The last 12 months have been extremely busy for the Guide Association in Bedfordshire. During the past year we have seen changes within our Guide Section with both the programme and uniform being updated. We are now beginning to see the enthusiasm with which the girls are working on the new ideas developed and we look forward to more new material being produced in the future.

Within the county, I think our most exciting venture this year has been the appointment of a County Membership Development Advisor whose work involves public relations, community action and recruitment. This post is still in its infancy and currently we are trying to set up a team to help promote what Guiding has to offer to girls and adults alike in Bedfordshire. We are aiming to focus this work on a month in autumn 2001 which should catch the imagination of everyone and which will help people see Guiding in a different light. Who knows? It may also help to increase the number of activities to more and more girls and young women in Bedfordshire.

We know that new approaches to these issues aare being piloted at the moment and we are eagerly anticipating the impact of the changes for us at a local level.

You are working hard in whatever sphere you are currently involved. But if ever you fancy a change or a challenge or the opportunity to think about a new role or change of direction - talk to me. I would be pleased to help in any way I can. If you have ideas or views on how things should be done - and what else we should be doing - speak out, let me know - whether you are involved in Guiding or not - and if you are not currently involved in Guiding why not come and find out what it is all about?

In Bedfordshire, we are eager to keep Guiding exciting and fun for all. To do this we need to listen to the girls, find out what they want, decide if it is practical and go and do it! What a challenge for the coming year!