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Well another Guiding year has started and units have got off to a

flying start.

The new programme taster packs hit our doormats at the end of

July and I know many units are putting the activities into practice.

This year will see more information released about the programme

ready for the launch next September, so it promises to be an

exciting and challenging year.

Of course, we saw the update of GO over the holiday and I know

many of you have faced challenges, in working the new system. Mo

Clarke and Karen Butler are on hand to help, but please bear with

us as lots of the glitches are being dealt with by HQ.

County Commissioner’s Letter

OCTOBER 2017

We also started the year by recognising our fantastic volunteers and awarding, for the first time, the Young

Volunteer award. There are lots of worthy volunteers out there who have not received recognition. Please

nominate them as we would love to recognise the dedication of all our volunteers. All the details are on the

website.

There has also been a very successful County Brownie trip to Crealy and from the smiles on the faces in the

pictures I have seen it was a very good day. Thank you to all those who made the day so successful.

And so it begins, let's roll up our sleeves and move forward for another Guiding year.

Maria Jenkins

County Commissioner

BAGS of News

REMINDER: Articles should be restricted to NO MORE THAN 100 WORDS and include ONLY ONE photograph please. If you would like to include a link to photographs or further information please feel free to do so. Deadline for next edition: 31 December 2017 Please send articles to HQ, preferably by e-mail, to admin@girlguidingbsg.org.uk Westmoreland Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6YW Tel: 0117 973 4776

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4th Thornbury Brownies

On 22nd May, 4th Thornbury Brownies visited Thornbury Fire Station as part of their Fire Safety badge.

They had a tour of the station and appliances, found out how the fire service works and what happens

when it receives an emergency call and had a go at using the appliance hose. They also found out

practical fire safety information including the best places to put smoke alarms and how to check them,

how to prevent smoke entering a room, how to check for fire behind a door and what to do if someone's

clothes caught fire. We followed this up back at the unit by role playing calling 999 and making escape

plans in case there was ever a fire at home.

The Brownies had a fantastic time but also came away with lots of useful information that enabled them

to achieve their fire safety badge. We are very grateful to the retained fire fighters at Thornbury Fire

Station for giving their time to us.

My BP Evening

For my BP evening I decided to run an evening all about Emoji’s. I did a quiz and then asked the Guides to design some of their own; some of them were quite funny

Katie 42nd Bitton Guides

After the Guides had completed the quiz and finished designing their own I then gave each patrol a round sponge cake that I had made at home earlier with a blob of Yellow, Black, Red and Blue icing and asked them to decorate the cake in the theme of an emoji. They only had 15 mins to do this and I think they did really well don’t you?

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Are you looking to book your next Indoor Holiday or Sleepover?

Or your unit’s next one day event? How about Bitton Guide and Brownie HQ

Available weekends Friday to Sunday.

Available during the week throughout the School Holidays. A full list of charges is available on the booking information leaflet.

Indoor and outdoor facilities, fully fitted kitchen, toilets and shower

(And our badge that you can buy @ only £1 each)

For further information or booking enquiries please contact

Lizzie Boyes on Email: bittonhq@girlguidingbsg.org.uk

Team Kingswood South Goes to PGL

On Friday 5th May 4 coaches left from 3 venues around KS Division with 169 Brownies, Guides, YL’s and Leaders on board off to PGL Liddington for the weekend. Gill mixed us up for activity groups so that we had to get to know new friends but she let us sleep with Guides / Brownies from our own unit. We did loads of things like Tunnelling, Aeroball, Zip wire, Giant Swing, Crate Stacking (and got a harness stuck in all sorts of places) and much more We had 3 great groupies for the weekend and they made sure that we got to meals and activities on time. We all had a great time and I’d love to go again………….Please Gill take us again …….. Here we all in our camp T-shirts

Thanks to everyone who helped organise this weekend we all came back really really tired but glad we went Isabelle – 1st Bitton Brownies

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What do you do with your old stamps?

