Welcome to Girlguiding Bedfordshire - Bedfordshire Guiding

Welcome toGirlguidingBedfordshireCreated by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk

Contents1. Message from the County Commissioner—Page 32. Welcome to Girlguiding UK—Page 43. Bedfordshire Penny—Page 54. Bedfordshire Standard—Page 65. Bedfordshire Girlguiding—Page 76. Local Contacts—Page 87. Terminology—Page 98. Guide Centres in Bedfordshire—Page 109. Shops and Uniform—Page 1110. County Resources—Page 1211. County Advisors—Page 1312. Useful Girlguiding UK Contacts—Page 1413. Getting Started on the LeadershipScheme—Page 1514. Go / Streamline —Page 16Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk2

Message from theCounty CommissionerDear VolunteerWelcome to the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in Bedfordshire.We greatly appreciate any time and effort that you are able to give us and will certainly giveyou all the support you need at District, Division and County level.As a prospective Leader you will be given lots of opportunities to find out about Girlguidingboth locally and nationally and later even internationally. I do hope that you will enjoy theseexperiences.We would like all girls and young women in Bedfordshire to have the opportunity to experiencethe magic of Guiding for themselves and so we thank you for helping us to take a step nearerto making this achievement possible.Good Luck in your Adult Leadership Qualificationand I hope to meet you very soon at one of ourmany Guiding eventsYours sincerelyDebbie DochertyCounty CommissionerGirlguiding BedfordshireEmail: debbie.docherty1@ntlworld.comCreated by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk3

An Introduction toGirlguiding UKGuiding is a game - with a purpose. It provides opportunities for girls and young women to:· be challenged by new adventures and experiences and achieve a sense of pride in accomplishment· develop self-awareness, self-respect and self-confidence· develop a personal faith and values to give life meaning and direction think for themselves, govern themselvesand make their own decisions· make friends and have fun in the family of Guiding· develop a sense of tolerance, justice, kindness and honour learn teamwork and acquire leadership skills, workingwith and for others· appreciate the environment and how to live in it· understand and learn about the world, its people and cultures.Our mission and visionGirlguiding UK, as part of a worldwide Movement, enables girls and young women to fulfil their potential and totake an active and responsible role in society through its distinctive, stimulating and enjoyable programme of activitiesdelivered by trained volunteer leaders.Our Vision is to have sufficient volunteer leaders to enable every girl and young woman to have the opportunity tojoin Girlguiding UK.Personal AchievementGuides are individuals - and it is not Girlguiding UK's aim to make them conform to a standard mould. Each girl hasher own talents, skills and interests - unique to her. Guiding challenges her to use and extend these abilities in apositive way.The scope and flexibility of the programme, designed to meet the needs of each girl, reflect this emphasis on personalachievement. Guiding is about doing one's best, not about meeting set targets in a strict time limit. As Baden-Powellsaid, 'The only standard that counts is the amount of effort on the part of the individual.'Guiding is for EveryoneGuides come from all kinds of backgrounds. Guiding is open to every girl or young woman - regardless of race,faith or personal circumstance - provided she is able to understand the Guide Promise to the best of her abilityand is willing to make it. The Promise is a three-fold commitment which asks that a Guide should do her best to:· seek spiritual development· contribute to society· live by a simple code - the Guide Law.Guiding respects the special requirements of each girl's faith or culture, such as dress, diet, holy days andso on.Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk4

