FUNDRAISING by two Ben Rhydding Scouts who have been selected to attend a World Scout Jamboree got off to flying start with a curry night at 4Kitchens in Ilkley.

Matilda Taylor and Jack Ward, who are both scouts with 3rd Ben Rhydding Scout Group have been chosen to go on a World Scout Jamboree. They will spend two weeks at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia from July 22 to August 2, 2019.

However, to attend they must both raise £3,800 to support themselves and also to support scouts elsewhere in the world who are less fortunate.

David Shaw, community and PR Scout Commissioner said: "This presented a massive challenge to Jack and Matilda. Undeterred, they came up with many ideas. One of their first ideas was to approach 4Kitchens to ask if they would be willing to support them in holding a fundraising curry night. They set up a business meeting with Hemnant at 4Kitchens, who kindly agreed to provide the venue. The date was set, and they set about designing the tickets and selling them to friends and family.

"They approached the business owners of Ilkley for raffle prizes, of which many kindly donated. A great article was featured in the Gazette which helped bring attention to our cause. As the date drew near they still had tickets to sell but with consistent commitment they managed to sell them. On the evening, the people started to arrive, eventually 84 people were seated, and the meal began.

"We were treated to a wonderful buffet which was fabulously tasty. Compliments to all the staff at 4Kitchens for seamlessly providing an excellent meal to all. We then held a raffle and Jack and Matilda gave a short presentation about the Jamboree and thanked the guests, 4Kitchens and everyone who had provided raffle prizes. We learned that the Jamboree ,which was first held in the UK in 1920, was to get together Scouts from all over the world. There have been 23 more held approximately four years apart and that the word Jamboree is thought to originate from the word Jambo which means Hello in Swahili.

"Jack and Matilda have since calculated that the meal raised a fantastic total of £1141.85. Jack and Matilda would like to thank everyone for their support in planning this meal, they really appreciate the offers of help and especially 4Kitchens for their generosity towards this fundraising goal. Raffle prizes where kindly donated by Mr & Mrs Welsh, Commerce Business Systems, Walkers Little Pie shop, Karen Ross Photography, The Secret drawer, Cllr Anne Hawksworth, Maison Ilkley, Tara Joy, Noras, Dale Chappell Physio, Martinez, La Stazione, Duttons for Buttons, Specsavers, Mountain Warehouse, Ilkley Moor Chemists & Rotarians."

If you would like to support Matilda and Jack in their Jamboree fundraising, cheques can be made payable to: 3rd Ben Rhydding Scout Group and sent to The Scout Hut, Beanlands Parade, Ilkley, LS298EW. If you would like to know more about how you could help Jack and Matilda or if you could offer any more fundraising opportunities, please contact Liz Taylor, 3rd Ben Rhydding Secretary on 07714 050920 or taylors1@blueyonder.co.uk.