We recycle used stamps and help us raise funds for Bitton HQ.

English and foreign stamps are ok.

Any value stamp is ok too.

Just get them to Bitton HQ or contact one of the Leaders at Bitton

HQ and we will do the rest.

Thanks for your continued support of Bitton HQ.

Severnvale Division – 30 yrs of Rainbows

Severnvale Division celebrated 30 years of Rainbows on 22nd June with a joint Rainbow and Brownie party at Cattle Country. 185 girls with 47 adult leaders and helpers descended on Cattle Country to enjoy all the facilities on offer and eat cake!

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63rd St Peter’s Brownies Hula Hooping

Sample Title

1st & 42nd Go to Glasto – No Mud in Sight

On Sunday 18th June 20 of us from 1st & 42nd Bitton Guides went to have a behind the scenes tour of Glastonbury Festival - what they have to do to make it happen. We saw:

Loads of massive lorries The Pyramid stage The John Peel stage The other stage A Big Top for the Circus stage The Rum shack The massive Arcadia Spider ( it was huge) A building made out of recycled bottles

A wall of old computer parts that will be here for ever as they won’t recycle

The Common late night venue ( where Rhi worked) Shangri La another late night venue Bales of tin cans The long drop toilets ( yuck) Loads more

The best bits were:

The recycled bottle buildings The spider Pyramid stage – its huge and the space in front of it is huge

We walked miles but it was a good day and thanks to Rhi for organising it for us and thanks to Gill, Lizzie, Alyson, Becky and Shannon for taking us out for the day.

Queens Guide Award

Two members of Kingswood North recently celebrated achieving the highest award in Girlguiding, the Queens Guide Award. Abi and Vicki worked hard, had fun and made many new friendships along the way. Both prepared and delivered the Science Zone for the Big Brownie Birthday, had an exploration on Brownsea, Vicki had driving lessons and Abi kayaking. Together they learnt BSL and developed a resource on Deaf Awareness, Abi also developed the Year of the Volunteer Challenge badge whilst Vicki was at the beginning of HOOTS. Just a few highlights. I am so proud of them both. Debbie Bowden – Kingswood North Division Commissioner

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Badminton Cottages

Mrs S K Cook, 23 Shortwood Road, Pucklechurch, Bristol BS16 9PL. Tel 0117 9373636 email suzannekcook@btinternet.com

4th Thornbury Brownies 4th Thornbury Brownies had an enjoyable June/July which included more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities to complete their STEM challenge badge. This included setting off rockets, designing and making foil boats to hold the most marbles and making ice cream in a bag using ice combined with salt to freeze it. The brownies thoroughly enjoyed the activities and were surprised by some of the results!

They have also been climbing at Woodhouse Park, something new for some members of the unit and enjoyed a Samba drumming workshop delivered by Jamma de Samba, something new for most of the unit. In just over 1 hour the brownies mastered their part in the Samba band and successfully played as a group. They were fantastic and all are very eager to do Samba again!

Hello Friends The cottages have been looking very up together over the last few months and I am pleased to say we have had a few more bookings which is very encouraging. We are in the process of having the fire escapes repaired which will be costly but having money from Roger Cook’s memorial fund we will be able to cover the cost. Our new cookers have been very welcome and have been used quite a bit. Our rose gardens have been beautiful over the last few months, with grateful thanks to Dave Hutton for his care and attention. Don’t forget to join the 100 club, we have a few vacancies and it would be lovely to fill them up. Many thanks and all good wishes Sue Cook

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Badminton Cottages 100 Club

Badminton Cottages have been a place of fun and happy memories for generations of girls and an enthusiastic support team works hard to ensure that this will continue now and into the future. But as with everything the buildings need funds to help keep them well equipped, in good repair and a safe space for our girls to enjoy. For some years the Badminton Cottages 100 club has been helping with this whilst giving members the chance to take part in monthly and annual cash draws. The club year runs from September to August so now is the time to renew your membership or consider joining – the first draw of the new club year will be on September 27th so although you can join at any time of the year applications made before this date will be entered into all 12 draws. Use the application form to join and help bring fun and happy Guiding memories to our girls.

