A great big thank you from Girlguiding LaSER goes to.....
...Jacky Fletcher.
Over the past 5 years Jacky has seen many articles and adverts go through her email to end up somewhere in the Raspberry Ripple. Jacky has been compiling the Raspberry Ripple almost since its inception, meeting deadlines to ensure that leaders all around London & South East England get Girlguiding LaSER news straight to their inbox.
The Ripple has experienced many changes during Jacky’s time, but she has continued putting the editions together. We could not have done it without her, and the M&C Team are extremely grateful for all her hard work.
We wish Jacky luck in anything she does on a Monday now she does not have to compile the next Raspberry Ripple, and extend a great big thank you from all the corners of the Region for the work she has done.
THANK YOU JACKY!
Big Brownie Birthday visit to Belgium
During July, 33 Brownies and Leaders from across Girlguiding London over the Border County left for an exciting 5-day visit to Belgium staying in Koksijde with a magnificent beach just 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
On our first day we visited a bakery museum and each Brownie made a beautiful loaf to take away – still warm – for lunch. We also tried go-karting and enjoyed ourselves jumping around in an inflatable play park.
Next we visited Bruges for the day. At the chocolate museum we did a fabulous workshop where everyone produced some excellent chocolates to take home. Afterwards we went on a canal boat or took the horse tram before shopping for souvenirs.
Finally we visited a theme park which was greatly enjoyed. The Brownies were fantastic and enthusiastic about everything. Hopefully we have inspired the next generation of international travellers!
Janice Pettit
Fact or Fiction?
Adult volunteers should pay their own annual membership subscriptions. The Leaders' fees should not come from unit funds.
FICTION
Leaders’ Annual membership subscriptions should be paid for by the unit, as should all out of pocket expenses.
As per p.59 Commissioner Handbook:
Set your team a good example by claiming your expenses. Expenses can include printer ink, postage, stationery, phone calls and petrol.
G-File questionnaire – closing date extended to 19 September
Girlguiding is reviewing the G-File, the core resource for Guides. They want to know what your Guides think to ensure that what they produce is what girls want and need. They are also keen to hear their views about the welcome they received when they joined Guides.
The girls’ answers will help shape the future of Guide resources.
The New Guide Uniform!
We thought it was time the Guides had a fresh new look. The uniform was last redesigned in 2000!
The opportunity to design the new uniform was given to five young women studying fashion at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). Girlguiding felt it was time to invest in the next generation of female designers!
AUB was a perfect fit as they are committed to promoting self-confidence through fashion. Their dedication to encouraging body confidence and challenging beauty stereotypes was inspiring.
The young women who designed the clothes spent a year consulting with Guides from across the country about what they wanted and drawing up designs. Focus groups with Guides revealed what they did and didn’t like and the girls certainly had strong opinions!
The polo and hoodie are available to order from volunteer shops now. The rest of the uniform will be available from October.
International Travel: Our Cabana
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Our Cabana in Mexico. It was definitely an experience that I will remember for a very long time.
We completed two service projects while out there. The first was a visit to the local orphanage which was very humbling. We entertained 80 children which was hard work but very rewarding! Knowing that the children rely continuously on volunteers has had a big impact on us all.
We also got the chance to work in a food bank, preparing packs of essentials including food and clothing. We saw those coming to collect packs as we worked, which really highlighted how our work was directly helping them.
We enjoyed seeing the sites in Mexico City, fell in love with Our Cabana and the staff, and loved our mini-break to Acapulco! Overall, a fantastic trip with fantastic people! Where to next?!
Gloria Bunce, Girlguiding GLK Mexico 2014
Join Us Top Tips
With the start of a new term, it’s a good opportunity to ask parents/guardians for their most up-to-date phone numbers and make sure they are all updated on Join Us.
Look out for...
…Girls Matter, Girlguiding's campaign which calls on politicians to listen to girls and young women’s voices in the run up to the General Election next May. We're asking politicians to commit to improving girls’ lives.
Many units in Girlguiding LaSER helped out with the research behind the campaign, which launched on September 9th.
Helen Beecher Bryant
Lead Volunteer for Advocacy