County Reports September 2017 to cover the Summer Term ( April to August 2017)

Croydon-Carole Simpson

County Croydon Date 14 September 2017

Name of person completing report

Carole Simpson Role Chairman

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get Active Walker & Talker group formed by Croydon South, now plans for a County group to be formed for the 75 years Celebrations, visiting all areas of Croydon.

Give Support Members are helping at Bramley Hill Guild for those with disabilities, also support given to Girlguiding UK. Members helped at District Rainbow birthday party.

Get InvolvedAttending local church festivals and entering flower displays, running cake stalls

Find FriendshipTravelling to A.G.M members of Shirley Guild befriended a member from Wimbledon travelling on her own, following which Marion invited them to Wimbledon guild’s annual lunch. Three members went and had a lovely time and hope to develop the friendship further.

Events/Activities since last reportVery varied outings have been undertaken: River trip Richmond to Kew, Knowle House,Brighton I 360 Tower, Tollsworth Manor, Southwark Catherdral, Borough Market, Chelsea Hospital being some of them.Members have learnt to play Croquet, played skittles, held BBQ’s, done pottery and painting;enjoyed meals out at pubs and restaurants, been to the theatre.Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months:

Trefoil County Training in respect of Safe Space is planned on 25th September 2017.

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We have just started collecting old or unwanted bras to send to breastcancer.uk under their new recycling scheme which helps raise money for research as well as sending some bras to Africa for distribution, or re-making.Quiz night planned, and a fund raising day including skittle competition is planned for September.Any other pertinent informationBramley Hill guild would like to thank the committee who approved the Platinum Grant towards their recent holiday at Sayers Croft.

One of our guild received a request from Head Quarters for a man to join their guild; whilst we accept that men can be members, we were surprised at this request since the male in question is not known to us, and, at present, we have very little information so the request is still pending.

Greater London Kent-Susan Jenkins

CountyGLK Trefoil Guild

Date 7/9/2017

Name of person completing report

Susan JenkinsRole

Chairman

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get ActiveBexleyheath Guild walked around Danson Lake before enjoying a meal while Bromley North members spent an evening clearing the ivy from the tombstones in their local churchyard. They also enjoyed a walk at Cudham during the summer, finding a number of wild orchids and, not surprisingly, followed their walk with a BBQ and a campfire sing song. Not satisfied with this, they participated in a treasure hunt at Crystal Palace Park. A walk in the grounds of Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s home, was followed by a fish and chip supper. Erith and Crayford Guild members have been walking around London on the Blue Plaque walks arranged by a member. Their speaker for June spoke on her life as a Tiller girl and the finale was getting 12 members to perform the routine made famous by “Sunday Night at the London Palladium”. Ravensbourne members enjoyed a Tai Chi demonstration while West Wickham Guild chose to Pitch and Putt.

Give SupportOne guild has, for the second year running, organised an Open Gardens programme which has raised £300 so far. Both Hurst and Sidcup Guilds support the Oasthouse Trust, with several members volunteering in their Sidcup charity shop. Their summer picnic in the garden of their new meeting place raised nearly £300 for charity. Petts Wood Guild made a donation to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air

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Ambulance

Get InvolvedBexleyheath Guild enjoyed a cake tasting session and a cake sale to raise money for a Guider travelling to the World Scout Moot in Iceland this summer. They also manned the refreshment station and the biscuit decorating activity at their recent Division re-dedication celebration. West Wickham Guild continue to run the West Wickham Guide shop very successfully.

Find FriendshipOrpington Guild is twinned with a Trefoil Guild in Hobart, Australia and has a member who lives in both England and Australia and is a member of Runaway Bay Trefoil Guild in Queensland. They also held a Bon Marche fashion show where some of their members modelled the clothes and was well supported by members of other GLK Trefoil guilds. Petts Wood Guild is now officially twinned with Bexhill Trefoil Guild and they enjoyed a lunch together at Batemans.Events/Activities since last report50 members attended the National Trefoil Guild Annual meeting and had a wonderful time. We purchased new scarves for all attending using money from a legacy. In July many members attended the annual Trefoil Day at Cudham where the speaker showed some of her collection of costumes from the 20th Century.Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months:New Trefoil Guild scarves to be purchased for all members using some of the money from a former member’s legacy.

