Dulwich Scouts remember war heroes  

By Regina Motalib 

A group of Scouts and cubs from the 7th Camberwell division in West Dulwich were part of a service at St Stephen’s Church in College Road, Dulwich to mark Remembrance Sunday. 

About 300 people gathered to pay their respects to the war dead. The attendees also included families with young children and war veterans.

The annual service is a joint venture between the church, 7th Camberwell Cubs & Scouts and Dulwich Prep School.

Vicar of St Stephen’s Church, Reverend Canon Bernhard Schunemann, said: “We started the service in the church with hymns, music sung by two choirs, a reading, prayers and a sermon, and in time for the two minutes’ silence at 11am.

“We assembled outside around our beautiful war memorial. This year our thoughts and prayers were focussed on the war in Ukraine and our new king.”

Scout leader Dan Jones, 49, said: “Remembrance Sunday is always an important date in the Scouting calendar.

“The war in Ukraine makes it particularly poignant this year. Reverend Schunemann reminded us of the links our community has across Europe, and everyone spending this winter under the threat of war.”

Dan, who works as a charity manager as well as volunteering his time to lead the Scout group, added: “Our Scouts are at the heart of the service, with readings and the flag ceremony.

“I think the meaning of Remembrance really hit home for them this year.”

Scout Laila Haque, 12, said: “I laid a reef on behalf of our Scout division. It was very moving to be part of this important ceremony.

“I think it’s essential for young people to pay their respects to fallen war heroes. They gave up their lives for our freedom. It was a great honour for cubs and Scouts to play our part in the service.”

Elsewhere, memorial services were held at Lewisham War memorial, and another in Deptford.

Regiments, cadets and Scouts marched down Lewisham High Street to the memorial opposite the hospital prior to a service led by Fr Steve Hall of St Mary’s Church, with participation from the Mayor Damien Egan, Speaker Cllr Tauseef Anwar, Janet Daby MP, Rabbi Weisz of Catford and Bromley Synagogue and others.

The Deptford service was led by Rev Chris Hanning, with participation from Deputy Mayor Cllr Brenda Dacres, Vicky Foxcroft MP and Deputy Speaker Cllr Hau-Yu Tam.

Both services observed the two minutes’ silence and police services stopped traffic for the occasion.

Both services had in attendance local veterans, families and members of the public who came to pay their respects.

Pictured top: A poppy wreath laid in Lewisham (Picture: Lewisham council)