Scouts played their part as masses flocked to bid Queen farewell

Scouts from South London had a week they will never forget after doing their bit to help out with the famous queue to see the lying-in-state of Scout Patron, Queen Elizabeth II. 

Nushin Stanton, Emily Hasling and Agnes Tegile were part of a team of 12o Scout volunteers helping to guide members of the public visiting Westminster Hall – the pilgrimage attracting an estimated quarter of a million people over four days.

They worked eight-hour shifts in Victoria Tower Gardens, which was at the end of a queue which stretched back along the Thames to Southwark and needed up to 14 hours to clear.

Nushin, 22, of Bickley, a marketing assistant when she is not an Explorer Scout, told the South London Press: “I was mostly working at the end of the accessibility queue, helping the elderly, handing out water or directing anyone in need of medical attention to St John Ambulance.

“People reaching the end of a long wait were very excited and happy because they were nearly there and it was so nice to see people coming together, wanting to pay their respects. I’m so glad I was able to play a part.”

She added: “This is a once in a lifetime moment to step up and serve. I’m so proud to be a Scout and to help when needed means such a lot to me.   

“It feels like being a part of history. To step forward and live up to my Scout promise to do my duty to the Queen is a very proud moment. I feel humbled.”  

Emily, 19, from Bromley, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be help out in the process and play my part.

“I made a promise to the Queen when I was invested into the Scouts, and it’s an honour to be doing my duty one final time, as Scouting has been such a big part of my life.”  

Agnes, 18, from Camberwell, said: “As Scouts we all make our promise to do our duty to the Queen, and it’s an honour to be able to do that.” 

There was always a special relationship between the Scouts and the Queen, with Scout volunteers supporting her coronation in 1953.  

Throughout seven decades, the Queen encouraged Scouts to do their best and do their duty to help other people. Those joining the Scouts promised to do their duty to the Queen and follow in her selfless service.  

The highest award in Scouting has been the Queen’s Scout Award – now of the King’s Scout Award, of course – where young people aged 16-25 follow their patron’s example of community, kindness and duty to the country. 

Pictured top: Nushin Stanton (Pictures: The Scouts/Martyn Milner)