Derek Conway TD MP (Member of Parliament for Old Bexley & Sidcup) has paid tribute to the work and dedication of adult leaders and supporters within Scouting in Bexley.

DC said 'Young people today lead a more and more solitary existence with TV sets and computer games in bedrooms, the incentive to get some fresh air is very far removed. The greatest danger they face is tripping up the stairs to the latest computer game. Scouting on the other hand provides adventure, Challenge, and sometimes danger, any of which helps give young people an opportunity to test their ability to set wider horizons'. He went on to say 'Changes in education practice make it more and more difficult for schools to provide adventure trips. The upsurge in road rage and general anti-social behaviour is the price our society is paying for greater solitude. Young people do not have to mix much or tolerate a great deal either.

The great advantage of Scouting and schemes such as the DofE award is that young people learn the reliance on one another. Derek praised the value of the Scouting Movement and the way it mixes young people from a wide variety of social and ethnic backgrounds. At East Wickham and Welling's Saint George's Day Dinner he told dinner guests 'The work you do for tomorrow's generation of community leaders, businessmen, teachers is beyond value. Your work is vital for our society in Bexley and I wish you the very best success'.

At another meeting with the MP, Bob Chapman Company Secretary of the BCVYO Ltd and District Commissioner for Sidcup District Scout Council, was invited up to the House of Commons for 'coffee' and a quick tour. Derek offered his help if there was anything he could do. He said 'The work you and your fellow leaders carry out for young people in my constituency is exceptionally worthwhile and therefore whenever you need my support you only have to ask'.