1st Chellaston Guides Report 2023
We continue to flourish with 30 Guides and a waiting list. We are fortunate in having 4 committed leaders and excellent support from parents.
This year we went on two camps, the District Camp at Oaks in Charnwood, a familiar site, with Guides from Shelton Lock and Sinfin, in May, and SHINE, the Derbyshire County Camp, at Lea Green in July. We learnt camping skills and enjoyed many new and challenging activities, in spite of some very wet weather.
Activities this year have included exploring Chellaston in the dark with chips, and in the light using mobile phones and mapping details, a Murder Mystery on Pit Close and lots of crafts and cooking. We held our usual Christmas and Easter parties organised by the Guides and a BBQ in the summer. We spent an evening designing the ideal camp in preparation for an event in the future. We celebrated the King’s Coronation, Chinese New Year, Halloween and Bonfire night, Mother’s Day with tea for our Mothers, and Pancake Day.
Badges gained this year have included Energise, Gonks aren’t Just for Christmas, and Skills Builders including Explore, Live Smart and Bring Changes.
Trips out, sometimes held jointly with the Rangers and other local units, included Thinking Day at the Junior School and swimming at the newly opened Moorways pool. We worked off surplus energy at Jumping Fun, and tried campfire cooking at Whistlewood. We spent an evening getting to know the residents at Bluebell Park Care Home with cakes, Bingo and some singing. We joined the Brownies and led the meeting with more Gonk-based activities.
We again contributed to the Rotary Club’s Shoebox Appeal, sending several boxes to the children in Eastern Europe, and sold sweets at the Chellaston Pantomime Sinbad.
We took part as usual in the Remembrance Day service and parade, with Eleanor carrying the flag. The Brownies presented a wreath on behalf of all the Girlguiding groups. The Uniformed Organisations’ Carol Service took place in December as usual and was well attended by most of the Chellaston Units and many parents. This year we again supported Susanna Wesley House which has been collecting toiletries for male refugees in Derby and sweets for the children. We were present at the community Spirit of Chellaston event in June.
Thank you to all the parents who continue to support us loyally by attending meetings when we have been short of leaders, by providing lifts and other material support, and by always being there for the girls. We are proud of the Guides for their enthusiasm, and their willingness to work together and share. The leaders find that leading a Guide group is always rewarding and always look forward to seeing them grow and develop.
We are always on the lookout for fresh ideas and experiences for the Guides. If there is anything you can suggest or offer, please let us know. If you know of anyone who would like to take part in the opportunities offered in Guiding, either as a Guide or a Leader, please encourage them.
Jo, Alex, Hannah & Alison