The Silver PennyThe Silver Penny, used as the County Emblem, shows the face of a penny piece struck in the reign of Edward theElder (899-925). It is his name, in Saxon, which it bears Eadvveard Rex.This brave son of Alfred the Great, with his equally brave sister, Aethelflaeda, widow of Aethelred of Mercia, undertookto rid the East of England of the Danes, who had seized the area from his father and ruled it as the Danelagh.By the treaty made between Alfred and Gunthrum, the Dane, the latter held all of England, east of a linerunning from the Thames, up the River Lea to its source at Leagrave and, from there, straight to Bedanford, alongthe River Ouse and so to Watling Street. Therefore most of Bedford lay in the Danish zone and formed a bridgeheadon the Ouse.Edward‘s plan was to make certain strong bases and to strike from these at the enemy‘s frontier posts and bridgeheads.To this end he constructed ‗strong points‘ along Watling Street and the border of the Danelagh while hissister, the Lady of Mercia, did the same further North.In 919, when Edward was nearing Bedford, the leader of the Danish garrison, the Yarl Thurkitel, sensing that thenative Saxons were preparing to go over to their own people, became a quisling. With others, he approached theKing secretly and offered to admit him to Bedford without a struggle. Consequently, on 10th November, Edwardentered Bedford and occupied it. As he did not trust the quislings, yet did not wish to send them back to theDanes, he shipped them off to France. In the following weeks heprepared Bedford against a counter-attack. He erected fortifications(the tower of St Peter‘s Church was possibly a part of thesefortifications) and dug a deep moat and earthwork on the southside of the Old Danish suburb of Mikesgate. This moat, known lateras the ‗King‘s ditch‘, can still be seen. It is narrower and shallower,and bereft of its earth wall, but above it remains the lastvestiges of Edward‘s earthworks, commemorating to this day thebravery, military genius and perseverance of the brave son anddaughter of Alfred the Great.A well-known writer of English history describes Aethelflaeda as‗one of the few warrior women of the world‘. The Silver Pennywas first used as the County Guide Emblem in 1921, one thousandyears after Edward the Elder had defeated the Danes and driventhem out of Bedfordshire back towards the Wash.Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk5

Our County StandardIn 2004, after 72 years of service; our previous standard was showing signs of wear and tear.This is the history ofhow the new county standard (pictured) was made. Searching for the fabric proved quite a challenge, but eventuallywe found what was wanted in Lincolnshire. All other materials were either bought in London, or locally.Between the hoist and the motto band the fabric is Guide blue and the first emblem is the current Guide badge,made in gold leather, a gift from a sandal maker in Milton Keynes and outlined with gold cording. Next to theGuide badge comes the County badge, also in leather, from the same source and outlined with silver cord. Thebadge is based on an old coin found in the Castle Mound, when it was excavated in 1910, the year Guiding startedin Bedfordshire. This accounts for the rough circular shape, since it would have been hand cut from silver. Theinscription reads Edward Rex, Edward the Confessor and the cross in the outer circle should always be at the bottom.The Motto Band is in gold fabric, with Be Prepared on the front and Bedfordshire on the back. The letters weremachine stitched on Vilene, then applied to the band with buttonhole stitch. Each letter took about an hour and ahalf to apply.The Fly is in green fabric to represent the agricultural industry in Bedfordshire and also the parks and recreationalareas. Mounted on the Fly are the various symbols chosen to represent our County. The blue wavy band with silvercording represents all the rivers and canals within the County. The three lace bobbins worked on each side withtheir spangles, represent the lace industry in Bedfordshire, both past and present. They are also a link with theprevious standard, signifying that although things change, the fundamentals remain and we are not forgetting thepast. The white lion recognises the famous chalk lion carved into the hillside of Dunstable Downs and representsthe tourist industry, as well as reminding us specifically of Whipsnade Zoo. The windmill represents the countrysideand in particular, the windmill at Stevington, a well known attraction, frequently visited by units staying atMollivers.The appliqué is of the now-famous stained glass window of John Bunyan, for he and Bedfordshire are so closelylinked. The background was painted with dyes and we are grateful to the Bunyan Meeting for permission to usethe window on our standard. They were delighted to have a preview when it was finished. The narrow boat, inblue and white, represents the canal that runs through the County, nowadays used for tourism and leisure, but ofcourse in the past, a transport highway between London and the Midlands. The aeroplane represents all our airports— Luton, Cardington, Cranfield and Old Warden, The pieced border is blue and gold. It was quite a challengewhen it came to the curved sections on the fly, but with the aid of many shaped pattern pieces, it was finallyachieved.Many people joined in with the opportunities given to ‗put a stitch in it‘ and we have a record of their names.Pearl Lawson Johnson was one of these, forming a living link with the previous standard when it was made in1932, since her mother was a major embroiderer.The final assembly was achieved on schedule, but a final consultation with our textile consultant was necessary tosmooth away a few final, but major headaches. We all rejoice that so many pairs of hands have achieved such amajor challenge and we have handed our work over for use, hopefully for the next 70 years or more.Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk6

