Charity challenge for Thrapston firm as it celebrates 100 years in business

A Thrapston firm has launched a fundraising initiative as a final celebration to mark its centenary year.

Scotts of Thrapston, which manufactures timber products, has launched its Centenary Challenge in a bid to raise funds for the Milton Keynes-based charity Ride High.

Employees of Scotts are being encouraged to sign up to run or walk 100km between October 1 and December 10, 2020.

The charity, Ride High, aims to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and those having difficulties in their daily lives, by giving them the opportunity to learn to ride and care for horses.

Scotts has an affinity with the equestrian based charity as Scotts is the leading stable manufacturer in the UK, supplying products into the racing, showjumping, dressage and eventing worlds.

Managing director, James Scott, said: “It is quite a milestone for a company to reach 100 years, and we have been determined to mark this achievement despite the difficulties we are all facing in 2020.

“We are also aware that due to the pandemic crisis, many charities are struggling as fundraising avenues become more limited.

"Originally, we had planned to have a team riding in the Ride London 100 mile cycling event, to raise money for Ride High.

"However, as this wasn’t possible we thought it would be a great idea to finish our centenary year by helping Ride High, a charity that is very close to our hearts.”

Anyone signing up for the challenge is asked to record their mileage by using a tracking device or app.

Participants who reach or exceed the 100km target will be entered into a draw with three prizes up for grabs including a Smart watch.

Employees donated £3 to enter the Centenary Challenge and all the entry fee funds raised by Scotts employees will be matched pound for pound by Scotts.

Scotts has also created a fundraising page for family, friends and stakeholders of the company to help boost the overall fundraising total.

James added: “We are delighted to have launched this Centenary Challenge.

"It is certainly causing a lot of interest within the company - it is easy to enter, will help people meet fitness targets and we are raising money for a great cause.”

The company was founded in 1920 by James Scott, and had humble beginnings delivering tools and services to local farmers.

The mantle then passed to Douglas Scott and the business is now run by the third and fourth generations, chairman David Scott and his son James.

Scotts has a proud reputation of turning timber into a range of products.

The company is well known for its summerhouses, stables, American barns, garages, car barns, pavilions, roof trusses, joinery, engineered flooring and education buildings.

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