Badminton Cottages 100 Club Membership September 2017 – August 2018

First time in the club or renewing – use this form. This is your opportunity to win money whilst raising funds for the upkeep of Badminton Cottages. Last year £263 was raised, thank you to everyone who took part. Lets beat it next year!

With your subscription, you “buy" a number ranging from 1 – 100. Two numbers are drawn on the last Wednesday of each month. The first number drawn wins 25% and the second 15% of the net receipts for that month.

The cost to purchase a number is the equivalent of £1 per month; a lump sum is paid on joining to cover the remaining months of the year. For September through August the cost is £12; after September you can join for the remaining months, just reduce your subscription by the number of months missed. You can buy as many numbers as you want-the more sold the bigger the prizes

Your number/s will also be entered in an annual super-draw that will be made at the Friends of Badminton Cottages AGM in May (value 10% of the total annual receipts).

Money must have been received in advance before any prize money can be awarded.

Members must be persons over the age of 16. For the full rules of the Club, apply to Angela Peacock (details below))

(Promoter: Girlguiding Bristol North East Division, Penny Moon, 27 Buckingham Gardens, Bristol, BS16 5TW

Registered with Bristol City Council under the Gambling Act 2005 No 09/01920/GALOTT)

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Applications to be sent to: angela.peacock@tiscali.co.uk, or Angela Peacock, Brookside, Bushes Lane, Horton, Bristol, BS37 6QL

BADMINTON COTTAGES 100 CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM – 2017-18 Name: (block capitals) ___________________________________________________

(if successful, prize cheques are issued to this name)

Email: _________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________Postcode: _____________________

I wish to purchase membership of Badminton Cottages 100 club for ________subscriptions (enter how many numbers you wish to buy)

Payment by cheque

I enclose a cheque (payable to Badminton Cottages Committee Fundraising) for the sum of £___________ (Total = £12 * number of subscriptions)

Payment by Bank Transfer: I will credit the account Badminton Cottages Committee Fundraising, Account No. 19354843, Sort code 60-24-77, at NatWest, with the sum of £___________ (Total = £12*Number of subscriptions). Please include a reference ‘BC-100-your name’ so that we can identify your credit Signed_______________________________________ Date______________________________ Please forward to Angela Peacock, Brookside, Bushes Lane, Horton, Bristol, BS37 6QL or e-mail angela.peacock@tiscali.co.uk

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Cadbury World - 4th & 10th Kingswod Brownies

Kingswood North Division

On May 20th over 260 members of Kingswood North Division descended on Woodhouse Park for a day of Activities. Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, The Senior Section and their Leaders came together to share a day full of fun and friendship. Girls climbed, abseiled, had a go on go karts, archery, rifle shooting and got wet and muddy on the adventure course. Some of the Rainbows completed the low ropes course whilst Brownies and Guides competed at Hungry Hippos. Even the rain did not spoil our day but it was made all the better when the sun joined us. At the end of the day we all came together for a camp fire and some marvellous singing.

Back in May members of 4th and 10th Kingswood Brownies with their Leaders, a few Rainbows, a Guide, a couple of Scouts and some H-OOTS girls had a very chocolatey time in Birmingham. Fun was had by all, a great tour of the factory, playing in the park, watching Sooty's Bake Off, the 4D Experience and lots of "free" Chocolate! Yum! A fabulous day out with gorgeous weather and wonderful young members of Girlguiding doing us all proud.

Gert Lush Trefoil Guild

Kingswood North

Some of our members had a "Boozy" tour of Bath Ales Brewery. We had a very interesting talk and tour of their site in Warmley, learning all about turning malt, hops and water into their wonderful products. Plenty of samples too! We would highly recommend the evening, but don't drive. Hic!!