Greater London West-Sylvia Wood

CountyGreater London West

Date 8 September 2017

Name of person completing report

Sylvia WoodRole

Chairman

Events/Activities since last reportVisit to Watts Gallery, walk through Battersea Park, walk over Albert Bridge to Chelsea Physic gardens, talk on trip to Australia. Trip Brighton for AGM. Cook out. County Cream Tea when we raised £100.00 for RDA. Candle transfers and paper folding. Fish and chips lunch. Theatre trips. Visit to Ham House.Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months:Annual trip to International Day, Garden party.

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Kent East-Chris Martin County Kent East Dat

e13/9/17

Name of person completing report

Chris Martin Role

Chair

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get Active There are a number of Guilds in the County who have walking groups who hold regular walks. Due to the cancellation of Walking the London Bridges, a walk has been arranged to walk the Bridges of the Hythe Canal and for the 2 days the Bridges will have the names of London Bridges. A group has over the last year walked the coastline of our County, in all weathers. Guilds have had people in to demonstrate Yoga, chair exercises, a Croquet competition has been held and 8 people went Curling.

Give Support Lots of knitted items have been sent to Life for African Mothers. Members will be supporting the County's Training Day by providing lunches, drinks and putting up signs, operating the enquiry desk, directing traffic and clearing up. Lots of members have helped with Camps, Pack Holidays and outings and attended unit meetings for specific skills. Members regularly help with the maintenance of the County's Camp Site in various ways, checking equipment, cleaning shelters and ground work.

Get Involved Guilds have helped Divisions with community events, particularly Kent County Show, Sandwich groups and clubs event. The Bra Ping Pong is travelling the County and further afield, its next outing is for the Macmillan Coffee Morning. A Guild has a soup, roll and apple pie event planned to raise money for the units in their Division.

Find Friendship Guilds are holding BBQs, parties and inviting members from other Guilds to join them.

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There are quite a few Ladies lunch or evening meals groups who eat out on a regular basis.

Events/Activities since last report The County held a BBQ on the County Camp Site, a Bat and Trap game was fiercely contended. Walk the Bridges is at Hythe September 23/24.

Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months: A County Quiz event in November. Christmas lunches.

Any other pertinent information A Thanks and Recognition Badge and Certificate was awarded to Frances Woodcock from Deal for 70 years service to Guiding, mainly fund raising and Treasurer appointments.

Kent Weald-Pat DrewettKent Weald have been actively out and about this summer – walking the Maidstone Bridges when the London Bridge event was cancelled, bowling on a village green, visiting a bird reserve, river trip on the Medway, cream teas and cocktails with strawberries in members’ gardens and visiting Salomans House, Ightham Mote and Chartwell.Congratulations to a member from Invicta/Malling for achieving her Gold Voyage award and to others working towards their goals.A good number attended the National Review at Brighton and sharing other events – District camp fire, Cudham campfire and the Laser Trefoil camp at Horsham.Jumble and plant sales and treasurer hunts have been held to boost funds for Girlguiding.

Kent West-Jan Higgins Kent West haven’t had a County meeting since our last report but I hear on the grape vine that there have been lots of activities through the summer with walks, visits to Country Houses, Cream teas and several Guilds have got together to support ‘Making Miracles’. Knitting garments for different size babies. Great that Guilds can support one another.We had our County Day in August at Paxwood Guide campsite Hall, combining Annual Review with display on Voyage Award and then a fun Day called ‘Music and Movement’. We hired a local Dance Studio to do three activities, exercises sitting down, breathing exercises while singing and movement to music. Everyone had the opportunity to do all three during the day. A 2 course Lunch was provided by the local Senior

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Section and Leaders which included waitress service: everyone appreciated not having to queue. Even our centenarian took part in some of the activities and from the reports after the event everyone enjoyed something different. Several suggestions have been put forward for our 75th Anniversary celebrations next year, getting together with the other 3 Kent Counties and approaches have been made to several venues. The Advisors team are getting together later this month to put the plans into action before our next Region meeting.

London North East- Sarah Smith

London North West- Ann Penman

CountyLONDON NORTH WEST

Date 5.9.17

Name of person completing report

ANN PENMANRole

County Chair

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get ActiveSome members in both Guilds are working on their Voyage Award, taking it slowly.

