Pip’s Perspective – a message from the Chief Commissioner
5 London Counties involved with YOU (Youth Organisations Uniformed) were invited to take part in the 'Solemn Drumhead Service of Remembrance for those who Volunteered to Serve in the First World War' at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Armed Forces day last Saturday, and what a day it was!
We arrived in glorious warm sunshine to set up our stand at 08.00 but by 10.30, as members of the Royal Family started to arrive, the heavens opened! Seemingly the armed forces are undaunted by rain and their heavy wool coats are probably better suited to inclement weather than hot sunshine, but I quickly whipped out my Girlguiding umbrella, which was spotted in the media cover as I escorted the Earl of Wessex through the lined guard of the youth organisations, and attempted to keep the worst of the rain off. 66 girls and volunteers revelled in the opportunity to showcase how the Girl Guides helped the war effort with contrasting activities of modern day guiding and were rewarded by royal waves as The Queen and her party passed by. My very grateful thanks to all those who supported the event.
I was extremely honoured to be invited to escort HRH Prince Edward on behalf of Girlguiding LaSER and delighted to be presented to The Queen; we talked about the bully beef stew that the Guides were to be given for lunch, Her Majesty didn't relish the idea herself!
pipmck@girlguidinglaser.org.uk
Twitter: @ PipMcKerrow
New Region Chair of Trefoil Guild
I am delighted to appoint Sarah Little, currently Chair of Trefoil Guild for Sussex Central County, as our next Region Chair of Trefoil Guild. Sarah will take on the role from Pat Downer at the LaSER Trefoil Guild AGM in Brighton on 4th October. I am sure that you will all wish to join me in congratulating Sarah and thanking her for her commitment to Girlguiding and the Trefoil Guild.
Pip McKerrow, Chief Commissioner
Yellow is the new Raspberry – Special Edition
On Wednesday 25th June 6 lucky Brownies from across the Region were able to join with 50 other Brownies and their mums and carers at a very special birthday tea party celebration at Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH The Countess of Wessex, and joined by Big Brownie Birthday Champion and tennis ace Laura Robson.
Emma Cohen from Girlguiding Middlesex North West County, Grace Gregory from Girlguiding Sussex East County, Amelia Price and Neha Gnanasegaram from Girlguiding Greater London Kent, Natasha Steele from Girlguiding Sussex West and Sara Merali from Girlguiding Middlesex East got the chance to practice their tennis skills on the Palace’s famous lawns – cheered on by HRH The Countess of Wessex and the UK’s number one women’s tennis player.
Tennis ace Laura, who is Big Brownie Birthday Champion this year, brought the Wimbledon fun to the party – inspiring the girls with top tennis tips and sports advice.
Meanwhile, The Countess of Wessex joined Brownies to blow out the candles on a very special Big Brownie Birthday cake.
HRH also chatted to mums and carers about their daughters’ Brownie adventure.
Laura Robson, said: “Brownies is a place where girls can be themselves, have fun with other girls and try new and adventurous activities and sports.
“I think this is so important in helping to develop girls’ confidence and ambitions as they grow up.
“I’ve been so impressed by the Brownies I’ve met today and I've no doubt they will go on to become champions in whatever they choose to do”
Sussex East Star Quest
1,200 Brownies came together at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, East Sussex for their Big Brownie Birthday Star Quest event. The girls took part in many activities including workshops in the Science Centre itself including the Spectacular planetarium projecting inside one of the telescope domes! Bollywood dancing, old fashioned games such as coconut shy and swingboats, going on a caving trailer – a trailer with tunnels, go in one end and come out somewhere completely different. Girls also had the chance to make mosaics, hair slides and friendship bracelets as well as trying circus skills and hula hooping tricks. It was a fabulous fun day with the sun shining throughout.
Ava from 3rd Brighton Brownies said “I loved the owls, chairoplanes, swingboats and caves. The day has been awesome!”
Zara from 13th St Leonards Brownies said “clock making has been my favourite thing”
Cheona from 41st Eastbourne Brownies said “I liked going into the domes where the stars were and loved the water park!”
WAGGGS World Conference in Hong Kong
Our Region Lead Volunteer for Advocacy, Helen Beecher Bryant, is part of the UK delegation to the WAGGGS World Conference in Hong Kong, July 5th – 9th 2014.
Helen is honoured to be part of the UK delegation to the WAGGGS World Conference in Hong Kong.
