Scouts celebrate at annual Service of Thanksgiving

The service honoured long-serving volunteer leaders and supporters for their service and dedication to the Scout Moment, whose founder, Robert Baden-Powell, is memorialised in the Abbey’s nave.

Friday’s service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who gave the Welcome and pronounced the Blessing. A testimony was given by Ayesha Karim, UK Youth Lead.

Francesca Thackray, Scout, Unsung Hero, read from The Scouter by Robert Baden-Powell; and Luke Paterson, UK Representative pool member, read Matthew 5: 1-9; 13-14.

The Address was given by the Right Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury and Vice President of Dorset Scouts.

The Renewal of Promises was given by Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer.

The prayers were led by the Reverend Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist, and said by Saim Raza, Scout Unsung Hero; and Georgina Horwich, Scout Unsung Hero.

The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist.

Order of service

A National Scout Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving: Order of service (PDF, 237KB)