3RD BLACKHEATH (ST. PAUL'S) GUIDES
3RD BLACKHEATH (ST. PAUL'S) GUIDES 2008
During 2008 we have achieved an all time high with membership. By the end of 2008 we had 47 guides and over 20 names on the waiting list. It is wonderful to see so many young ladies enthusiastic about guiding but it can be hard work too. The leadership team now numbers 8 this gives us lots of flexibility as due to work, study and family commitments leaders cannot always make every evening. One adult leader finished her qualification meaning we now have four qualified leaders. We also welcomed two new members to the team, both of whom are hoping to be come qualified.
We have continued to work on the Right Now syllabus gaining two more badges. We have also gained the Personal Safety Badge and a number of 'Go For It' cards through out the unit.
During the year we have done a number of activities and crafts including swimming, making ant farms, a balloon race, making Christmas cakes and bowling. In July we took part in St Paul's talent Festival by making a patchwork wall hanging where each guide made a square representing their own talents. The hanging is a great tribute to the diverse talents in the unit and we were honoured that St Paul's have kept it on display.
Our biggest achievement this year was our gift to St Paul's Church in thanks for their support for over 40 years. After seeing the beautiful new floor in the hall the guides were inspired to make 16 pairs of curtains for the windows in the hall. With a lot of help and patience from leaders and helpers the guides all had a hand in making the curtains and it was great to see them in place in June during our sleepover. Guides then took part in a service at St Paul's in which they were thanked and the curtains dedicated.
We have continued to support the district attending the district thinking day celebration and the Christingle service. In October we attended the district swimming gala were we won a number of medals. We were looking forward to the district camp in September but unfortunately the site was flooded and we had to cancel. Instead Guides took part in two activity days, one hosted by St Paul's Church and the other at Lapal School where girls were able to take part in all the planned activities including a drum workshop, rock climbing and fencing.
In the April we took the girls to Far Forest Centre for a weekend of health and beauty. Guides did nail art, made smoothies, did fruit tasting, made bird boxes and made face masks.
We held two sleepovers this year one in June at St Paul's Church Hall was attended by nearly 30 girls, the girls did a number of crafts and gained their craft badge. Not much sleeping was done however.
The second was our Christmas celebration and took place on December 20th. Guides made table centres, stockings, reindeer, gingerbread and Christmas trees. We sang campfire songs around the Christmas tree in front of the open fire and celebrated with a full Christmas dinner cooked by a chef from a restaurant in Halesowen.
With lots of girls waiting to join us we hope 2009 will continue to be successful. We are already planning two residential events the first in May to Far Forest Guide Centre and based on the Harry Potter Books while the second will be in July to Kinver Scout Camp. We are hoping to work on a number of badges including the Music Lover and the Performing Arts badge. Karen Hodgson
