On Monday 23rd October we were honoured to be hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP in the Speaker’s State Rooms. The Speaker who is Honorary President of Chorley District Scouts welcomed over 60 Friends and friends of Friends, and conveyed his thanks for the work of Scout leaders and volunteers in this country and across the world. He emphasised the positive impact this has had on Ukrainian children in recent months, thanks to our Friends donations.
We also received very moving and eloquent speeches from Nika Gorovska (Member of the World Scout Committe) and Agnieszka Pospiszyl (UAct and ZHP) relating to their experiences of the impact of the war with Russia and what Scouting is doing there and elsewhere to make the world a better place. We were also grateful to receive a short address from Rob Woolford (Chair of the World Scout Foundation) and Johan Strid (Member of the ESF Board) who both highlighted the good work of the foundations in central and Eastern Europe and beyond, and invited others to join.
Finally, after a short break to explore the beautiful surroundings and gifts to the Speaker from the President of Ukraine, we were delighted to welcome new and upgraded Friends with a pin badge and certificate.
Thank you to averyone who attended for contributing to a wonderful celebration.