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Can You Help?

Do you remember that we started collecting pennies in support of Badminton Cottages and Briarlands

Activity Site? So far we have raised £1,076.34.

Can you and your unit help us by collecting some more pennies? Any contributions will be gratefully

received by any of the following people.

Sue Cook, Brenda Smith, Julia Blackmore, Wendy Nicholls.

A collecting tub is also kept at County HQ.

Join us for Afternoon Tea

Friends of Briarlands Committee are organising an afternoon tea on Saturday November 18th 2-4pm at

County HQ. Tickets £5

Tickets are available from

Brenda Smith 0117 9624520

Julia Blackmore 01275 834768 (after 6pm)

Wendy Nicholls 0117 9566232

The afternoon will also include a raffle and a fund raising stall

Tickets are limited so get yours now!

Clifton Brownies

The 27th, 54th, and 57th Brownies from Clifton enjoyed an adventurous summer camp at Woodhouse Park in August. We stayed in the tented village, and we highly recommend it! We did abseiling, archery, muddy assault course, backwoods cooking, pioneering, and Jacob’s ladder. And, of course, we had a campfire in the evening, with s'mores! The Brownies all had their favourite sessions, but I thought that Jacob's ladder was the best activity. Teamwork is vital, and everyone was involved all the time. Some Brownies conquered their fear of heights, and everyone had fun.

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Falcon Adam Narrowboat

On the 19th August, 12 members from 20th Kingswood Brownies travelled to Aldermaston and boarded the Falcon Adam narrowboat. On arrival, the nine Brownies were provided with life jackets and immediately put to work on the first lock and swing-bridge. Two fantastic crew members patiently taught the girls how to operate the locks safely before letting them have a go themselves. The group was then divided in two, who alternated between staying on the boat and operating the locks for the rest of the trip. The girls loved watching the water pour into the lock and walking over them to reach the other side. During the small moments of calm, the Brownies were provided with craft activities to complete on board the boat as well as filling in a challenging worksheet towards a badge. Following a busy first half of the day, the boat moored for lunch where sandwiches, crisps, yoghurts and fruit were provided. After this small feast, it was time for the girls and leaders to have a try at steering the boat. We all had great fun attempting to navigate the narrow canals on a 52ft, 17 tonne boat. After 10 locks and 5 swing-bridges we reached the end of our journey and it was time to depart the Falcon Adam at Newbury and wish our brilliant crew members a safe onwards journey. As a unit leader I cannot recommend this trip highly enough or find the words to praise the fabulous crew members. Both Brownies and Leaders had a fantastic time on an active day out which was definitely worth the effort. The girls learnt a lot and experienced a brand new activity which most had never had the opportunity to try before.

175th Brownies at Crealy

On Saturday 23rd September the 175th Bristol Brownies joined 500 other Brownies from our County on the Crealy trip.

The location was a perfect size for a fantastic day out, we started on the twister then some slides, one called Vertigo that the Brownies thought the leaders might enjoy. All we kept hearing from the girls was "We want to go on again"

The Aqua blaster ride was definitely the wet one, 15 Brownies against two leaders; we were clear losers.

At the log flume we managed to persuade two ACC's that they would not get wet.

We ended the day with several rides on Maximus, a train rollercoaster, followed by an Ice lolly.

At 4pm we boarded the coach with some very happy and tired Brownies.

