L to R: Billy Mawhinney (GSL Seymour Hill), Brian Patterson (ADC Leader Training), Noel Irwin (District Commissioner), Councillor James Tinsley (Mayor), Mrs Margaret Tinsley (Mayoress), Rev Brian Anderson, Jessica Kidd (District Chairperson), Adrian Walker (GSL First Hillsborough), Paul Clydesdale (GSL First Hilden) and Audrey Gifford (District Executive).
	L to R: (seated) Paul Clydesdale (Group Scout Leader), Noel Irwin (District Commissioner) and Harold Baird (Founder GSL). (back row) Kelly Ann Aldridge, Sarah Jane Heaney, Brian Fair, William Heaney and Craig Adams.

Lisburn & District Scout Association St George�s Day annual parade and service was held last Sunday afternoon (20th April). The parade assembled at Wallace Park and accompanied by Ballylesson Old Boys and Skeogh Flute Bands, made its way to and from Seymour Street Methodist Church.

The main service for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers Scouts and their guests was held in Seymour Street Methodist Church. The minister, the Rev Brian Anderson led the service. He based his address on the story of the Prodigal son and using a DVD entitled Boundin, explained that the boys in the eyes of God are special and that they are much loved by Him. Mr Anderson concluded that if they and God were to come together - wonderful opportunities could come out of that. Adam McIlwee and Sarah Bell (1st Hilden Scout Group) read the Scripture lessons; Matthew McCullough and Anna Boyd offered prayers for scouting and the world; and the church�s praise band led the worship. During the service, District Commissioner Noel Irwin, presented Billy Mawhinney (former Cub Scout Leader of 1st Seymour Hill Group) with the highest scout leader award or Silver Wolf, in recognition of many years of outstanding service to the Movement locally. Adrian Walker (GSL 1st Hillsborough) was presented with the �Silver Acorn� for distinguished service to the Movement; and Rodney Ingram was awarded the �Thanks Badge� on behalf of the District for his long service to 1st Seymour Hill Scout Group in a number of roles.

A separate service for Beavers and Squirrels was held in the adjoining church hall. The Rev Canon George Irwin (District Chaplin) led the service and the church organist, Richard Wright, led the praise. During the service, the renewal of promises was led by Assistant District Commissioner Margaret Irwin. The speaker was Stephen Gray (Vice Principal of Ballymacash Primary School). Introducing Sparky the puppet, Stephen said, �Special as Sparky is, he is only a puppet can only do things that I make him do�. He went on to explain that each one of us is so special to God that even the hairs on our head are numbered - �we are unique and He loves us�, Stephen said. Speaking of the choices we make day by day, he concluded by emphasising the need to make the right choice to follow Jesus, this he said, �would be the best choice you ever make�.

The parade and service was hosted by 1st Hilden Scout Group, who is celebrating its 21st Anniversary. Founded in September 1987 under Group Scout Leader Harold Baird, they first met in the EMB Hall at Hilden (now demolished) for about six years before moving to Forthill Primary School.

	The Queen�s and District Colour Party. L to R: Daniel Henry, Conor McCullough, Daryl Connery and Michael Griffin.
	L to R: Richard Wright (Organist), the Rev Canon George Irwin (District Chaplin), Margaret Irwin (Assistant District Commissioner) and Stephen Gray (Speaker).
	L to R: Rodney Ingram (Seymour Hill) and Billy Mawhinney (GSL Seymour Hill), who received special awards for services to scouting, Councillor James Tinsley (Mayor), Mrs Margaret Tinsley (Mayoress) and Noel Irwin (District Commissioner).
	The Lisburn & District Scouts and Explorers service in Seymour Street Methodist Church on Sunday 20th April.
Stephen Gray (Vice Principal of Ballymacash Primary School) pictured giving the address at the Squirrels and Beaver Section service.	District officers pictured as the Lisburn & District Scouts parade returns to Wallace Park after a service in Seymour Street Methodist Church on Sunday 20th April.