BedfordshireGirlguiding· 1 County which is part of Girlguiding Anglia.· 8 Divisions – Bedford, East Beds, Luton North, Luton South, North Beds, Mid Beds, South Beds and Dunstable.· Each Division is then split up into districts.The map below shows the main towns in Bedfordshire but does not represent the Guiding boundariesCounty ContactsCounty Commissioner – Debbie Docherty debbie.docherty1@ntlworld.comAssistant County Commissioner – Sue Champkins sue.champkins@ntlworld.comCreated by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk7

Local ContactsUnit Leader ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………District Commissioner………………………………………………………………………………………………Division Commissioner………………………………………………………………………………………………Mentor……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….......Other Contacts ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk8

TerminologyTAC’s – Training and Activity Centres e.g. Foxlease and Waddow.ICANDO – Interactive museum attached to Girlguiding headquarters in London.OAA – Outdoors Activities AdviserPRA – Public Relations AdviserProject 50k – Girlguiding UK‘s recruitment and retention programBP Challenge – Baden Powell ChallengeCensus – a count of every member of Girlguiding UK – we pay this to cover our insurance.LaSER – London and South East RegionGAINING – Get Away INternational IN GuidingHautbois – how do you say it? – ―Hobiss‖GO – Guiding Organiser where all volunteers and girls details are registerd.CRB Disclosure – Criminal Records Bureau checks – these have to be done by law on any adult working withChildrenBig Gig – a pop concert held every year just for members of Girlguiding who are over the age of 10.Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk9

Guide Centresin BedfordshireThese centres can be used for Brownie Pack Holidays, Rainbow sleepovers and overnights for Brownies, Guides orSenior section. All four centres have a campsite too.Mollivers, Molivers Lane,Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LDContact: 01234 825136 (Answerphone)Windy Sayles, Whipsnade,Nr Dunstable,Bedfordshire, LU6 2LGContact: 01582 661769(Valerie Cousins)Haverings Lancing Road,Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8JNContact: 01582 613006(Janet Locke) jan.geoff@ntlworld.comWoodcroft Lygetun Drive,Luton, Bedfordshire, LU3 3QDContact: 01727 834166(Anne Gibbons) Anne.Gibbons@luton.gov.ukMore details can be found in the County DirectoryMaps and information on the centres can be found on our local websitehttp://www.bedsguiding.org.uk/centres.htmCreated by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk10

Shops and UniformMollivers Saturday 10.00am – 12.00am – term time only Badges, books, uniform and souvenirs – also a stockist forHerts. supplies. Uniform can be ordered from Mollivers shop. Tel 01234 825136Windy Sayles Alternate Saturdays (term time ONLY) 10.00am—12 noon selling books, badges and other guidingbits. Tel 10582 872331Woodcroft Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm during term times selling uniform, publications, badges (some interest andpromise badges) and other Guiding gifts. Badges can be ordered) Tel 01582 598951Haverings Wednesday 7.30-9.00 during term times selling badges, publications and uniform. And other guidinggifts. Tel 01582 424826Maps and information on the centres can be found on our local websitehttp://www.bedsguiding.org.uk/centres.htmUsing local Depots is beneficial to our local members.Any profits go to local Guiding.Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk11

