11:20am Monday 6th July 2009
By Simon Farr
SCOUTS from the first Bourne End division raised more than £5,000 at their annual Donkey Derby fund-raiser on Saturday.
Hundreds of spectators gathered in Wooburn Park, Wooburn Green, as eight and nine-year-old volunteers were plucked from the crowds to become jockeys and battle it out in six donkey races.
Visitors could bet on which donkey would be first across the line, with all proceeds going towards the maintenance of the scout hut, the yearly summer camp and future projects.
The scouts built a swing boat out of timber and rope for younger children to ride in, while older scouts rigged up an obstacle course complete with a rope bridge and monkey bars.
The Wye Valley School band was also on hand to entertain the crowds at the all-day event.
Event MC and scout volunteer Dave Kimber said: “It was a very successful day, we have raised lots of money and the local community has come along and had a traditional family fun day out.
“We have just bought a Marquee and are planning our forthcoming project, so this money will pay for that and also help out when we take the boys away for the annual summer camp.
“Thanks must be given to the organisers and we're already planning for next year, which we hope to make bigger and better than ever.”
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