{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"","standfirst":"We carry our flags with pride. Along with what we wear, they make us highly visible and help show others who we are. This autumn, we\u2019re launching new some updated section flag designs and updating POR to reflect the changes.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EFlags are an important part of our identity and heritage. Carrying a flag at Remembrance Day or St George\u2019s Day is still a great honour for a young person.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat being said, many of our section flags have not been updated for many decades and no longer reflect our current Scout brand or section identities. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve updated the designs of our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer, Network, Sea and Air Scout flags.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe pre-2018 fleur de lis/arrowhead in the purple circle is now retired and the new flag designs no longer have the words \u2018Be Prepared\u0027 on the flags themselves. While the designs have changed, the core background colours and sizes remain the same.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EOur key points on the updates\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo immediate replacement needed. \u003C/strong\u003EPlease note there is no need for section flags to be replaced immediately. They only need to be purchased by new sections, or when they naturally come up for renewal due to damage or wear and tear.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe new flags are durable. \u003C/strong\u003EThe flags, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/scouts-leaders-and-volunteers/flags-carriers-and-poles\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Flags on Scout Store\u0022\u003Eavailable from Scout Store\u003C/a\u003E, are made from high wearing MOD grade heavy woven polyester with a material weight of 155gsm.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPersonalisation options. \u003C/strong\u003EAll flags can be bought blank or personalised, with space for the name of the section to be added either above or below the fleur de lis (arrowhead).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESquirrels flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are no changes to the Squirrels flag. It shows the Squirrels logo in white on a red background along with the post 2018 fleur de lis.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/ak2owy0j/squirrels-flag-red-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Squirrels red flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeavers flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Beavers flag now shows the Beavers logo in white, along with the post-2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead). This is shown against the familiar Beavers blue.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/rkvjsinw/beavers-flag-red-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Beavers blue flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECubs flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Cubs flag shows the Cubs logo in green on a yellow background, along with the post-2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) also in green.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/w04dj531/cubs-flag-yellow-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Cubs section flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScouts flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Scouts flag shows the white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a dark green background.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/erzl1w3s/fluer-de-lis-flag-green-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Scouts section flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExplorers flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Explorers flag shows the white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against an olive green background.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/tulmfc5f/fluer-de-lis-flag-khaki-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Explorers Navy flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENetwork flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Network flag shows the white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a cool grey background.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/0osdkkzq/fluer-de-lis-flag-grey-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Dark grey flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESea Scouts flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Sea Scouts flag shows a white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a navy blue background.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/2a3i3vu2/fluer-de-lis-flag-navy-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Navy blue Scouts flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAir Scouts flag\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Air Scouts flag shows a white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a sky blue background.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/un0iplsy/fluer-de-lis-flag-sky-blue-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Scouts sky blue flag","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA new flag topper\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re also launching an updated metal-finish flag topper. It features the post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead), along with the words \u2018Be Prepared,\u2019 our Scout motto. The topper is\u0026nbsp;made from hard wearing brass with a chrome finish and attaches easily to existing flag poles.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/jtzamjsf/scouts-flag-mount-1.jpg","width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":"Flag mount or topper","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow to order\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe new flags are available from \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/scouts-leaders-and-volunteers/flags-carriers-and-poles\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Flags on Scout Store\u0022\u003EScout Store\u003C/a\u003E from 8 November 2024 and the flag topper is available to pre-order on the same date.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe life expectancy of a flag is hard to predict. A flag left out in all weathers will not last as well as one flown only in fine weather.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How long can I expect my flag to last?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYour flag should be taken down in winds exceeding Beaufort scale 6 (31 mph or 27 knots). Remember if it\u2019s windy at ground level, it is far windier up a flagpole. Heavy rain will increase the weight of your flag which will cause wear, especially in high winds. The dyes used in the manufacturing process are all tested for UV stability, however, salt and direct sunlight can have adverse effects on colour over time. The dyes used are colourfast so colours will not run when wet.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How will the weather affect our flag?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFlags are often damaged by objects the flag flaps against in windy conditions or by old wooden flag staffs that may not have a smooth finish. To reduce this risk, make sure that the halyard is always taught, to prevent your flag snagging and that your flag flies clear of obstacles.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What can damage my flag?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAir pollution will cause white parts of your flag to turn grey with time. Flags can be washed in a normal washing machine setting at 40 degrees and using normal detergents. Avoid using soda or bleaching alkali, as these will damage your flag. Even the best-made flags will wear over time and the flying edge is usually the first place in\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ewhich damage occurs. If your flag starts to fray along the flying edge, it can sometimes be trimmed back a little and re-hemmed.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Can I wash and repair my flag?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYour flag is best stored in a dry, ventilated place. Never store when wet, so allow time to fully dry before folding and packing away.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How should I store my flag when not in use?"}]}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"06 November 2024","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Get your new flag at Scouts store","url":"https://shop.scouts.org.uk/scouts-leaders-and-volunteers/flags-carriers-and-poles","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Find out more about rules on flags","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[],"id":82780,"nodeName":"Winds of change: updating our section flags","title":"Winds of change: Updating our section flags","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/un0iplsy/fluer-de-lis-flag-sky-blue-1.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db306aee3af730","caption":"Fluer De Lis Flag Sky Blue 1","type":"jpg","size":621484,"width":1500,"height":1500,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Winds of change: Updating our section flags","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"This autumn, we\u2019re launching new some updated section flag designs and updating POR to reflect the changes.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84Mjc4MCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2024/november/winds-of-change-updating-our-section-flags/"}