Many thanks to the team for arranging the trip

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Crealy Adventure Park

On Saturday 23rd September, 522 Brownies from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire attended a County event at Crealy Adventure Park. 20th Kingswood Brownies set off along with the Bitton and Stockwood Packs bright and early ready for the fun filled day ahead. Brownies spent the day bobbing from ride to ride with minimal queues on most and lots of fun to be had. Particular favourites for our Pack were the Pirate Ship and the Junior Driving School which they all rode multiple times. It was fantastic to see our girls interact with each other as they explored the park with friends; occasionally returning back to the leaders at base camp for refreshments before running off in hunt of the next thrill! After exhausting the main outdoor attractions, we moved base camp inside to the adventure soft play area where Brownies plucked up the courage to ride the vertical drop slide and explore the dark tunnels underneath. Finally we had a look around the shop with the opportunity to purchase some small items to remember the day before we climbed back onto the coach. Overall the day was extremely well organised and both Brownies and Leaders immensely enjoyed the experience. Thank you County for the opportunity and to the organisers of the event, we had a fantastic day out and are looking forward to the next one!

Be Prepared

On Sunday 18 March 2018 - could your Guides survive the aftermath of an earthquake? At Cleeve Hill

Campsite, Bath your Guides can get the opportunity to join in our Youth Resilience Event - Be

Prepared. Cost is just £8 per Guide and this includes a goodie bag and badge for them. Between

9.45am - 15.45pm they will build shelters, fight fire, save casualties, build water pipelines and much

more. Bookings can be done at http://bepreparedavon.org.uk/

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1st Thornbury Brownies

Back in July 28 girls from 1st Thornbury had a wonderful summer evening at Mojo Active in Almondsbury. We had 3 different activities, the climbing wall, the low ropes course and the assault course. All the girls really enjoyed the evening, challenging themselves to complete personal goals on the climbing wall, many of whom had never tried to climb before. We had great team work completing the low ropes course and assault course, completing each obstacle in turn. The instructors were amazing and we would thoroughly recommend a visit.

1st Hawkesbury Upton Guides

In August we spent 5 wonderful days in the main house at Foxlease – kayaking, crate stacking, swimming, campfire singing, archery and even a croquet tournament! Did you know that ‘Alice’ is buried in the churchyard at Lyndhurst? So, as we were doing the Wonderland Challenge badge, we wandered into Lyndhurst to visit the New Forest Centre where there was an Alice in Wonderland exhibition as well as visiting the church. We finished our day out with delicious fish and chips from Bertie’s! Our last night we performed skits round the campfire, toasted marshmallows and sang songs.

A magical trip!

Warmley Rainbows

In June 24th Kingswood Warmley Rainbows and Brownies spent the evening at Briarlands trying out Archery, for many of the girls it was the first time they had shot an arrow. All of the girls managed to hit the target, with some of them hitting the middle. The girls really enjoyed the sessions, thanks to the County Archery Instructors. Both the Rainbows and Brownies are looking forward to doing more Archery in the future!

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Name Unit Division

Sally Hale 34th Brownies Bristol West

Emma Jennings Westbury on Trym Rainbows Bristol West

Emma Jennings 1st Bristol West Senior Section Bristol West

Anita Mounter 62nd Guides Bristol West

Emily Campbell Bristol West

Helen Stenford 40th Rainbows Bristol North

Beck Pike 99th Brownies Bristol North

Nicola Burand 9th Bristol Guides Bristol West

Nicola Burand 34th Bristol Brownies Bristol West

Katrina Russell 176th Bristol Guides Bristol North East

Georgia Stowell 176th Bristol Guides Bristol North East

Daisy Hargett Bristol North Est

Ruth Hastings 17th Bristol Rainbows Bristol North East

Jennifer Coulson 106th Bristol Brownies Bristol North West

Step Grey 1st Bristol Guides Bristol North West

Eleanor Hewitt 2nd Patchway Brownies Concorde

Elizabeth Beale 19th Bristol Brownies Concorde

Helen Sweeney 17th Bristol Brownies Bristol North East

Zoe Cotton 55th Bristol Brownies Bristol North East

Anna Mapley 55th Bristol Brownies Bristol North East

Janet Gleeson 74th Bristol Rainbows Bristol North East

Hanna James Synnott 1st St George Rainbows Bristol North East

Georgie Joy 28th Guides Bristol West

Congratulations!

