Ashford Rainbow club to close unless people step forward

The group are now desperately looking for someone to take over so the 15 girls can have a weekly place to meet and socialise.

Rachael House, of Girlguiding Surrey West, said: "There are other groups with which we can pull together but realistically it will close if no one can be found. It would devastating and upsetting for all the children because they look forward to coming each week.

"I think it will also be a loss for the area because we are providing the young ones with something to do."

The group meet every Wednesday and have around 10 helpers, none of which are able to commit to becoming a leader.

So the unit has launched a last ditch attempt in the hope someone will come forward.
Bernie Cragg's six-year-old twin daughters Aislinn and Aoife, of Sandringham Drive, Ashford, attend each week.

She said: "It is a really worthwhile activity for the girls. For them to get experience in working as a team and sharing is really good. It is a popular activity and all the other Rainbow groups in Ashford have a high waiting list, so if this did close we probably wouldn't be able to join another. They would certainly miss it."

Ms House said the group gives the girls an opportunity to play with children their own age, and by making things and playing games, it builds their social skills.

She said: "The girls would be very sad about it because they would miss their friends each week and would miss out on other fun activities.

"We need one committed leader but if others come forward would be able to open other groups. There is a waiting list for Rainbows anyway because we haven't got enough leaders."

A leaders responsibility is to oversee each week's session, and come up with ideas for activities.

They would be expected to give up an hour of their time a week.