County
Walking Adviser
Name: Barry Dackombe
Hi, I have recently taken on the role of County Walking Adviser. So
what you may wonder does a walking adviser do? Well, I can help by
giving advice on suitable walking areas within Bedfordshire - but
bear in mind I obviously do not every last footpath in the County.
Although I have walked quite a few in recent months!
I will be organising a series of County Walks throughout the
year, which are open to you and your unit. Many of you may remember
them from days gone by and after an absence of several years these
are gradually being reintroduced. The dates and locations will be
advertised through County Mailshots and on the diary of events on
this website. County Walking badges can be purchased from me for any
walking activity.
For the Centenary, I am issuing a Century Walking Challenge
to all Guiders and their units. The challenge is to walk 100 miles!
This is not as daunting as it sounds honestly! Firstly, it is hoped
that each unit will accept the challenge, and collectively contribute
to the 100 miles. So for example if a Rainbow unit of 20 girls went
on a 1 mile walk, they would generate 20 miles. The unit leaders and
other helpers would also contribute, so one short walk could contribute
around a quarter of the miles needed. For further details and ideas
on activities download the Century Walking Challenge booklet.
There is also a badge on sale for everyone who contributes.
One important way I can help you, is to provide informal training
so that you feel confident in taking your girls out into the countryside.
In addition, if you wish to embark upon the Girlguiding Walking Scheme,
I can arrange local training for walking in Lowland areas of the country
(typical of South-east England). This training would cover aspects
of what equipment you need, risk assessment, guiding procedures, managing
the girls while on a walk, etc. If you are interested then get in
touch and I will try to arrange something.
Those with more ambitious aims could go on to undertake the training
for leading groups in Open Countryside (such as the Peak District
and moorland areas below 600m), which are organised on a regional
basis. If you fancy taking a group up Snowdon or anything above 600
metres then you would need to do the Remote Countryside training,
which is organised nationally. Outside Guiding there are also National
Awards, such as the Walk Group Leader and Mountain Leader Awards.
Contact me if you are interested in these courses to find out more
and the latest dates.
I have recently completed the Girlguiding assessment for leading groups
in Open Countryside and am just embarking on the Mountain Leader training.
So if you want any advice, guidance or maybe even help with walking
activities, do get in touch.
Happy walking
Barry Dackombe
County Walking Adviser
Girlguiding Bedfordshire
Last updated
26 March, 2011