Give Support/Get InvolvedWestminster Guild is continuing to support the Girlguiding Division in raising funds for their Campsite project Going Wild in the Woods and fundraising for the fixtures and fittings for the new build at the campsite.Members from both Guilds continue to support Girlguiding by running units/ organising events/stepping in when help is needed.

Find FriendshipHampstead Guild have been away meeting up with old friends. Westminster Guild have a lunch before their meetings and keep in touch with members who have moved away via telephone links or visits.

Events/Activities since last report

As well as helping at the Division’s Going Wild in the Woods activity day at the campsite, some members from the Westminster Guild have been knitting soft toys for sale to raise funds; another has spent the summer making Christmas cards for sale towards the campsite’s new build (toilets and wash room) and for their July

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meeting went to Bristol to visit one of their members who has recently moved.Members of both Guilds attended the National AGM in Brighton.

Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months:

Both Guilds joining together to hold a Quiz evening with the aim of raising funds for Riding for the Disabled.

Members of both Guilds will be attending the International Day at Redhill.

At Westminster’s September meeting they will be planning activities towards the 75th Birthday Challenge so that all members will be able to achieve their badge.Westminster members will be attending a church fair with the aim of selling Christmas cards and decorations. They will also be involved with a party to celebrate the Rainbow Section’s 30th Birthday.

London over the Border-Jean Pinner

County London Over the Border Date

10/09/2017

Name of person completing report

Jean Pinner Role Chairman

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get Active one member to LaSER camp Several members booked on 75th Peak District walk

Give Support making Twiddle Muffs Planning Fund Raising for 2018

Get Involved Helping at Chigwell Row Brownie Day in Sept 1000 girls expected

Find Friendship Continuing Monthly Informal Lunches

Events/Activities since last reportMonthly meetings including; Desert Island Discs,talks about Trafalgar Square, the Holy Land and the Match Girls Strike. With picnics and other food tastings.Members enjoyed the National AGM at Brighton, some joined the Ventures Abroad trip and one group stayed overnight in the Youth Hostel and then indulged themselves at The ChoccyWoccy café.Any other pertinent informationSadly 2 of our members have died and some others no longer feel able to take part in activities due to age and infirmity; we need new [younger] members.

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London South East-Yvonne Westwood

London South West-Pip McKerrow

Middlesex East-Angela Weston

The Guilds in Middlesex East enjoyed an active summer.

Visits included trips to Chenies Manor, a Grade 1 listed Tudor building in Bucks., to Mudeford for a fish and chip lunch with a stroll along the prom., and Tring Natural History Museum with lunch at a nearby garden centre. The gardens at Capel Manor College, a further education college specialising in arboriculture, and all things horticulture, was the choice of two Guilds where they enjoyed the fantastic gardens and animals. Another Guild ventured to Whitewebbs Country Park and enjoyed a meal in the carvery there. The Sunshine Garden Centre at Muswell Hill hosted one Guild who enjoyed a lunch there.

In their Annual London walk, a Guild visited the Supreme Court of Justice and, on a guided tour, went into all 3 Courts of Justice and sat in the seats where claimants sit facing the Judge. After refreshments the Guild went on to the Banqueting Hall in the Palace Westminster with ceilings painted by Reuben. This Hall was rescued by Sir Christopher Wren during the Great Fire of London by creating an explosion.  London was also the venue for a Guild who visited the Temple Church and St. Brides, stopping for lunch in between. The Roman pavement under St. Bride’s was only discovered when removing bomb damage after WW2.

An excellent visit to the RNLI station on the Thames near Waterloo Bridge occupied one Guild. This is the busiest RNLI station and is manned 24 hours a day and has some permanent staff as well as volunteers. They saw a video of the type of responses the RNLI make and tried on their kit

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which is very heavy and warm. If you fall in the Thames your survival time is 3 minutes maximum in summer and about 90 seconds in winter.

Lambeth Palace Gardens attracted one Guild on a nice sunny day and in July and they also visited Chelsea Physic Garden which was very interesting with lots to see and learn. 

A planned visit to Windsor Castle was changed because the date of the State opening of Parliament date was changed, so the Queen was unexpectedly in residence there then, but not deterred the Guild went to Kenwood in Hampstead instead and enjoyed a picnic in the beautiful grounds and a tour of the recently renovated House.

