There Was a Large Turnout of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Leaders for the Group

1003 - Orla's Tree

On Sunday, 21 March, our Group planted a Rowan tree in memory of Orla Taggart, our friend and Beaver Leader, who died last year.

There was a large turnout of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Leaders for the Group Mass and the tree planting ceremony. The sun shone brightly on the members of our Group and their friends and families, as well as many of Orla's friends and family.

Our Group Leader, Joe, opened the ceremony, welcoming the large crowd and explaining the fromat of the ceremony. Orla's family performed the tree planting, placing soil around the Rowan (or Mountain Ash) tree. An engraved plaque was placed by the tree. Included on the plaque is the Scouting "Gone Home" symbol.

Joyce, a fellow Beaver Leaver, then paid a wonderful tribute to Orla in both word and song, singing "The Rose". Joyce described how Orla came into Scouting with her children, having no previous experience of Scouts, but soon became a very helpful and valuable member of our Group.

Orla's husband Eamon thanked the Group for this tribute to Orla and spoke of how Orla's values around community-based activities aligned so well with the values and principles of Scouting.

Finally, the Group recited the Scout Prayer and made the Scout Salute in tribute to Orla, our fellow Scouter, who will always be fondly remembered by the members of 29th Belfast Scout Group.