What’s On This Autumn
For Brownies and Guides: 3rd October
Half day workshops at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Academy in Portland
Biodiversity Workshop
Brownies: 3rd October
Join us at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Academy in Portland for a half day workshop on biodiversity.
Learn why different animals live in different places and what adaptations they have to make.
Brownies Biodiversity Workshop 3rd October 2026 – Girlguiding Dorset
Pollution Workshop
Guides: 3rd October
Join us at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Academy in Portland for a half day workshop on air and water pollution.
Guides will head out on the water to discover different air and water pollutants and where they might come from.
Guides Pollution Workshop 3rd October 2026 – Girlguiding Dorset
Glass Fusion Workshop
Date: 25th October
Try your hand at Glass Fusion.
Come along and learn how to create a snow globe in a stand – either for yourself or it could make the perfect gift. Just a few spaces left at our afternoon workshop.
Glass Workshop 25th October 2026 (afternoon) – Girlguiding Dorset
Looking for ‘Badges & ideas’ to introduce to your unit? Browse our online resources below…
Volunteering Opportunities
Adventures-and-Activities-Lead-role-A-1.docx
Finance-Lead-role-A-FINAL.docx
Growth-and-Retention-Lead-role-A-1.docx
International-Lead-role-A-1.docx
Subscription Increase
Advance notice – Please note that subscriptions in 2027 will be in the region of £80 per girl. Please start to plan for this payment in February.
Please speak to your Commissioner if you have any concerns.
A little bit more from me …
As Lisa’s term of office as County Commissioner comes to an end, I would like us all to reflect back on the last 5 years and the achievements her leadership of our wonderful County of Dorset has brought.
Lisa along with the Blue Team have maintained a wide and varied programme of activities and opportunities for young members and adult volunteers alike, supporting the 3 elements of the Region Strategy.
A tremendously huge thank you to Lisa for all that she has done and for taking care of us all so well!
As the summer term draws to a close, I hope that many of you have lovely plans to be out and about with your units before you break up for the summer.
My own guide unit has been canoeing on the River Brit and we will celebrate the end of term with awards and a swim party in West Bay. I hope that those of you who have residentials and other events planned over the summer have successful and enjoyable times.
My term of office commences on 1st August and my new contact email as your commissioner is carolyn@girlguidingdorset.org.uk. Please do drop me a line. I would love to hear from you and if you would like me to visit any of you throughout August at your events then please do invite me and I will try to come along.
Last, but by no means least, please take some time to look at the role adverts in this newsletter. I am building my Team, and your County very much needs you to be a part of continuing the legacy of the Blue Team in providing great experiences and opportunities for our volunteers and young members.
Any and all offers to volunteer and nominations gratefully received.
Carolyn
A Final Round-Up from Lisa…
Hello everyone,
This is my final note to you as County Commissioner as I stand down from the role on 31st July. I’ve had an amazing 5 years during which I’ve travelled to all the Divisions in the County presenting Gentian, Ammonite, Hero and service awards and visiting units.
I have lit beacons, cut cakes, attended watersports events, Gold events and Training events. I’ve been to PGL, Brownsea, Farmer Palmers and Dudsbury. I have got questions wrong in Gentian quizzes, walked around in the dark and the frost at INTOPS camps and spoken to people on the other side of the world at the Royal signals in Blandford. I have worn hats (but not to the level of the County President), needlefelted (badly – I get bored easily), judged scarecrows, travelled on steam trains (and not quite travelled on them) and watched Rangers and Young Leaders have the chance to go Gliding. I have gone to shows and monopoly events, handed out badges, done first aid, safeguarding and treasurers training.
Most importantly I have been able to do all these because of an incredible Blue team (Emma, Eloise, Chris G, Sandra, Carolyn, Thalia, Helen, Jenny, Anya, Racheal, Katie, Kathleen and not forgetting Alison) most of whom are staying on to help Carolyn for a bit as she gets into her role.
I would like to say a special thank you to Clare Nathan who is stepping down from L and D for a break in New Zealand and Australia, to Chris Thornton who has been trying to step down as Treasurer but hasn’t been allowed and to Angela Perrin who, with Clare, has catered for every event I have poked her way. “Just don’t let them go home hungry!”.
Then, of course, there are you…. you all. You have made me feel welcome, have invited me to afternoon teas and events. You who are too numerous to name – whether we met at one of the above or when you needed some help or advice.
Being the County Commissioner of the best County in South West England was a huge honour and now I am going to sit in my garden for a few weeks with my little gnome until the next challenge floats my way.
I wish Carolyn (carolyn@girlguidingdorset.org.uk) joy and fun in her role – enjoy every minute because leading Girlguiding in this county is just the best.
Thank you all.
Lisa
