted on how they would like to celebrate England’s patron saint and, as a result of this, a District Activity Day will replace the traditional parade through the city.

Firstly, life is not all about what we would like to do and recognising our patron saint, whose emblem forms the flag of England, seems to me an essential part of celebrating the tradition of this country.

Secondly, I would be more inclined to believe this was an alternative celebration if the publicity that was issued by the South Marches Scout District mentioned St George’s Day.

But instead it focused on the activities taking place and there was not a mention of our national saint or the desire to acknowledge his national day in any way.

I realise it is now too late to change what has been arranged for this year but I would like to urge the District Commissioner to revisit her decision to turn her back on our national heritage and to encourage the young people to once more march through Hereford on St George’s Day, an event that was sadly missed this year.

NAME SUPPLIED Hereford