County ResourcesBedfordshire CountyCounty Property ListItem and Contact DetailsArchery Kit—Housed at Woodcroft—Requires Qualified InstructureArchives — Paul Hunt 01582 619482Bedfordshire Girlguiding Banner — Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Binder - Wendy Rider 01234 303254Blue Boards for Annual Review — Debbie Docherty 01525 385213County Standard and Pole - Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Display Boards (Set 1) - Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Display Boards (Set 2) - Miss Emma Wright 01908 223165Dye Cutter—Marion Prior 01234 303254Hand Chimes—Laminator A3 and A4—-Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Ocarinas—Charlotte TysonParachute—PR posters and leaflets - Miss Emma Wright 01908 223165Trefoil Display Boards—Valerie Cousins 01582 661769Trimmer Paper —Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Walkie Talkies x 10—Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Wooden Trefoils—Debbie Docherty 01525 385213Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk12

County ResourcesAdvisorsCounty AdvisersTo help you deliver a varied and exciting programme of activities to your Unit, and to help allleaders and members enhance their skills and make the most of opportunities, the County has anumber of specialist Advisers.Some of the Advisers are members of Girlguiding others are non-member specialists who arehappy to help us.On a very practical note we have Advisers on first aid, special needs, public relations and ourchild protection policy, Safe from Harm.To support outdoor activities we have large team with many specialists including camping, indoorholidays and a wide variety of adventurous activities for example climbing, canoeing, walkingand archery.We have Advisers to support Rainbow, Brownie and Guide programme activities, the Arts includingsinging and International Opportunities.The Senior Section is assisted by a large team which includes Queens Guide and Duke of EdinburghAdvisers, who also support younger Guiders undertaking these awards.The Archivist - Looks after items related to the history of Guiding. He will also go out to Unitsand give interactive 'talks' on the history as well as help with queriesContact details for all Advisers are in the County Directory, if you are not sure who to contactask your District Commissioner or Mentor for adviceRemember you don’t need to be an expert in everything, there is lots of people to help you.Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk13

Useful Girlguiding UK ContactsCHQ Commonwealth Headquarters,Girlguiding UK,Commonwealth Headquarters,17-19 Buckingham Palace Road,London SW1W 0PTTel: 020 7834 6242,Fax: 020 7828 8317,email: chq@girlguiding.org.ukAngliaAnglia Region Office7 Great Hautbois RoadColtishallNorwichNR12 7JNTel: 01603 737357Fax: 01603 737138Email angliahq@girlguiding-anglia.org.ukwww.girlguiding.org.uk - Girlguiding UK’s web pagewww.bedsguiding.org.uk - Girlguiding Bedfordshire’s web pagewww.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk - Girlguiding Anglia’s web pageCreated by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk14

Getting Started on theLeadership SchemeAre you waiting for a Mentor or just eager to get started:Below is the process however while you are waiting to be allocated a mentor you can make a start by readingthe following publication:Guiding Manual sections:The Guiding Method click to readSafety Click to readRecord Keeping Click to readUnit Team Click to readCommitment to Policy Click to readNew Leader ProcessCreated by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk15

StreamlineStreamline was the name of the project which introduced a computerised system to record the details of all members,girls and adults. The system is called Guiding Organiser, GO, and must be updated by every Unit, District,Division and County.Email addresses on GO are used to send out County e-newsletters and information. Please make sure that yourrecord on GO is kept up to date.Once you have been registered by your Commissioner and your references and CRB has cleared you will be sent alogin and password to GO. Your mentor or a local Key user will show you how to access and input to GO.Here are a few of the things that Go! can do for you:Provide a secure platform for storing unit records with access only to those adults who are registered withguiding and have the correct permissions.Enable you to keep your own personal details up-to-date. Making sure that you are kept informed of Countylevel events via a monthly e-newsletter.Provide Leaders with standard templates for letters to parents, holiday notices, forms etc, which can easily bepopulated with names and addresses.Enable you to create reports and forms, email all the members in your team or produce mailing labels fornewsletters.Process volunteer recruitment and disclosure checks.Make paying annual subscriptions more straightforward.Calculate members‘ length of service and prompt for awards accordingly.Remove the need for a manual head count.Automate a number of time-consuming paper-based tasks, meaning more time for volunteers to enjoy guiding!And more...Created by the Bedfordshire PR Team October 2008, Updated January 2011 http://www.bedsguiding.org.uk16