Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016

This post is about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade last Sunday (24th April 2016).

The parade was led by “The Spitfires” – the brilliant 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band.

Did you watch the parade? If so, please share your comment with us.

Did you spot someone you know in the parade?

Have you ever taken part in Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day parade before?

Share your story with us.

For those we missed the chance to see the parade, I hope you enjoy the video clip.

Below is the story of Lucy, a young member of the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band.

Lucy’s story

I am a member of the 4th Chandler’s Ford Guides and also play saxophone with the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band.

It was St. George’s Day last weekend and we were really busy. We had a concert on the Saturday night at the Methodist Church, which also meant having a rehearsal in the afternoon. Between the rehearsal and the concert lots of us went to the chip shop over the road, and then went back to the church centre to eat. I hope the smell of chips had gone before the audience arrived.

The concert went really well. My favourite pieces were Hairspray and Mary Poppins. I was a bit late to bed that night but still had to get up early to be ready for the Eastleigh St. George’s Day parade in the morning.

We had to be at the hut at 9 o’clock to get our uniform on and our music ready. Then we all went in minibuses into town and formed up in a school car park. From there we marched to the start of the parade at exactly 10:30 and all the cubs and scouts joined in behind us as we made our way through the streets and into the park. It was a bit chilly, but OK when the sun was shining.

After the ceremony we played again and marched off back to the school and then drove back to the hut.

We had an hour’s break for lunch and then set off to Merdon school for the Chandler’s Ford parade. I have been with the band for just over 2 years but it was the first time I had done this parade.

There were lots of people lining the streets. Some of my school friends were watching but I didn’t see them because I had to concentrate on the music and staying in the right place. It was hard work playing up the hill from the school but between each piece of music, the drums play on their own so we can get our breath back.

We played all the way to the Methodist church. During the service we rested in the church centre where they gave us squash and biscuits. (The smell of chips had gone!) Soon we were lining up again for the parade back to the school – it was much easier playing downhill!

At the end of the parade we played our last piece really fast and almost ran back to the minibuses. We finished playing almost 24 hours after we had started our concert rehearsal.

I really enjoy playing with the band because we get lots of opportunities to play in public. Last year I played at the Birmingham Tattoo in front of thousands of people. I was very nervous but it all went OK in the end. Playing for carnivals is fun as there are lots of people watching but I prefer playing concerts because we’re usually indoors and sitting down.

Video credit: 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band

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