South African scouts to visit Elmbridge

Nov 12 2009 By Rupert Basham

The two South African scouts, 14 year old Kayla Malgas and 15 year old Antonio Prinsloo. The Dittons scout hut, in Claygate Lane.

TWO scouts from South Africa will be visiting The Dittons scout group next Easter as part of the groups centenary celebrations.

The two children, who are from the disadvantaged area of Booysen Park, in Port Elizabeth will be visiting the town for three weeks and will be staying with families in Thames Ditton.

The trip has been set up by former Dittons scout group leader Clive Hassell, who emigrated to South Africa in 2008 and set up the 1st Booysen Park scout troop.

Mr Hassell, who was involved with The Dittons scout group for 50 years, before retiring to the southern hemisphere, said: "I came out a couple of years ago and started a new scout group in a deprived area with my wife Kathy. I decided that as my old scout group was celebrating it's centenary, sending over the scouts seemed like a good idea."

The two scouts, 14 year old Kayla Malgas and 15 year old Antonio Prinsloo, were chosen after all members of their troop were interviewed for the places. They will fly over during the Easter period and will be under the supervision of current Dittons scout leader Keith Barry.

Mr Barry, said: "We thought it would be nice to do a link up and especially with children from a run down area. We are putting the children up with different families and they are going to be involved with activities with the scouts over here. They will go to a school for a couple of days, we'll take them to the birthplace of scouting, Brownsea Island and really show them the sights."

The trip has been funded in part by the Chertsey and Shepperton Aurora Rotary Clubs. Once over here Kayla and Antonio will visit both clubs to meet the rotary members who have helped fund their trip.

Mr Hassell, said: "Both of the clubs have forked out a sizeable amount and we are very grateful."

Funds are still needed to help pay for the scouts once they reach the UK. For more information or to make a donation, phone Clive Hassell on 0203 286 5621.