Royal seal of approval for Mobile Display Unit

HRH The Duke of Kent, The Scout Association's President, showed his support for local Scouting by joining Leaders and young people at the Kent Show last Friday (16 July). The Duke was one of almost 100,000 visitors to the show and was given a guided tour of the Association latest marketing tool, the Mobile Display Unit.

The local team received more than 250 positive enquiries from people wanting to know more about what Scouting and how to join. 'It was a terrific event,' said John Hunt, who handles public relations for Kent Scout Council. 'and the Duke made it even more special. 'The Mobile Display Unit gave Scouting a real presence at the show and made it easy for interested people to ask questions. Scouting can be invisible at times, so we need more initiatives like this.'

The bouldering wall which is attached to the unit was once again popular with young people, many trying their
hand for the first time. 'While the young people were being kitted up,' said John, 'it was great opportunity to chat to both them and their parents.' The event was not without it share of drama however: 'The tractor unit which came to collect the MDU got bogged down in some soft ground - it took two Landrovers to haul it out of trouble!'