Baaarking Mad Charity Fundraisers!

Our Pirate band at the start of our voyage, outside The Spotted Dog in Barking …

Local residents reported a gang of Pirates staggering through the streets of Barking & Dagenham recently, shouting “Arrr!” and “Yo ho ho!” at passing traffic. However it turns out that they were members of local community group Barking & Dagenham Plus – raising money for local children’s hospice Haven House, by walking from Barking Station to Collier Row.

The group has also recently held its second Annual Darts Tournament – again to raise money for the same charity. The two events by themselves have raised some £450 – the group plans to hold more events in the weeks and months to come.

Group chair, “Cap’n” Gemma Crader, 23, said:

“We hold events like the Sponsored Walk every year. This year, on a whim, we decided to incorporate a Pirate Theme! What I like most about Plus is that as well as being a social group for young people, we can help local causes and fun whilst doing so.”

Barking & Dagenham Plus is a group for everyone aged 18 to 35. It is part of the National Federation of Plus Areas – a nationwide network of similar groups – allowing young people to make new friends across the area and across the country. The local group meets every Tuesday evening at the White Horse in Chadwell Heath from 9pm, and has a full programme of activities including social events, sporting competitions, and group holidays both in the UK and abroad.

For more information, including how to join, please phone Joe on 07958 669339, or visit www.barkingdagenhamplus.com

… and at the end, outside City Pavillion in Collier Row.