Pip’s Perspective – a message from the Chief Commissioner
Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world will be celebrating World Thinking Day this Saturday. The 22 February, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell’s birthdays, was chosen as the day for ‘thinking’ about our sister Guides wherever they are and whatever their circumstances. I have been fortunate that through guiding and my personal travels I have met some truly amazing women who have made a significant difference to the lives of girls and young women. In recent years our thoughts have been with those members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) affected by devastating natural disasters, living through terrible life changing situations. I’m sure that you will be joining with me this year in thinking of those nearer to home whose day to day lives have been turned upside down by the extensive flooding. My thanks go to all those guiding members who have lived their Promise and turned out to help other people in times of crisis, supporting their communities any way that they can.
Girlguiding’s ‘Guide Friendship Fund’ and WAGGGS ‘World Thinking Day Fund’ support our members at home and abroad in times of need. We are greatly appreciative of the donations made by our members on World Thinking Day.
Thank you for your support and Happy World Thinking Day to you all!
pipmck@girlguidinglaser.org.uk
Twitter: @ PipMcKerrow
Girlguiding – we remain committed to one Promise for all
Girlguiding remains fully committed to having one Promise for all and to the words that came out of our extensive consultation. There has been no change in that position.
Whilst the majority of members are comfortable with the wording, we recognise that a small minority of people want a way to specifically acknowledge their commitment to God within their guiding life.
There is no set script for leaders or girls for Promise celebrations and so IF a member chooses to do so it is permissible for her to provide the context of her own belief before making our Promise.
To be clear, this is not an alternative Promise or additional line within the Promise. Rather it is a distinct personal statement, separate to our Promise. This approach maintains one Promise for all within Girlguiding.
Commonwealth Observance Day
Commonwealth Observance Day is a fantastic annual celebration of the Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey for 1,000 school children, 1,000 VIPs and HM The Queen. Speakers and performers this year include Laura Mvula and Seb Coe. We would like to offer the opportunity to nine volunteers to join Pip McKerrow, Chief Commissioner, to marshal the school children to their seats and to help 'keep things under control'. You must be prepared to stand and walk around all afternoon – before, during and after the service – but hopefully you will also get the opportunity to enjoy the service. The details are as follows:
Date: Monday 10 March from 12.30
Location: Westminster Abbey
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and will be expected to wear current 'Guide Wear'.
Please send your contact details to Eirini (EiriniG@girlguidinglaser.org.uk) at region HQ by:
Friday 21 February, 9am
Paxmead Riverside Centre
Many of you will have seen the news coverage of the dreadful flooding of the River Thames at Shepperton, right where we have our Riverside Base. It was touch and go last week as to whether the floodwater would enter the building but fortunately it was only the boathouse that was affected – and boats are built to float! We are extremely grateful for the many offers of help that the Management Committee and Gill, the warden, have received. The groundwork clear-up operation will take place once the water has receded.
Challenger Fastnet 2015
Girlguiding South West England are working in partnership with the Tall Ships Youth Trust and have chartered a 72 ft Challenger racing yacht to take part in the Rolex Fastnet race in August 2015. They are looking for 12 Girlguiding members to take part in this extreme, exciting and exhilarating sailing adventure!
Date: Sunday 16 August 2015
For how long? Approximately 5 days
Entry requirements? Any adult member aged 18 and over (by the day of the Race) is eligible to apply for a place on Challenger Fastnet. There is no formal upper age limit. The Tall Ships Trust would prefer crew members to have some sailing experience. Applications must be in by 31 March 2014.
International service project 2015
When? Sunday 23 March 2014
Who for? Members aged over 18 and under 26 on 30 June 2015
Where? Lee Valley Youth Hostel
How much? £5
What’s happening? International Opportunities event to find a team for the region 2015 Senior Section international service project
Interested? Here’s what you do… Email Hilary Foxwell (hilaryf@girlguidinglaser.org.uk) at region office for an application form.
You will need to get your form endorsed by your County International Adviser and County Commissioner by 28 February 2014
You must be active in Girlguiding LaSER, registered on ‘Go!’ and be available to attend the Region Residential event at Gilwell Park on 11 - 12 October 2014.
Student Volunteering Week
24 February - 1 March 2014
Student Volunteering Week is a nationwide celebration of the incredible voluntary efforts of students. Many colleges and universities hold special events and volunteering fairs.
In 2013 Development Workers from Girlguiding worked with local volunteers to attend student events around London, with new members joining Senior Section and as volunteers. Here are six ways to get involved.
1. Find out what your local college/ university have planned by contacting their student volunteer/enrichment team
2. Say thank you to local students in your area
3. Ask members who study or work at a local college/university to help promote Girlguiding opportunities
4. On twitter? Tweet your local colleges/universities with thank you messages and join us opportunities. Use @SVW2014 and #svw2014
5. Order student resources from Trading Services or ask your County/Region to send you some student engagement materials funded by the Basil Samuel Charitable Trust. Download our new student engagement video.
6. Create a really warm welcome with an info/welcome event
BP Adventure Weekend
Organised by Downs Heath Division, Surrey East
Saturday 8 March, 10am – Sunday 9 March, 12pm
Star Adventure
Includes: Trip to London and overnight accommodation at The Old Pheasantry in Kingswood
Cost: £32
To book your place and get further information, contact Stella Cantor at Downs Heath Girlguiding (DownsHeathGirlguiding@gmail.com).