Has you unit
done something recently which you think would make a great news
story that other people should hear about?
We want you to send us your news stories for Beds Buzz and the Girlguiding
Bedfordshire website - it could be that you have been raising lots
of money for a good cause as a unit or you maybe your unit is Changing
the World. We want to know about everything!
If you've got a great news story, download the form from this page
and email it to us. Don't forget to include your contact details
and as much information about the story as you can. If you have
any pictures that we could use, feel free to send them through but
make sure that you have the correct permissions for those in the
photograph.
I am delighted
to be able to tell you that, at a ceremony tonight at the Sculpture
Gallery at Woburn Abbey, Sarah Hunt received an award as Runner-up
in Bedfordshire Young Person of the Year (YOPEY).
Sarah was recognised for her enthusiasm and commitment as a Guider,
for the leadership responsibility she has, at such a young age,
as District Commissioner and County Public Relations Adviser and
also for her vision to ensure Guiding remain relevant to today's
girls and young women especially in a multi-cultural society.
The judges of the competition included the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire,
the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, numerous local Councillors and
representatives from the community as well as former YOPEY finalists.
One judge remarked that Sarah was
"a perfect example of the role model needed to take our young
people forward".
We are very proud of Sarah and also of Carrie Smith and Sophie Ben
Taieb who were nominated in the same competition. You can read all
about the nominations on the Yopey
website
County
Training weekend Waddow all 2009 On
the weekend of 19th - 21st June 2009, 22 Guiders set of to Lancashire
for a training weekend at Waddow Hall. We were all greeted by Elizabeth
our Hostess for the Weekend, the House and staff made our stay very
welcome.
After
we had been given a very welcoming evening meal. We met our trainers
Eleanor and Mary for our first Training session on Friday evening.
This was an introduction to the sessions planned for Saturday. On
Saturday we had section training sessions and some of were also
invited to make Dampers on an open fire. The sessions were a mixture
of listening, participating and making. During the afternoon we
had free time and most people went into Clitheroe to look round
and have a relaxing coffee or hot chocolate.
Saturday
evening was very entertaining with a Murder Mystery, where a lot
of fun was had along with loads of laughter.
Sunday
morning saw us planning some of the Future needs for the County
and after an excellent Sunday Dinner we all made our way home to
Bedfordshire.
Two
Luton Citizens recognised in the Luton Mayor's Citizenship Awards Sue and Brian Champkins were presented with a Citizenship Award
by Luton's Mayor Councilor Lakhbir Singh at a ceremony in the Council
Chambers on Friday 23rd January 2009. In his opening speech the
Mayor said “The people we honoured epitomise the good works being
carried out selflessly throughout the town every day by ordinary
people with extra-ordinary drive and passion. I would also like
to applaud the many individuals who have not received an award but
are equally unstinting in their work for the community of Luton.”
Sue and Brian were nominated by Jeane Wain and Sheila Dixon below
is a copy of the nomination: BRIAN CHAMPKINS: As part of the Vauxhall OAP committee, Brian
organises trips and holidays for the members, visits the pensioners
and helps to prepare and deliver Christmas hampers.
Brian is also
a great support to his wife, Sue, attending and helping out at all
Guide events. He is part of the Haverings Committee (training and
camp centre) and spends at least one day a week working in the 6
acres of woodland, tidying, cutting, sawing, clearing new pathways
through the woods, and recently helped to make a new campfire circle
for the Guides' use. Occasionally the Probation Community Service
lends a hand and enjoys working with Brian as he enthuses about
his time spent there. He will also tackle any job that needs attention
inside the building.
Brian also helped
with coaching at the Lea Valley Gymnastics club from 1974 to 1983,
and from 1983 to 1988 he was on the committee for the Sea Cadets,
helping to maintain their building and helping with fundraising.
Brian is a dedicated worker who is always willing to help others.
Brian was nominated
by Mrs J Wain and Mrs S Dixon.
SUE CHAMPKINS: Sue has been a Brownie Guide at St. Francis
Church for 40 years and for the past 30 years she has taken her
Brownies on 'Pack' holidays each year. For 5 years of this time
she was a District Commissioner, looking after 10 units. Sue made
regular visits to all the units at their weekly meetings and also
while they were away on 'Pack' holidays.
As Division Commissioner, Sue organised Brownie Revels, Pantomimes,
activity days and visits to the 'Big Gig', either in London or Birmingham
for the girls' enjoyment.
As a member
of the Haverings Committee (training and camp centre) and Fundraising
Committee, Sue has helped to raise funds to help pay for an extension
to the building. There are 6 acres of woodland at Haverings and
Sue has regularly been part of the working parties maintaining the
woods.
On top of this,
Sue is the County Website Co-ordinator. She is a very loyal and
dedicated Guider, and anything that she is asked to do is done willingly
and immediately. In October 2008 Sue was appointed Assistant County
Commissioner, a position she will hold for 5 years.
Sue was nominated
by Mrs J Wain and Mrs S Dixon.
3rd
Stopsley Rainbows win a visit to see a special showing of Tinkerbell The 3rd Stopsley Rainbows eneterd a competition in Guiding Magazine,
their mission was to design Fairy Wings. The rainbows took on this
mission with gusto and were very pleased to learn that they had
won the first prize. This prze was a visit to Disney Headquaters
in London to see a special viewing of Tinkerbell. On Sunday 23rd
November the coldest and most icy day of this winter so far the
Rainbows along with some other Rainbow and Brownie friends set of
for London. On arriving at Disney the girls were entertained by
Mary Fairy, had a feast of fairy food and then went into the special
cinema for the viewing of the film. Every one present had a wonderfull
day. Click on the photo
link below to see the photo gallery of their day.
Inaugural
Promise Ceremony for Ivel Rangers
Ivel Rangers are a new unit representing the Senior Section branch
of GirlGuiding UK. We cater for 14-25 year old women from Biggleswade
and the surrounding villages and towns. On Sunday 13th July the
members of the unit travelled to London for a sightseeing trip and
to make our promises on Tower Bridge. We would like to thank Biggleswade
Town Council for their generous grant which allowed us to have a
great day. If anyone would like more information about the please
email or call 01767
222515. Please note guiding experience is not a necessary requirement
!!"
Sarah Hunt from Luton South Division Rangers wins The Big Gig Bear
Competition
Here is Sarah's winning answer The BIG GIG is fantastic and it’s great that Girlguiding UK
can organise such a huge scale event with the UK’s top pop acts.
I love the electric atmosphere of the BIG GIG all those bunny-eared
guides waving there banners high in the air. I get such a rush from
the BIG GIG!
I cannot wait until the BIG GIG 2009 as it just seems to get better
each year! I am addicted to the BIG GIG and having to wait a whole
year would be like going for a year without chocolate!
Click on the link below to see pictures of the bear http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/xq/asp/sID.1003/aID.3698/qx/biggig/article.asp
5 Queens Guides "What an Achievement"
Five
young women, Katy, Clare, Sarah, Rachel and Lora received their
Queens Guide Awards from Kathy the County Commissioner at the Annual
Review on Saturday 11th October.