On a fine day in May one Guild went ‘messing about on the river’, hiring a boat for a 4 hour cruise on the River Stort. The galley had a hob, microwave and kettle which enabled them to produce their own buffet lunch to which they invited the grateful crew.

The Guild also went to the William Morris Gallery in Edmonton which proved to be a very inspiring exhibition of his life and works. In was noted that the house is certainly a ‘hidden treasure’.

Talks on past Guild holidays brought back happy memories as well as raising funds for charity. East Barnet local resident Dick Selby gave an illustrated talk on the history of the area, and a new member gave her Guild an interesting talk about her life in Grenada.

Where less able members could not get out, meetings were held in their house or garden with a cream tea or other delicious fare. A 90th Birthday was celebrated in style this way. July was a landmark birthday for another member. It was celebrated with a special birthday cake and a meal at a mystery venue……. Where? It’s still a mystery!

Several Guilds held a Tea Quiz which also raised funds for charity. Bring and share teas and barbeques where several Guilds joined together were also held. One Guild joined with a Guild from Anglia Region for their afternoon of food and fun. With the theme of ‘black & white’ a Guild had an afternoon dressed for the occasion with all the accessories for a lunch similarly decorated. This also raised funds for charity.

With many Guilds going out for lunch or having a cream/strawberry tea, one member suggesting that the Trefoil Guild should organise a challenge on eating!!

The annual weekend away for one Guild saw them at a Brownie Pack Holiday and Guide Camping Area owned by Bedford Guides. The weekend included a visit to Harold where they walked around the lake then drove to Olney where the very interesting High Street buildings are well worth looking at. They also visited Box Park. Newly created, it boasts superb

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water skiing facilities with overhead wires for the skiers to use and good viewing areas with refreshments to hand. There was a triple competition going on between adult clubs comprising, running and cycling followed by water skiing with plenty of support from trainers and spectators which made for good watching.  

When the weather prevented outdoor activities indoor events were held, and a cup cake decorating competition provided more opportunity for sampling the fare.

Our annual County picnic, with plentiful ‘bring and share’ food, was held indoors this year because of rain, but the weather didn’t stop us enjoying quizzes and indoor activities.

A goodly contingent attended the National AGM at Brighton and enjoyed a ‘day at the seaside’ as well as the very entertaining guest speaker and the Pearly Kings and Queen

Middlesex North West-Janet Brock

Most guilds have been taking advantage of the slightly better ‘summer’ weather with activities including walks round Perivale Woods (for the bluebells), along the grand union canal at Harefield and Langley Park. Several members attended the National AGM in Brighton and even saw the nudist bike ride while they had their fish and chip lunch!Visits have been made to the Dogs Trust in Harefield and to Highgate Cemetery (and Karl Marx grave)Some members of Heathrow Guild kept up their tradition of camping at our Willow Tree Centre.Activities have included archery, tenpin bowling, first aid and yoga, not forgetting craft evenings making scrap books and icing sugar flowers. Centenary Guild had a Mexican evening organised by someone who is leading a LaSER group there this summer.As usual a variety of food based meetings have been enjoyed including cream teas, fish and chip evening, and pub meals.

Middlesex South West- Bev Tremayne

In April we had a celebration meeting for 5 birthdays with 2 having an 80 and 85th. We only celebrate 0 and 5 birthdays so then we had a cream tea in August at a local garden centre to celebrate a 65th.

We had a table top sale and raised just over £35 for Muscular Dystrophy charity as one of our members has 2 grandchildren with the disease and she has 3 events a year, pancake day, cream tea and sausage and mash days which we try to get to. Also Joan, one of our members gave us a talk on how the village where her great granddaughter lives has collected a great amount of money to buy her a pony which was all she wanted; the

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family heard how ill she was and now unable to walk, so the village  pulled together raising the money and helping with stabling and food etc for the pony. The RDA was consulted regarding tack so we are glad the Trefoil are supporting the charity.  Family are hoping soon to be able to have a family holiday with the village support when Joan's great granddaughter finishes her chemo-therapy.

We enjoyed the National Annual Review at Brighton and thought it was one of the best we had been to so congratulations to LASER for organising such a big event.

