Cherry Blossom shoe polish has taken special measures to ensure no lacklustre appearances at this year’s Centenary Remembrance Day parade for one Derbyshire Scout troop.
The Derbyshire-based manufacturers of the iconic shoe care brand – which itself has been an instantly-recognisable part of any soldiers’ kit for more than a century – organised a ‘Shining Parade’ for the 107th Derby Scouts (Aston, Weston and Shardlow) in preparation for several events the troop will be attending to commemorate the First World War. This includes a ceremony in Ypres, the Belgian city that has come to represent a place of remembrance and reflection for those affected by conflict.
Using polish and brushes donated by Cherry Blossom, local ex-Servicemen Bob Read, Duncan Wallis and Adrian Hayward-Wills from the Aston and Weston branch of the Royal British Legion were invited to put the scouts through their polishing paces.
Our picture shows Adrian Hayward-Wills, Standard Bearer for the Aston & Weston Branch of the Royal British Legion, with Rohin Sood, Megan Askam and Rufus Comasky, all aged 12, of the 107thDerby Scouts (Aston, Weston and Shardlow).
“Bob, Duncan and Adrian were fantastic at instructing the Scouts on how to iron their uniforms and neckers properly, and of course they were experts in buffing shoes and boots to the highest shine,” explains Scout Leader Stuart Cooke. “But it was particularly great to hear how these ex-Servicemen encouraged our Scouts to aim to look their best whilst remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime.”
As well as co-ordinating the Shining Parade, Cherry Blossom have funded the badges the Scouts need to become a Royal British Legion affiliated youth group, they have made a donation to the Aston and Weston RBL branch, and have provided the memorial wreaths the five members of the Derby 107th will be taking to Ypres in November.
Cherry Blossom is manufactured by Granger’s International Limited, established in 1937. The company employs 77 people and its HQ is in Alfreton, Derbyshire. In 2014, turnover reached over £10m for the first time in the company’s history.
Granger’s International Ltd
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