Allotment 2

We have cleared half the ground,dug out an oak tree, replanted the rasperries....there is a shed in my garden waiting to be transported to the plot. What we need is a compost heap so there is a nee to seek out pallets or similar. We have the wood for raised beds and stakes for the corner of the compost bins so we are getting on.

My Allotment

A week ago I took ownership of an allotment - or a half as those who know anything about these things would call it. I did have quite a long think about whether this would be a good idea given the state of my diary but I decided that, with help, it would be OK. So I called daughter 1's boyfriend to ask if he would help - and he said he would. We went and visited the site to plan what we needed to do - daughter 1 tagging along in a very cold and reluctant way. Then I asked daughter 2's boyfriend if he could provide us with raised beds - he works in a timber yard so there was method in my madness. Then I talked to my husband - who is not a keen gardener but will rake leaves or mow if forced. However, he seemed a little bit interested and even volunteered to come and get manure for the compost heap. We now have a small heap of this on site but compost bins need building when I get some pallets.
I have also ordered a shed but am waiting for permission from Walton Charities to put it up.
Actually I am quite excited about it - and even gave daughter 1's boyfriend permission to grow potatoes - but only earlies.

Just a youth club - but with a uniform?

I have been thinking about how Guiding is perceived and whether people are aware that we have a programme that is designed to encourage girls and young women to develop their potential and to take an active part in the community. All leaders should be aware of that too! But do we tell others? Probably not, which means there is a perception that Guiding is a "good thing" but no-one is sure why. So I would like this to change in Surrey West. My Annual report will focus on it and will use case studies of girls and women who have developed in Guiding and this has influenced and helped their career and educational choices. For example, Becky Smith has been our photographer at SWING and is now a professional photographer; there is a group of women who Surrey West supported to swim the Channel; one of our Guides sang to a packed crowd in Wembley at the Big Gig having won the Guiding Star competition. I am sure there are more - and I would like to hear about them.

Emotional swings

Monday - my dearly loved Scenic, mine since its birth 14 years ago, died. I know it is/was just a car but it was MY car.

Tuesday - (1) bought a new car. Looked for one which made you go "Woo-hoo" (as described by fellow car-hunter Sarah, my daughter) and found a bright red Aygo. Delivery 23rd December
(2) contacted by Elmbridge Museum to say they were sorting out their collections and some of the finds from the Oatlands Palace excavations at Weybridge Guide Hall may be surplus to requirements. They were looking at the paperwork but they were partly owned by the Guides .... and did we want them reburied? I suggested we might like them back....possibly to sell to raise funds to rebuild the Hall.

Time for a pause?

I thought I was busy earlier this month but it has been even busier since then.....and it was the same last year until I lost my work laptop and a pause was forced on me. Nothing so drastic this time but I need a pause now....to get away from the work pressures and, dare I say it, Guiding. Yes, perhaps it is time for a break - or a very clear break over Christmas and the New Year for everyone. So here is my resolution - I will stop all but essential/urgent Guiding on December 18th after the Carol Service at Charterhouse. I will start again on January 6th. Why don't you do the same?
In the meantime - Happy Christmas until we speak again

Raffle

How is the raffle going? I have a few spare tickets but I am now receiving some back with money. I have about £800 so far but would like to raise a lot more. From scanning the counterfoils it looks like quite often it is the Leaders who are buying them. The unit who has sold most so far emailed their girls' parents and has sold lots to parents. I have sold them to work colleagues as well as some of my trainees. It all adds up and I know the other two Counties are selling tickets - but they are collecting the money themselves so I don't know how much they have raised yet. So - please get selling!

A very busy week

This time of year is very busy at work with pay review season in full flow but this time of year is very busy for Guiding too. So here is a quick digest of what has happened and what is next in my diary:

1. NatWest Community Force - we won £6000 so thank you for all who voted. To get the money I need to appear at NatWest in Guildford during bank opening hours with a passport, driving licence and Project Account bank statement. Note; during the week - and the week is busy enough as it is!


2. Quiz Night at Guides last night to raise funds for the three girls going to Iceland. We hope to raise £100 each for them which together with the 5p bazaar profits should make a bit of a dent in their fundraising targets.


3. Today - helped feed over 6000 people at the Lord Mayor's Show. The team did a brilliant job and I would like to thank Kathy Purdon and Alison Kirby for their hard work. It all went very smoothly.


4. Tomorrow - Remembrance Sunday with parade and service at the Parish Church with my Guides.


5. Next week - fundraising meeting for Herons Wey. We are going to finalise details of the Rainbow Chinese New Year event although, as we have had very few bookings, I guess the first step is to decide whether to go ahead at all.


6. Throughout - raffle. Lots of spare tickets now so don't be afraid to ask!


7. Also - Our Guide Hall is subsiding and the Leaders who use it have sprung into action to assess the options. If you think this is hard enough under usual conditions now consider the complications of having a building on an archeological site. As you can guess, this adds an extra layer of complexity.

So wish me luck!