THE DITTONS SCOUT GROUP CENTENARY YEAR IS BOOSTED BY CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES (From Surrey Comet)

THE DITTONS SCOUT GROUP CENTENARY YEAR IS BOOSTED BY CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

1:47pm Tuesday 4th May 2010 in Elmbridge By Hilary Franklin

Despite the gloomy economic climate the Dittons Scout Group has been going from strength to strength in this its’ centenary year and is now one of the top ten fastest growing Scout Groups in the country. This popularity has been reflected across the local community and the Group has been amazed by how generous local businesses have been in supporting their annual May fair.

“We fully expected to find it difficult to get support for the fair this year bearing in mind the current climate” says David Cooper, Fair Chairman and Beaver Scout Leader, “We would like to extend our thanks to all of the local businesses who have continued to support us and to ensure that the Dittons Fair will continue to be an event which unites our local community.”

The Dittons fair has been running since 1964, it is a fun-filled traditional family event and is extremely well supported by the local community and beyond. This year’s fair is on Sunday 9th May and will be opened by Dominic Raab, Esher & Walton prospective parliamentary candidate. The event runs from 1pm to 5pm and there are numerous fun events for all ages including sideshows, children’s rides, craft, charity and refreshment stalls and arena events including Bells Dance Centre, Jardine Karate, Teddington Mini Rugby and a dotty dog show and dog gymkhana. A full list of sponsors and supporters can be found on the fair website www.thedittonsfair.co.uk . Companies wishing to add their support to those listed should contact dittonsfair@yahoo.co.uk .

All profits from the fair go towards The Dittons Scout Group, a voluntary group which relies on fund raising activities to provide personal development opportunities for young people. The group promotes the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of boys and girls in the Dittons, Surbiton and Esher areas, helping them achieve their full potential.

In celebration of its centenary year the group has added a new Explorer Scout unit, a second Cub pack and a second Beaver colony and now supports over 140 local children but has many more children on a waiting list to join the group. Anyone interested in joining in the fun and becoming a Scout Leader should get in contact via the Group website www.thedittons.com .