Sidmouth scout fete success aids building fund

Sun, games and entertainment boost Sid Vale Scout coffers

GREAT weather and plenty of games, stalls and entertainment, helped make Saturday’s annual scout fete on Sidmouth’s Ham area a success.

All the hard work put in by members of 1st Sid Vale Scouts paid off, culminating in sketches of Conquistadors, Scott of the Antarctic and space – under the ‘Adventurers and Explorers’ theme.

Event organiser Barry Morton said: “The fete was busy throughout the day. Everyone seemed to enjoy all of the stalls and entertainments, which included a demonstration by TAGB Tae Kwando group, and the usual soaking for some of the leaders in the final Captain Cook sketch.”

Some of the proceeds will be used to buy equipment and for activities while the rest will go towards the scout’s much-needed new building at Salcombe Regis field, if its planning application is successful.

Teenagers William Hill and Jay Hallam had fun testing out Pro-Jumps during the event, which ran from 11am to 4pm, after being officially opened by town council chairman, Councillor Stuart Hughes.

Other popular games included Polar Explorer Hoopla and a coconut shy, run by scouts Ellie Milliner, Beth Collins and Darija Rowland-Small, while adults had plenty to buy on the stalls available and enjoy a barbecue and hot drinks.

Scout chairman Gareth Hughes said the fete, as well as being a fundraiser, was an important way to bring scouting to the community, and getting young people involved in organising, teamwork and responsibility.

“I was helping set up on Friday night and it was pure joy to see how many youngsters turned up to help,” he said. “Thanks also to the leaders and parents for their help and support in the preparation and on the day.”

*See more of photographer Terry Ife’s photos in Friday’s Sidmouth Herald.