We have had 2 other outings: first a lunch at a local pub and then a river trip on a paddle steamer from Runnymede and afterwards a cream tea at nearby N.T. café where we had lovely homemade scones, freshly cooked. They were the best we have had for ages.

We hope all guilds in the county will join us for our 'Bag Beetle' drive on Thursday September 21st at 2.15pm.

The AGM was held in April when our out-going Chairman was thanked for all her time as Chair and 2 Joint Chairs were elected.

Six members attended the National AGM in Brighton.

The June meeting was spent in Perivale Woods. The members were shown the new hut and told about its unique construction.

A BBQ was enjoyed in July and In August there was a visit to Eastcote House Gardens, where they visited the Dove cote and walled garden and enjoyed a meal in the open air.

Had a visiting speaker from Kew Gardens. Had a lady come and show them how to do some mini flower arrangements in cups and saucers. In July they had a tea party for a 90year old member’s birthday.

Visited Osterley Park to see a Rowan Tree they had planted earlier in the year. They stopped there to enjoy a cup of tea. One of their members did a talk about her collection of fictional Guiding books. She has quite a collection! They also held a Games evening. Unfortunately, they are losing 2 of their members who have gone into Nursing Home.

Held a Dominoes Challenge evening. A group went to Brighton for the National AGM. We had someone come to talk about the local foodbank and how it is organised. Held a musical evening when we took along CDs we enjoyed and in August we had a get-together at a local pub..

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Surrey East-Janet Wheeler

County Surrey East Date

31.08.17

Name of person completing report

Janet Wheeler Role County Chairman

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get Active: Some Guilds have played croquet, been bowling & the table tennis group have played outdoors during August.

2 Guilds & the walking group have walked the Deepdene trail at Dorking

Give Support: Helped at Godstone Division Activity Day at BlacklandsSome members of the walking group helped to steward the

London/Surrey Bike EventFaurefold – 5 members have helped with the painting of the

Brownie/Guide house.Kingswood Guild held a lunch in aid of Challengers, a Disability Group.

Several Guildssupported this event.

Find Friendship: Banstead Guild held a cream tea, many Guilds attended. Horley held a BBQ

TG Associates held a lunch at Bletchingley Golf Club which was much enjoyed.

Events/Activities since last report Foxlease. 32 members enjoyed a 4-day break. The activities included Scottish

dancing,archery and Geo-caching. We held a pampering afternoon; visited gardens and enjoyed a cream tea at the Cloud Hotel.

Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months: Walking Group holiday in Dorset – September A Celebration of Seasonal Carols & Candles – 1 Dec

Any other pertinent information:

Voyage Awards gained: 1 Gold; 2 Silver; 1 BronzeWarlingham Guild – 30th Birthday Party

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Surrey West-Pam Bedder

County Surrey West Date

28/8/17 for 15/9/17

Name of person completing report

Pamela Bedder Role Chair

Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get Active All these five elements were covered during the summer event At Paxmead with a total of over 80 ladies being involved to some degree.

Events/Activities since last report

We held a very successful Summer camp/holiday at Paxmead our County Site by the Thames in Shepperton. Ladies camped, stayed in the building and visited for days. One day we had a boat ride along the Thames followed by cream tea and the following evening was our camp fire and fish pie supper. We were entertained by several speakers including the RNLI and a local artist.

Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months:

By the time the 15th September has passed we will have enjoyed our holiday to Foxlease in the New Forest. More about that in my next report. The committee has spent many hours already making sure that our Trefoil Ladies are well catered for during the week 11-15th September with every taste and ability being taken into consideration.

Over 30 members are looking forward to the International Day at Reigate in November. After a slow start the applications came rolling in.

Sussex Central-Jane Brown

A very enjoyable and successful County holiday to Foxlease took place in May. Wonderful sunny weather – excellent stay – camp fire evening when we were all in good voice – evening of entertainment with crafts and challenges provided by local Trefoil Guild – day out for all to the Isle of Wight by ferry – fun packed final evening before departure Friday morning. The staff at Foxlease gave us a memorable stay. Knitted items for the Sailor’s Society. Donation to the Society and Riding For The Disabled from a raffle.

