Coronavirus: St George’s Day Parade cancelled and Scout meetings suspended

Hundreds of Scouts, Beavers and Cubs traditionally take part in the march with musical accompaniement by members of the Melton Toy Soldiers Band.

Another feature of the parade is a pause for a special service at St Mary’s Church when awards are also presented to members and leaders.

But this year’s event, which was due to take place on Sunday March 26 from Thorpe End through to Nottingham Street, will not now happen.

District commissioner for Melton Scouts, Ian Cliffe, told the Melton Times: “The decision was taken because all Scout meetings have now been put on hold.

“It is a shame and I would think there is a lot of disappointment among our Scouts when they heard but it can’t go ahead now.”

There is usually a big turnout for the parade because it coincides with the finish to CiCLE Classic Oakham to Melton cycling event in the town centre but that was also cancelled earlier in the week.

There are currently 460 Scouts in the Melton area, with two town groups and three in the villages, and plans are in place to keep the movement going online while the ban on meetings continues.

Mr Cliffe added: “There are plans in place to do badge work and some distance learning online.

“The situation with meetings will be reviewed again at the beginning of May but we will be keeping in contact with the youngsters remotely.”