Girl Guides proud to be part of The Cenotaph service

A TEAM of 24 from Girlguiding Sussex West took part in the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph.
Senior Section members and leaders from Adur, Arun, Bognor, Chichester, Petworth and Worthing took part in the Remembrance Sunday service at The CenotaphSenior Section members and leaders from Adur, Arun, Bognor, Chichester, Petworth and Worthing took part in the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph
Senior Section members and leaders from Adur, Arun, Bognor, Chichester, Petworth and Worthing took part in the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph

Senior Section members and leaders from Adur, Arun, Bognor, Chichester, Petworth and Worthing were invited to represent Girlguiding at the annual service.

The girls spoke of their pride in joining the royal family, veterans and other youth organisations to pay their respects.

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Corinne, who is in the Senior Section in Petworth, said: “Representing Girlguiding at The Cenotaph was an amazing experience. Being in London, there was an intense atmosphere around the whole of the remembrance ceremony.

“We all felt extremely proud to be part of it, among all the different people, veterans and groups. Saluting to Prince William was an honour, although some of us were slightly disappointed we didn’t see Prince Harry!

“Overall, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I will never forget.”

The day started before dawn, as the coach drove through West Sussex collecting the participants.

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Debbie Phillips, the county’s PR adviser, said: “By 10am, having proceeded through rigorous security checks, the group was assembled in Whitehall in readiness to parade.

“Time elapsed quickly as the girls chatted with veterans and fellow participants, exchanging stories and experiences.

“An eerie silence fell as the time approached 11am and Big Ben struck to mark the start of the two minutes’ silence. Although we were near the back of the parade, large screens provided a view of the service happening just a few metres down the road.

“Eagerly, we watched the royal family and dignitaries lay their wreaths and then applauded the veterans as they began their journey to The Cenotaph.”

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The Senior Section joined the parade at 12.20pm and the crowd applauded as they processed along.

Debbie added: “Concentrating on keeping in step and taking in the magnificent sight of the assembled military and bands, we processed with our eyes left passed The Cenotaph and the many already-laid wreaths.”

The Senior Section, for young women aged 14 to 25, are now preparing to celebrate their centenary in 2016. A year of challenges and adventure are planned for them.

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