September has been a whirlwind of activities, achievements and growth for Girlguiding Anglia – I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. As we step into October, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had this past month and to look forward to the exciting events ahead.
Reflecting on September
This month, we funded a new Guide unit in Bungay. Welcome 1st Bungay Guides. They’ve been meeting since last term and some girls and volunteers were at Hautbois Fest in August. We’ve been able to kick start their journey with financial support for 6 weeks rent, some handbooks, badge books and uniform for leaders.
We took our recruitment roadshow to 5 freshers or volunteer fairs at universities around the region. A big thanks to all the volunteers, student unions and staff that made these events happen. We had lots of fantastic conversations with students – highlighting the opportunities to develop or use their skills through volunteering with us. Obviously, we couldn’t pick a favourite university but Luton did have chocolate chip cookies for stall holders! We saw a lot of love for their community in Luton and many values that align with ours. We wish all the students at university a great year and hope many of them find a home in Girlguiding.
Looking Ahead to October
October promises to be just as exciting, with several key events on the horizon. One of the most significant is the launch of Girlguiding’s Girls’ Attitudes survey which is due this month.
It’s the International Day of the Girl on 11 October. This day is a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering girls and young women around the world. This year’s theme centres around hearing girls voices – Girls’ vision for the future.
Finally, at the end of the month, bookings close for our young leader training in November.
Encouragement and Inspiration
To all the girls and young women in our community, I want to say this: You are capable of achieving incredible things. Your passion, creativity, and resilience are what make Girlguiding Anglia such a special place. Whether you’re taking part in a community project, learning a new skill, or simply supporting a friend, know that you are making a difference.
Let’s continue to support each other, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the future with optimism and determination. Together, we can create am equal world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
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Over the summer, Girlguiding Anglia’s international team headed to the WAGGGS centre in Sangam. International advisor Tina shares her experience on the trip.
(Photos top to bottom: after the welcome ceremony at Sangam, at the Taj Mahal, at the top of Sinhagad Fort, dressed up for the Maharastrian feast)
On the first full day that the Anglia group was at Sangam, I wore a T-shirt which declared, “Those who do not wander are lost”: because the aim of the trip was to encourage leaders not only to realise that India was not the strange and scary place they had possibly imagined, but one which was there to be explored – and to which they could consider bringing girls. The group absolutely embraced that idea, and were soon wandering both near and far, while based at the safe haven provided by Sangam.
For the first two days, I and an Australian guider friend, Rosey Donelly-Grubb, escorted the group, as we visited first MG Road (the main “new” shopping area of Pune) and Laxmi Road (in the old part of the city). We ensured they knew how to cross Indian roads (never assume traffic will be coming in the direction it should be, or that drivers will pay any heed to junctions, lights, or crossings) and how to get a rickshaw. Then they were on their own.
The group split into smaller groups of like-minded people, to visit temples, or historical sites; to stroll through gardens, or wildlife areas, or simply to wander through backstreets and alleyways, to see what was there to be seen. Most of the group opted to fly off for 5 days, to visit the Golden Triangle (of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi), and were, by then, seasoned and confident travellers around India.
The energy levels, throughout, were off-the-scale, as people shared their findings; enthused over new culinary discoveries, and showed off their purchases. By the time everyone was back at Sangam, ready to dress in their Indian finery, for the Maharastrian Feast, on the last night, it seemed hardly possible two weeks had passed – while, at the same time seeming incredible that they had packed so much in to such a short time: sightseeing; shopping; cookery classes; yoga; bird-watching; buying and tasting previously unseen fruits; eating in small, roadside cafes, and luxurious restaurants; walking through markets and bazaars.
Everyone was delighted to have been part of the experience. Those who already hold their Going Away With qualification were talking of planning trips for girls. Some of those without the qualification were planning how to work towards it!
Thank you to everyone involved.
Tina
Find out what our Inspire coordinators got up to this summer
”Essex West Inspire’s very first opportunity to meet members came at the EIJ in summer 2024. Each day’s activities linked to a different pathway theme. At the start of the week we were stationed outside the staff canteen and met lots of new faces while bumping into some we hadn’t seen for a long time!
Halfway through we moved our location out into the main village where non staff members could also find us, this was fantastic as we got to engage with younger members and tell them all about what Inspire was for and how they could be involved when they are older.
On the last day we were in the staff quiet space which provided an opportunity for more in depth conversations about Inspire including with the Olaves of Australia, we had a brilliant session sharing the difficulties we face and brainstorming ideas to grow the involvement with Inspire.
The EIJ was also fantastic place for some of the Inspire coordinators across Anglia to meet and get to know one another. We had a great time being a part of the Jamboree and we’re very excited for the next one!”
Becca, Essex West coordinator
”This summer I was able to attend Essex International Jamboree. This was my first time at the event as well as my first time as staff. I took part as sub camp staff whilst also helping with the Inspire stand.
The jamboree overall was an amazing experience even though it was too hot all week. I was able to take part in some archery, watch many acts over at the main stage, swap some badges with guides and scouts from across the world, whilst also completing the sub camp challenge.
At the Inspire stand we were able to chat to many adults and young people about what we do and who we are. We were also able to meet the Olaves of Australia. Olaves are also 18-30! The girls mentioned that they are trying to find out about what 18-30 year olds do all over the world with guiding. We were able to share our experiences with each other and connect our ideas to hopefully improve on what we are doing in the UK.”
Danni, region coordinator