Lee Common Cub PackBy Marilyn Burrows
On Tuesday 11th November, Armistice Day, Lee Common Cub Scouts welcomed to their meeting two guests from the village, Mike Senior and Trevor Pearce. From his archive, Mike had compiled a presentation of slides and artefacts which documented the commitment of village men and their families during WW1. Photographs of the Pearce family members who served their country during that war complemented this and anecdotes passed down through the generations.
Mike emphasised that the bravery shown by our armed forces, from the Great War to the present day, is reflected in the finest tradition of the Cub Scout Law and Promise: “to do one’s best, to do one’s duty to God and the Monarch, and think of others before oneself”. There were photos of The Lee cricket, hockey and football teams during peacetime, local men in uniform before going to the front and soldiers in training and on the battlefields of France. Mike was very impressed by the Cub Scouts’ attentiveness and their many thoughtful questions.
Pat Chinnery explained the purpose of the nation’s poppy collection, in which she takes an active local role, and which raises around £1,500 in the St Leonards area.
To conclude a memorable and poignant evening, Assistant Pack Leader Matt Harrison played the Last Post on his trumpet while Leaders and Cub Scouts stood at the alert, then a Cub Sixer lowered the union flag; ‘Reveille’ was then played.
Our two guests received an enthusiastic Cub Scout Bravo and Akela presented them with bottles of Liberation ale; Thwaites brewery supports the British Legion by the sale of their celebration beer, and it was a fitting gift for Mike and Trevor to take home and enjoy, with our thanks.