Our Pegasus Journey so far...
Since I started with this Scout group there has always been the word (Pegasus) in the name worn by each invested member. I took it on myself to find out how we got the name of 14th Aldershot (Pegasus) Scout Group and to ensure all our members understand why we wear this with pride.
A quick history lesson, in 2003, 14th Aldershot Scout Group was well established within the District with grounds and leaders. Running on most nights due to the high intake of young people. During this year a fellow District Group was on the verge of being dispended. This was down to (with no fault of their own) low numbers and their HQ being sold off for new housing developments. They were based in McGrigor Bks up by the Cambridge Military Hospital. This Scout Group was run by civilian and military volunteers alike. As Aldershot was home to the Airbourne Forces at this time, the Scout Group was dually named 9th Aldershot (Pegasus)
14th Aldershot was approached and agreed to amalgamate/inherit 9th Aldershot. As a mark of respect in keeping the group alive, we took on the name (Pegasus).
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Fast forwarding a few years, during a Leaders meeting I asked if we have every tried to incorporate any other insignia to represent us having the name Pegasus. I was told that discussions were held about wearing the Pegasus on our uniforms in some way, but this is as far as it ever got. I said I would have a look at getting this rolling again.
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The leaders discussed how we could incorporate this into our uniforms and bounced around some ideas, with the final one being a patch on our neckers.
So, armed with this information I set to work, first point of call was to the Parachute Regiment, were I spoke with the Regimental Secretary, Adam Jowett, about our proposed idea, he was fully on board with the idea and said it’s a splendid way of keeping the Airborne forces alive in Aldershot. With this agreement we both had to source conformation from higher authority, for me I had to go through our County Commissioner, who welcomed and granted it. For Adam, this went as high as Whitehall London to the Colonel Commandant for the Parachute Regiment, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer. He also granted us to wear the Pegasus patch as it demonstrates the link between Airborne Forces and local community in Aldershot.
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This brings us up to 2019, with all authorisations done and in place it was my privilege to present all invested members with their own Pegasus patch to wear with pride. My first call was to the Scout troop and to Womble, who is the only member left within the district from 9th Aldershot and thought it was right for John to receive his first as a mark of respect.
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Moving on to June, I spoke with a few contacts about getting our Scout Group known better by helping out with various events in and around Aldershot, I was pointed in the direction of a team involved with the unveiling of the Para statue in Princess Garden. I made contact with one of the coordinators and they were happy for us to be involved with the day’s proceedings. I attended various meetings in HQ Home Command with the organisation teams and was tasked with making up and issuing the order of events on the day. I picked my team of Cubs, Scouts and Leaders and set to work.
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During this task of making the programs I noticed who the VVIP taking the march passed was, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer the person who authorised us to wear the Pegasus. So I spoke with the Para committee about a meet and greet with the general to say thank you and present him with a token of our appreciation. This request was granted. On the 6th July 2019, surrounded by some of our Cubs, Scouts and leaders, I had the privilege of presenting Sir John Lorimer with our colours and badges.
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He took the time to speak with each of us and was very humble for us to be wearing the Pegasus. Once all was done and dusted I was called over to speak with the Generals aid. The General has mentioned it would be good for us to stretch out, now we have this association with Airborne forces. Comprising of meeting local Scout groups in the Colchester District where The Para Regiment is now based, working together on events and joint camps. We also have the chance to go across the pond to Arnhem and meet/camp with local Scout groups who look after the Airborne Forces Memorial Cemeteries.
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For me this would be the icing on the cake, going from a chat around a table, to wearing the patch and presenting the Commandant with our colours, to the possibility of attending international camps with the backing from the Airborne Forces.
And that is our Pegasus Journey so far.
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# Skills for life.
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Hathi.