Sometimes members of Girlguiding LaSER don’t realise the extent of the enormous worldwide family to which they belong. Think for a minute: you are part of a unit, which is part of a District, which is part of a Division, which is part of a County. There are 19 Counties which make up Girlguiding LaSER. LaSER is one of nine Regions/Countires which constitute Girlguiding. Girlguiding is part of WAGGGS’ Europe Region, one of five Regions which make up WAGGGS, which has 145 Member Organisations! Isn’t it amazing to consider that you are part of an organisation with 10 million members in 145 countries! Imagine the impact that 10 million people can have!
The WAGGGS World Conference will be voting on issues which affect our members worldwide. It will be a meeting of representatives of the 145 Member Organisations. As a delegation, we have spent the last six months preparing for this huge event and I cannot wait to partake in this multi-cultural, international spectacular, where women from across the world will converge to consider how WAGGGS moves forward into the next triennium.
Please read the delegation’s blog and follow @Helen_B_B on Twitter for updates.
GOLD Sri Lanka Challenge Badge
If you're looking for something fun to do with your unit this half term or in September, why not consider the GOLD Sri Lanka Challenge Badge?
This cute badge is available for collectors to buy or for units to complete, with fun challenges suitable for all ages! All funds raised will go to this year's GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) project, working with Rainbow and Senior Section-aged members in Sri Lanka.
Training at a Residential Centre
Training at a residential training centre such as a TAC can be a very rewarding experience, both for participants and also for the trainers as one of our Region Trainers – Jo Wheeler explains.
I have trained at several training centres around the UK, having gained what was the accreditation to train in a residential setting – this is now an additional module in the Training Qualification. The extra time in a weekend getting to know the participants, and the more relaxed atmosphere, means that a subject can be developed and explored in more depth, a wide variety of subjects can be covered in one weekend, and people’s needs can be met more effectively.
I really enjoy being part of a team, working together to develop the training plan beforehand and delivering it over the weekend. Training at residential events has helped me develop both my training skills and my skills as a Leader, and I would highly recommend it.
Jo Wheeler
Walking Weekend Staffordshire Peak District
When? 24-26 Oct 2014
Who for? Adults
Where? ‘The Cottage’ Gradbach Scout Campsite, Staffs.
How much? £30 (covers accommodation & Saturday evening meal)
What’s happening? For anyone who would like navigation skills practice or some sociable walking with like-minded people.
Interested? Here’s what you do… Apply by 31 July 2014
Any queries contact laserwalkingadviser@gmail.com
Gradbach is situated in an idyllic part of the Peak District with excellent walks from the door. ‘The cottage’ sleeps 16 in 2 bunk rooms with showers, kitchen and common room with an open fire.
Vacancies
Head Chef - Foxlease
£17,850.00.00 per annum
Girlguiding is recruiting a Head Chef, reporting to the Operations Coordinator, based at Foxlease.
Closing date: 9 July 2014
Administrative Assistant - Foxlease
£14,026.00 per annum
Girlguiding is currently recruiting an Administrative Assistant to be based at Foxlease, reporting to the Front Office Manager.
Closing date: 13 July 2014
Marketing Officer (TACs) - London
Part time – 21 hours per week
£23,367.00.00 per annum (pro rata)
Including London Weighting
Girlguiding is recruiting a Marketing Officer (TACs), reporting to the Head of Fundraising & Marketing, to work within our Communications & PR Directorate.
Closing date: 10 July 2014
Should you wish to apply, please complete an application form and return to Human Resources at hrvacancies@girlguiding.org.uk.
Yellow is the new Raspberry - Locally
Penge and Anerley Star Quest
Brownies, Rainbows and Guides decorated the hall with star bunting and started off dancing and singing to 'Reach for the Stars' They planted seeds, participated in a Wide Game, played star/planet parachute games and made star headbands. We finished with the oldest Brownie from each unit lighting a candle on the cake. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
South Nutfield Rainbows 100 Years Birthday Party – All Sections get to celebrate
As part of their Big Brownie Birthday Challenge, the 1st South Nutfield Rainbows held a 100 Years Birthday Party for 2nd South Nutfield Brownies. The girls planned a menu and prepared the party food. For their part, the Brownies taught some of their favourite games to the Rainbows. I was really impressed with how good the Rainbows were at buttering slices of bread! The Brownies certainly gave the food a 'thumbs up'.