Letter to the editor: Regarding the article about Dartford hosting one of the biggest parades in the country this year (Town Set To Host Huge Parade For St George’s Day, News Shopper, March 13).
May I ask, as a Dartford Scouter of more than 15 years and on behalf of a partner who has given 28 years, why the Dartford District Scout Association has found it so difficult to get Dartford Council to give permission to allow a parade of Explorer Scouts, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and leaders in recent years?
Scouting in Dartford has a long tradition, several groups being more than 100 years old, and the tradition of our annual St George’s service and parade goes back at least the 28 years my partner has paraded around Dartford town.
This was until last year, when the 1,000-strong group of young people were only allowed to walk around Dartford Park.
Part of the event is to showcase our uniformed movement to others, which doesn’t happen with a parade around the park.
St George, as well as being the patron saint of England, is also the patron saint of Scouting.
We all renew our promises at this very important event. While I applaud the youngsters from schools parading, why aren’t our Dartford Scouters allowed to do the same?
JACKIE WATSON, Wentworth Drive, Dartford
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