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Guild members organised, together with Region Chair, and attended, the Region Camp. Others were able to attend for the day – it is hoped that there will be another Region Camp in the future.How do we do it – on almost the hottest day of the year, yet again, for the third year we descended on National Trust Nymans, as a County, and played croquet. A relaxed few hours catching up with fellow members. West Sussex Scouts and Guides International Camp at South of England Showground 5-12 th August. Guild members supported and helped at this event in various ways café; retreat; international hub; shops; crafts; activities; VIP afternoon; camping – conditions ranged from glorious sunshine to, yes, downpours of rain resulting in mud, mud, mud…………….typical Trefoil “smileing and laughing” whilst having a wonderful time.Monthly meetings continued with lots of various activities. A visit for one Guild to see “Fiddler on the Roof” at Chichester Theatre – they were singing “if I were a rich man……” all the way home on the coach.Horsham Guild will be celebrating 60 years in September.Members will be attending the Region International Day in November, whilst other members assist at the County Rainbow event and some the service of Recognition and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.Sussex Central’s County Day will be in November and Trefoil has two exciting sessions to attend. Then ……………… looking towards the 75th celebrations - - - - events are being organised.

Sussex East-Jane Steen

County Sussex East Date

September 2017

Name of person completing report

Jane Steen Role County Chair

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Feedback since last Region Exec meeting in relation to Forward Plan

Get Active: In the County there have been 2 Gold, 4 Silver and 5 Bronze Voyage awards gained.

Give Support: Members supported a County Rainbow 30th birthday celebration at Blackberry Farm.Money has been raised by various Guilds for charities including Alzheimers Society, Beachy Head Chaplaincy, Marie Curie, Air Ambulance and Marie Curie.

Get Involved

Find Friendship: A number of Guilds have had open evenings and welcomed members from other Guilds in the County. We welcomed 2 Trefoil members from London to a Ploughmans Lunch in Eastbourne, when they were visiting a friend who is a member of the Guild.

Events/Activities since last reportAnnual Review held on May 20th at which Margaret Garrad, Ruth Fisher and Phoebe Caffyn were thanked and presented with a gift for their time as Chair, Secretary and President of the County. We had an entertaining speaker: Mr Peter Hill whose talk was entitled ‘Pills, Potions and Patience’Events/Activities planned in the next 6 months:Dabble Day: September 30th: 10am to 4pm at Thomas Moore Church Hall in Seaford.Planning meetings will be held for a 75th celebration to be held on 12th September 2018 for the County at Firle Place.Any other pertinent informationJoan Grace, Wadhurst Trefoil, has been appointed as Assistant ChairRosemary Heasman has been appointed as County President.Gail Armstrong, Seahaven evening Trefoil has agreed to take over from Wendy Veasey as International Adviser for the County, when Wendy retires in November.

Sussex West- Margaret Goodyer

An exciting highlight has been attending the National Annual meeting of the Trefoil Guild in Brighton, virtually on our door-step. Members from

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Sussex West were on the reception desk and so in the forefront of the proceedings. Here the new scarf was on sale and it was interesting to see how quickly they were purchased and how differently they were worn!A new Guild has been opened in Arun Valley Division, called A.V.I.D. - Arun Valley Inspirational Divas – their first meeting was a campfire, it is hoped they fulfill the need for younger members.Our annual outing this year was to Portsmouth Harbour; a small group went to Portsmouth by train and enjoyed a wonderful day mostly looking over the Mary Rose, the flag ship of Henry VIII now in its own museum and giving visitors a wonderful idea of what life must have been like on board ship in Tudor times.There have been campfires and garden parties and Lancing Guild had a retired Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) come to speak to them about his job at the Tower of London which was very interesting.The international camp held in Sussex West every four years took place in August at the county showground Ardingly with 3,500 youngsters and adults attending. There were many Trefoil members there braving the mud and rain (and some sunshine) doing 1001 jobs helping make the Camp so exciting for the Scouts and Guides. The theme was Harry Potter which came complete with the life size Hogwarts Express puffing steam at both the opening and closing ceremonies!As I write the County annual holiday is about to start, taking us to Waddow Hall, the Guide house in Lancashire where we will enjoy fun and fellowship for a week visiting places like Blackpool, Clitheroe and Skipton, along with the delights of Waddow itself, the wonderful guiding centre in the north.

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