GUIDING IS THRIVING IN HURST

Everyone thinks of Guides as little girls in smart uniforms doing old-fashioned activities like knitting, knotting and singing campfire songs. But did you know that Guiding is continually being modernised? writes Alice Pinches.

Just last year a practical new uniform was introduced for the Guides with a rugby shirt and fleece body-warmer as two of the options. We still do most of those traditional pastimes but these days Guides and Brownies go abseiling, canoeing and have parties too!

It’s for these reasons that Guiding is thriving in Hurst. We have had Brownies (age 7-10) and Guides (age 10-14) in Hurst for many years, and both units are currently full. Last year a new Ranger (age 14 - 26) unit started and is already full as well.

Helpers needed for new unit

After Easter, we're starting a new Rainbow (age 5-7) unit after three successful trial meetings at the end of the spring term. The Rainbow unit is a great opportunity for young girls to meet new friends, try new games, crafts and activities. However, for the new unit to succeed, we need girls to be Rainbows, and leaders to run the unit.

In fact, it’s the adults that we're really in need of for all the units in Hurst. Women over 14 (or men over 18) can help with unit meetings as much or as little as they are prepared to (although only women can become Guiders). The job is voluntary, but uniform and training is provided. Could you spend 2 hours each week helping enthusiastic girls and young women to learn new skills and grow in confidence?