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American Scouts from
RAF Alconbury were surprise guests at the Christmas Peace Light service
held at All Saints Church in Luton. They made the 100 mile trip from
their base to join a congregation of over 50 at this annual event. They
said that it was a special treat to be allowed to join in the
celebrations.
The peace light had
made its 2000 mile journey from Christ’s Grotto in Bethlehem via Austria
to arrive in Dover just 24 hours before the service. Over 450 Scouts
and Guides from Linz in Austria made the flight to Jerusalem to collect
the symbol of peace headed by 13 year old student Simon Holt the
Austrian Peace Child.
Scout Leader Peter
Sharples, who regularly organises the UK distribution, collected the
light from French Scouts at the port of Dover. Apart from Bedfordshire,
Peter delivered the light to colleagues in Sheffield and Leicester for
onward transmission to towns across England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland. Around 30 countries now use the light at Christmas
time as a symbol of world peace including the USA, Europe, Australasia
and the Far East.
Scout Leader Terry
Rocha from RAF Alconbury said, “This is our first visit to your town of
Luton and the first time we have taken part in your peace light service.
Next year, when we celebrate the American Scout centenary, you will be
more than welcome to come to Alconbury for the celebrations.
The Reverend Canon
Richard Franklin conducted the service which included members of All
Luton Faiths, Lea Valley District Scouts, the church choir and other
members of the church. The Revd Franklin said, “This symbol of peace
will now go to other local centres including churches in Bedford and the
Keech Hospice where it will bring comfort and Christmas cheer to many
people.”
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