To all Leaders who have completed their Leadership Qualifications Between April and September 2017

Concorde

1st and 3rd Alveston Brownies were lucky enough to be part of the 'Concorde' preview event in August. We were met at the entrance by members of the education team and taken to one of the classrooms where the Brownies were challenged to make rockets. We had just had time to launch them when we were called to join the other visitors outside to form a human Concorde and await the Red Arrows fly over - everyone waved and cheered as they flew over. Following a quick drink and biscuit we were taken to have a go on the cockpit simulator and then it was time to go on Concorde. We arrived home just in time to see ourselves on the TV. We can't wait to go back when the museum is open!

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Nakura, Kenya

I feel privileged to have joined the volunteer group that GGSWE & AA organised as a pilot prior to taking SS girls next year. It was exhilarating, hard work, emotional and an experience beyond any thoughts I had before I went. We taught children about planes, knots, reading, spelling, counting and cleanliness, health, human body and HIV. We took clothes, shoes, stationary supplies, bras and 130 bags which contained 6 HM STs, 3prs pants and soap. We painted walls, blackboards, bought them food and treats (fruit and choc lollies).Their food was rice and boiled beans eaten with their fingers so we bought spoons. Water had to be purchased and toilets were just holes in the ground.

Queen’s Guide

On Saturday 16th September, several Queen's Guides in Bristol and South Gloucestershire met together with County leaders to catch up about their awards. It was a fascinating morning and we heard all about the girls' different adventures while they have been working towards the award. Recently, two Queen's Guides have attended the World Scout Moot in Iceland, several have been involved in creating new badges at Region level and all of them have contributed to Guiding at an exceptional level within their units. It is always wonderful to find out about the opportunities that the Queen's Guides are giving their girls in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. For example, some helped to organise the County Brownie trip to Crealy, while others have planned exciting division and residential events and fun weekly activities for their units. Recent community action projects include fundraising for the Royal British Legion, deaf awareness, helping girls to reduce exam stress and sustainability within Bristol. I am constantly impressed by the girls' outstanding contribution to Girlguiding and their communities and I am delighted that three new girls have just signed up to work towards the award. Many congratulations to Abigail Bowden, Rebecca Curley and Victoria Rowe who were presented with their Queen's Guide Award at the County Awards Evening in September and who are waiting to be invited to the national presentations in London. If you are interested in finding out more about the Queen's Guide Award, please email me on queensguideadviser@girlguidingbsg.org.uk

Jo-Anne Hewitt - Queen's Guide Adviser

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1st Marshfield Brownies

On their way home after a walk on a glorious sunny evening.

Ros Abbott, Assistant Leader

County Awards September 2017

Congratulations to following who were presented with awards at the County Awards Presentation Evening on Monday 25th September in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Peaches Golding; Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter; High Sheriff of Bristol, Anthony Brown; High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Andrew Tabor; Lord Mayor of Bristol, Lesley Alexander; Chair of South Gloucestershire, Ian Blair and Chief Commissioner, Carole Pennington plus friends and families. We were pleased to introduce our new County award – Young Members Award, to find out more visit the County website. Silver Sea Stag Alexandra Plumb Trefoil Award Maria Jenkins Good Service Christine James Janet Gleeson Hayley Ashley Penny Moon Kathleen Gill Mary Harris Elizabeth Penning Maggie Cook - Gold Margaret Powell Wendy Nicholls - Gold Pam Hodder Young Members Awards Chloe Jenkins Pennie Jones Sophie Walker Morag Surridge Rebecca Curley Cathy Carter Chief Guide Challenge Ceri Jenkins Verna Mason Toni Sharp Thanks Badge William Roch Bethany Coke 30 year Service Laura Whiteway Queen's Guide Vicki Rowe 40 year Service Sheila Butler Abi Bowden

Sally Pugh Rebecca Curley

50 year Service Elizabeth Cross