Cycling

I used to cycle everywhere; to school, to Guides, to go riding - it was how I got about. However, I haven't really done any cycling for years. This was because when I lived in Guildford there were hills and also the roads are awful with potholes and drivers passing very close. However, there is a challenge to be met - to cycle from Guildford to Shoreham along a former railway line - so no hills. I am wondering whether I should start training now - and then go and buy a bike (because the training will be in the Gym). What do you think?

Lots of new ideas

After a slightly trying week which necessitated me turning my mobile phone off to avoid someone calling me every two hours, I have started going through a slightly creative streak as have several other people in Surrey West. Ideas generated from the Pax Lodge weekend include a Guide Incident Hike and "Little Gig". There are also plans afoot for a challenge related to the Olympics Cycling events through Surrey in 2012. Then there are thoughts going through my mind to rerun Winter Wonderland for Rainbows, hold an open air play at HW for Rainbows and Brownies, organise a theatre trip for Adult volunteers (Les Mis or 39 Steps possibly). I have also booked a Summer holiday in Yorkshire for a week.....so suddenly I am feeling quite positive and optimistic.
BTW - this is a mere fragment of the creativity going on in Surrey West at the moment. Perhaps we are over the Centenary fatigue now?

A restful Easter

I have just spent the long weekend with selected members of my family at my sister's house in France. What a restful weekend (apart from the driving) and such beautiful weather. We walked, ate good food, played games, talked a lot went shopping, read, got burnt and generally relaxed.
Back to work today though and off to Birmingham for the rest of the week with more thoughts on the borehole, cubicles in the shower block and such like to take my time.

Beauty tips

Thanks to Martha who sent me this poem written by Audrey Hepburn and read at her funeral:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

If you share this with another woman, something good will happen . . You will boost another woman's self esteem, and she will know that you care about her.

Free Easter Egg!

Try this: http://www.freestuff.co.uk/go-thorntonsegg Enjoy!

Pax Lodge weekend

With the aim of making Surrey West the best Guiding county in the UK (if we aren't already), Commissioners and Advisers spent the weekend at Pax Lodge thinking through what we need to focus on in the next couple of years. We were very ably supported by three region trainers; Pat Tiley, Debbie Baxter and Sally Christmas. As a result we have a tremendous range of ideas about what we could be doing better. We also have some grand ideas for events for all sections in the next few years one of which really excited everyone! Now we need to make sure we all deliver what we have been asking for. This will be different for every Division whether it is about opening more Rainbow units, building better teams, finding greater support, building/reviewing websites or more. County also has a huge part to play whether in providing resources, training materials or opportunities. As the Centenary becomes a more distant memory we are all taking up new challenges. I feel a new energy - let's hope everyone does.

Wedding invitation

Today I received a wedding invitation from my Nephew's fiancee's family. What an invitation! A card with a fancy paper wrapper that looked a bit like a dinner jacket. This was fastened with a red ribbon and a small diamante buckle. There was also a swan's feather but, unfortunately, the whole thing fell apart when we got it out of the envelope so it might have been inside or outside or separate, who knows. Anyway I won't be walking the London Bridges on July 9th as I will be in my finery at a wedding. I must go shopping......