Ralph Reader CBE was the creator of the "Gang Show". He staged
his first Gang Show in 1932 at the Scala Theatre which was to become
the greatest amateur production at the theatre. Despite a short
break during World War Two the London Gang Show was held every
year up until 1974 when Ralph felt it was time to give up. Gang Shows
have continued to flourish all over the country and indeed in many
other parts of the world ever since.

When Ralph Reader died in 1982 a special fund was set up by The
Scout Association as a permanent reminder of his valuable service to
Scouting. Its aim is still to assist young people in both the Scout and
Guide Movements who are in need of any kind of financial help.
Grants are made from the annual interest but the fund's capital is relatively low.
It is therefore essential that donations continue to be
received if it is to offer worthwhile help to an increasing number of
young people up to the age of 20 years.

The Middlesbrough Gang Show has always helped to support a
charity for young people by donations collected during the produc-
tion of its shows. This year we are proposing to donate any monies
collected to the 'Ralph Reader Memorial Fund'