In the Unit News pages for April 2002 we reported on the successful day experienced by our new Queen Scouters, Adam Griffiths and Matt Key, who took part in the St George's Day Parade at Windsor Castle, which was attended by Her Royal Majesty The Queen.

Here is Matt's account of his special day out .....

Armed with ten inches of paperwork, which explained what was going to happen today, I arrived in Windsor non-the wiser. Probably because I hadn't bothered to read the paperwork.

I was soon enlightened as to the purpose of today - marching, marching, marching. To do this, each and every one of us (550 Scouts apparently) had to look quite impeccable. We were placed into rows and inspected by sinister looking little old ladies, who I knew, despite appearances, had an extremely shrewd eye. Some even had two.

There were many areas of the hall they could send you, if you were deemed not worthy. The ironing area to get rid of all those creases; the soapy area, to clean any resistant stains, the 'haven't got a clue pile', where whole new uniforms were issued. I was sent to the unclean shoe area, whereupon my shoes were swiftly polished and shined by Cub Scouts (7-11). Slave trade it was not, I was assured, because they were all getting a shoe shining badge for their efforts.

Onwards to the marching. Here we learnt the basics of how to stand at ease, alert, halt (extremely difficult), turn left, move off and eyes right. It all sounds quite drab, but once your group gets it sorted it's quite rewarding, in it's own little way.

Lunch sprung upon us, so we all fell out (technical term that one) and moved in to Windsor. I can recommend Windsor. The weather was glorious, the people friendly (but more importantly, good looking) and the castle most definitely the style all castles should be. For the day the town had been turned into Scout town, roads were closed and Scouts were everywhere - a nightmare situation for most, I know, but if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

A fanfare from the Irish Guards (red coats, black fluffy hats - you know the sort) and all 550 Scouts attempted to move off in time, through a small gateway. Failed. Regrouped. Tried again.

Once the momentum was up and running there was no stopping us. People had lined the streets and were waving flags, taking photographs, cheering; truly a right Royal occasion. Through the Windsor Castle Portcullis and onto the expanse of grass that is the quadrangle.

A small man marched to the front of the quite sizeable gathering and promptly screamed 'PARADE ALERT', whereupon 550 heels smartly went 'click'. The Irish Guards would have been pleased.

It wasn't up to the Irish Guards though, for today we were being inspected by Her Majesty, the Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth the Second. Tensions were running high as The Queen processed to our section, although there seemed no reason to be.

THUD. Someone obviously couldn't take the pressure (or the heat) - they had fainted just a few metres away from the Queen. Paramedics rushed to the scene and escorted the dazed body away. Sound of deeper breaths being taken, shuffling of feet to widen the base, wriggling of toes. Surely it wouldn't happen to us?

Finally, the Queen came our way. "Are you from Gloucester as well?" she asked, in the same voice she uses for the Christmas Message. Personally I just thought she put it on for show every year.

"Yes Mam" I responded (I'd been well trained in diplomacy). Slight pause. She walked on.

Well, at least she took the time to speak to everyone.

After a few more people got personal with the ground, it was time to move off back through Windsor. Drums beating, sun blazing, people cheering; and yes, we were finally marching in time! I could get used to this ....