October is a mixed month for me. I love to see the leaves changing colour but am not so keen on the dark nights.
Personally I have had one of those months that leave you feeling weary. I have had to pull out of a few County events in order to be closer to home and have had to rely heavily on my Guiding family to help out.
The GAW event was very successful despite the rain. The team were somewhat more understaffed than usual but that didn’t stop them from pulling out all the stops and having a great time.
Carolyn Harmer stood in for me at the Hidden Heroes event for SW region and at the commissioners conference. I understand both were really lovely days celebrating our volunteers.
The teams support, whether it was covering for me, offering a helping hand, or simply being there, made all the difference. I truly appreciate everyone’s kindness and willingness to go above and beyond, especially when I couldn’t be present myself.
I have managed to lead the GAW mentors/advisors meeting and the LDP meeting is coming up too (please note this is now on zoom – if you haven’t received your invitation please do let me know).
We are welcoming some new Division commissioners to the team and saying farewell to a few too. More of this next month.
Lisa
PGL Weekend 2025
Thank you to those who have registered their interest in coming along to our PGL weekend at Osmington Bay in September 2025. We are delighted to have had such a positive response to this event!
You now need to confirm your requirements by booking online and paying a deposit. Please note that places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and will not be booked until payment is made.
For more information please visit our website.
Going Away With Scheme
Looking at doing your Going Away With (GAW) licence?
Have been doing holidays/camps for years?
Following a recent GAW mentor meeting it was suggested that new people may benefit from visiting camps/holidays of experienced people.
If you are experienced and could open up your event to someone new, please let Alison know your event details, if you are new and would like to do this then please do the same. Alison will try and match you up and allow you a chance to see how events can be run.
Gold Awards
Just a reminder that there is a new process for Gold award purchasing:
Sandra Gould has taken over the role from Ann Smith-Nicholls but will not be stocking Bronze, Silver or Gold badges.
Please order through either Pauline at the Bournemouth shop bmthguideshop@gmail.com to help us use up our stock and then either order online or contact Sandra, who runs a depot for Mid Division, (middorsetguidedepot@btinternet.com) and she will happily discuss an order.
The County Commissioner GOLD certificates that were previously sent out will now be emailed to you – please ask Alison at the office. The certificate contains a link for parents to sign their GOLD award child onto in order to have a special visit in the early part of the year following their award.
Queen’s Guide Award
There are currently several candidates in Dorset working towards their Queens Guide Award.
They have completed an array of challenges such as gaining her GAW licence, learning BSL and teaching it to Brownies.
One leader has organised a free toddler book exchange in her area. Another has used her INTOPs Interrailing towards one of the sections in the syllabus.
The youngest candidate is volunteering with the Region Youth Focus group and learning about public speaking. She will share her new skill with her brownies.
Some leaders are going to Pax Lodge to meet new people.
What can you do to help?
Perhaps you could support a member with additional needs? Maybe you could mentor someone as they complete the award?
Talk to me about the new Queens Guide Award. Think about doing the award yourself or encourage others. If you’re organising an event/project that a candidate might be able to be part of the team and help, contact me.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Are you between the ages of 13 and 25 or do you know someone who is?
Girlguiding Dorset DofE gives older Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders and young Adult Leaders the chance to complete their Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
It doesn’t matter if you are on your own or you are already with a group of friends, we will help you complete your award with like minded people.
You can find out more here then please contact me if you are interested and want to know how to register.
Going Away With Scheme (GAW) 1/10/2024
Congratulations to Leaders who have completed the following qualifications…
Katie Norris, Poole East, GAW Modules 1-4
Deborah Emsen, North East Forest, GAW Modules 1-7
Well done!
County Office
Please note that there will not be anyone at the office (office hours) between 25th October and 2nd November.
