Flying the flag for jamboree

9:24am Friday 4th August 2006

THEY say a Scout should always be prepared. And that is exactly what the members of one group from Swindon is doing as they prepare to head off for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree.

More than 30 Scouts, including 12 from Swindon, and five leaders have been chosen to form the Wiltshire contingent, which will spend two weeks next summer at the 21st World Scout Jamboree with 40,000 other Scouts from all over the world.

The event, which takes place at Hylands Park, Essex, from July 27 to August 8 is set to be the biggest celebration of Scouting ever.

It also coincides with the centenary celebrations of the Scouts, which is the largest youth organisation in the world.

It is 50 years since a world jamboree was last held in the UK, and members of the team are excited about being chosen to take part.

Joanne Kilburn, one of the Swindon leaders involved, said: "They are all over the moon at having been chosen and I can't wait to go."

The event will be promoting world friendship, an understanding of other cultures and traditional Scouting values.

But before they can pack up their kit and head to Essex they have to raise £950 each.

"Ideally, we would like to raise £41,000 so we can all go without having to put anything towards it," said Joanne.

"But we would be happy to raise enough so that we only had to find around £300 each."

Fundraising is already well under way but the group is appealing for help.

So far the members of the group have taken part in fetes, including the recent Children's Fete in Faringdon Road Park and they are helping to run a Rotary Club event next weekend.

They are also holding a dinner and dance evening in November and are looking for donations which they can auction then.

"We would be grateful for anything people could offer us," said Joanne.

"If this event goes well we are looking to hold another one next year."

After the jamboree Scouts from Colombia and Japan will be coming to Wiltshire.

They will be shown sights around the county and take in attractions such as Stonehenge and Bleinheim Palace.

To make a donation contact the Wiltshire contingent leader Tim Reed on 01425 650961 or email tim.p.reed@btinternet.com.