Figure 1.--St. eorge is the patron saint of England. English Scouts stage an annual parade on St. George's day and then in a church service renew their promise.

There are several important days on the Scout calender in England. The most important day for English Scouts is St. George's Day--the patron saint of England. Hero of the George and the dragon legend. St. George was a famous knight who, according to legend, slayed a dragon and saved a princess! He also converted many people to Christianity in 300 A.D. St. George was a cavalryman who died a martyr's death in 303 A.D. when Rome was governed by an anti-Christian emperor Diocletian. Later, he became associated with the legend of a mythical dragonkiller, known both in Europe and in Asia. As the legend fitted to symbolize the victory of Christianity over paganism it got reflected in iconography as well. Hence the image of St. George as a brave warrior, victor and miracle-worker. St. George's Day is celebrated on April 23. English Scouts on St George's Day parade and renew their promises. Other important events include scout band competitions and JOTA.

St. George's Day (April 23)

Sout Band Competitions (June)

A national Scout Band competition is held in the summer, I believe usually in June.

JOTA (October)

One of the annual events in the Scouting calendar is something called Jamboree of the Air (JOTA) as it is popularly known as. This has been going for many years and still thrives today. It is usually held during the first weekend in October. Some Scouts rely on local radio amateurs to provide a radio station for them, but Scouts lucky enough to possess radio licences can put on their own stations. It is a very popular activity in the world of Scouting and apart from the Jamborees, it was perhaps the only way Scouts from different countries could interact with one another. Now of course, there are the many web sites and E-mail addresses catering for Scouts worldwide. A prize possession for any Scout Troop is the QSL or verification card, which is issued as a confirmation of contact especailly if the card has travelled halfway across the world. Many QSL cards have been printed especially with JOTA in mind, showing one or more Scouting activities.