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County News

 

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.

Click here to download a form to tell us your news


Bedfordshire Attendees at the Westminster Abbey November 5th 2011
A number of Bedfordshire Leaders and Trefoil Guild members were fortunate enough to attend the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminisetr Abbey on Saturday 5th November 2011. After the service a group had their photo taken with the Cheif Guide.

Bedfordshire Leaders and  Trefoil Guild Members


County Weekend at Pax Lodge London October 2011

40 Volunteers from Bedfordshire spent a very pleasant and busy fun weekend at Pax Lodge in London meeting at Pax Lodge during Friday afternoon or evening. Following an evening meal a fun time was had familiarising themselves with Pax Lodge including a scavenger hunt around the building.

Saturday was spent by visiting various places of their choice including, NT houses Fenton House and Willow Road, Camden Market, Highgate Cemetery with its host of famous residents!, going to a London west end show and general site seeing. Following the evening meal an International session and socialising took place.

Some of the group went to Icando and were lucy enough to meet the National Trefoil Chairman, Margaret Routley.

Sunday morning was spent on exploring future opportunities and events for adults followed by a fun session of decorating cakes with a London theme and a London quiz. The weekend ended all too soon with lunch at Pax Lodge. A fun time was had by everyone.

Click on the pictures to view the full photo gallery



Anglia Brooch for Carina
Carina Anglia Brooch
Carina Wallace was recently awarded the Anglia Brooch for her outstanding contribution to Girlguiding Bedfordshire. Carina became a leader with the 1st Leighton Buzzard Guides in 1974, she still supports the Unit as key user, Unit Treasurer and Occasional Helper. In addition she is Treasurer for Leighton Heath District and South Beds Division, she is also part of the County Marketing and Communication Team and in particular she ensures that members receive the termly mailshot and Bedsbuzz newsletter.

Carina is always supportive of events at District, Division and County you can find her doing anything from Anything from staring in Gang shows to providing admin support for County Camp. Carina is always willing to help and full of enthusiasm , we congratulate her on this well deserved award.


Girlguiding Bedfordshire Inspired by Modern Muse - July 2011

Pauline Stewart of Inspirati Ltd and a Modern Muse, truly inspired her audience of over 50 Senior Section members and Leaders from Girlguiding Bedfordshire this week, in the spectacular setting of Woburn Abbey's Sculpture Gallery.

The launch in Bedfordshire of an incentive by Modern Muse 'to inspire, inform, invigorate and motivate young women and girls about business and entrepreneurship', was hosted by Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford. She told young women of Girlguiding Bedfordshire that "With hard work and determination, everyone can live their dream" and went on to say "When you believe in yourself you can achieve the unbelievable".

Pauline Stewart enthralled her audience with her anecdotes about inspirational women and how their passion to succeed has overcome major obstacles in their lives. She explained how the 100 most inspirational businesswomen in the UK had come together to form Modern Muse with their desire to help and inspire other women to achieve their goals.

She then set the girls the task of writing down how they thought they could overcome their barriers.They formed into groups for some enlightening discussions and were joined by Pauline Stewart, Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford, Debbie Docherty County Commissioner for Girlguiding Bedfordshire, and other guests who joined in the lively debates. The resulting ideas were written down and the most aspirational comment by Lizzie was selected to win a copy of the much admired Modern Muse book.

Sophie, a young leader and young media spokesperson for Girlguiding Bedfordshire said "I thought the evening was very inspiring in terms of our individual success and also in terms of influencing young women around the world. Thank you Pauline".

The Duchess of Bedford was thanked for her participation in the event and presented with a signed copy of the modern Muse Book. Senior Section members, including Bedfordshire ASSK representatives, presented her and Pauline with flowers and a gifts. Debbie Docherty thanked everyone for their contribution to an inspirational event and hoped that Girlguiding Bedfordshire would work with her again in the future.
A Guide gets inspired at Bedfordshire's Modern Muse Event Pauline Stewart - Modern Muse, during the workshop session Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford working with Guides during the workshop session Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford receiving a gift from Girlguiding Bedfordshire

Picture captions: 1- A Guide gets inspired at Bedfordshire's Modern Muse Event
2- Pauline Stewart - Modern Muse, during the workshop session
3- Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford working with Guides during the workshop session
4- Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford receiving a gift from Girlguiding Bedfordshire

Click for more photos of the event


WOBURN DISTRICT TREFOIL GUILD INVITE YOU TO A CHARITY FASHION SHOW IN AID OF WILLEN HOSPICE,
onTuesday 21st June 2011 at 2.30pm,
Woburn Village Hall, Woburn, Beds. Click for more information

COUNCIL HONOURS WORLD CHIEF GUIDE
The Guiding movement's leading light is to be immortalised in her home county - thanks to thousands of votes being cast.
Lady Olave Baden-Powell polled more votes than any other nominee in Derbyshire County Council's blue plaque scheme, launched to commemorate the county's biggest names and places. And now a plaque is being put up in her honour on the site of her former childhood home in Chesterfield. Click for more information


Annual Celebratory Review and Training Day

The President Miss Marion Prior & County Commissioner Mrs Debbie Docherty invite you to our Annual Celebration Day on Sunday 20th March 2011, Newnham Middle School, Polhill Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9DT
The day will include training sessions in the morning followed by lunch and a Celebratory Review in the afternoon.
For more information and to book a place click here

Or download a booking form by clicking here


Photo Gallery of Woburn Safari 100

Click to view

click the link below to seee video of Woburn


Photo Gallery of the Centenary Show 1910 and Then WOW!

Click to view


Marston Moretain Forest WalkHautbois Garden Party
View the photos of the Trefoil Guild walk at Marston Moretaine Forest Centre and photos of the Hautbois Garden Party


Click to see our Annual Review 2008 / 2009 Document Celebrating Success


Bedfordshire YOPEY Awards
Sarah Hunt receiving her YOPEY Award

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 Centenary Launch Party Photos


County Training weekend Waddow all 2009
Waddow WassowWaddow
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.

To see our Waddow photos click here.


Two Luton Citizens recognised in the Luton Mayor's Citizenship Awards
Mayros Award
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 at Tower Bridge

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.
Queens Guides

 

 

Last updated 21 December, 2011

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