When Rachel Met Dwayne (and Tim)

On Sunday 26th April Rachel Harrison attended the Scouts Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle in recognition of her Medal of Meritourous Conduct for outstanding dedication and endurance in the face of significant adversity.

Rachel with Chief Scout – Dwayne Fields

Rachel with Scout Ambassador – Tim Peake

This is her reflection of the day:

Travelling by cab fast we sped.
Early up and in uniform from bed.
Neat, pressed, medal pinned.
Badges 90 and 40 sewn having re-pinned.

Arrived at 11 went to Gail’s
Nervous and red, not pale.
Arrived at Quad, 11.45
Through Castle security, given badge and hear band live.

Settled in Quad by Gallantry Awards Team.
28 of us and guests it seemed like a dream.
Franter with new people we felt in awe.
Sun high in the sky, cool stone of the wall.

Briefed by Luke and Michael, plied with water and sweets.
Then arrival of the Chief Scout , CEO Aiden and Tim Peake.
Umbrellas and hats, Lollies and water,
Sheltering from the Sun we oughta!

Scout and Guards Bands
Played Pink Pony Club and Doctor Who
Star Wars- the force be with you.
Kings Scouts and 3 Queens, Marched past the dias.
Smart and well-drilled with section leaders came past us.

Selected of 4 to tell my story to the British Astronaut.
With Rupert, Harry and Gilt Cross Scout, our stories through which we fought….
To be there or save a life.
Through blood, sweat and tears with much strife.

After parade and chat to Tim, in wheelchair we went to the Castle Hotel
Table 10 with Tara and Louis as well.
Ate and drank a tasty cream tea,
Heard and told stories to many VIPs.

At 5.15 it was time for the cab.
What a time we’d experienced Husband, Sister and Dad.
A Day of Achievement and Celebration!!
Award for Meritorious Conduct, I feel elation.

I want to thank 2nd Whitton for the legacy and the opportunities in my life.
I am honoured and humbled to receive this wonderful Award.

RACHEL HARRISON
2nd Whitton Team Volunteer (Beavers)