One of the main IW County events since October 2022 was the visit to the Commodore Cinema, Ryde for the Girlguiding special viewing of Matilda. Despite the very cold weather the film was enjoyed. At the same event the draw for the Islandwide raffle took place. This raffle raised monies for the girls selected to go on international trips. In November 5th Sandown Brownies held a Fireworks Night Party.
Next up were parties and other activities for Christmas and the New Year 2023. Several units including Seaview, East Cowes, 10th Newport, 2nd Northwood Brownies and 2nd Northwood Rainbows made visits to pantomimes. 10th and 11th Newport Rainbows together with parents and friends of the Units held a scavenger hunt across Newport.
Carisbrooke Brownies had a visit from a Scottish piper when they celebrated Burns Night and enjoyed Scottish food.
Several units celebrated the Chinese New Year. These included 10th Newport Rainbows, Binstead Rainbows, Totland Brownies, Shanklin Brownies, Brighstone & Shorwell Brownies and 11th Newport Brownies and this was followed by Valentine’s Day activities, Pancake making and activities for Mothering Sunday. Lake Guides,11th Newport Rainbows and East Cowes Rainbows certainly enjoyed the pancakes.
World Thinking Day was the focus around the 22nd of February. Carisbrooke Guides made a giant Peace Jigsaw puzzle, cooked French crepes and had a fun camel race.
There have been fundraising events for the girls going on international trips, including a quiz night with supper. 1st Northwood Rainbows enjoyed indoor camping after making indoor tents, Bembridge Rainbows undertook the “Know Myself” challenge, Binstead Brownies went Bowling and 2nd Ryde Brownies undertook the “Skills for the Future” challenge.
Bay Guides had a visit from an Island Peer Educator, Binstead Guides studied Parliament Week, 11th Newport Guides had a visit to the IW Observatory as well as raising money for the Mountbatten Hospice and Gurnard Guides undertook the ” Winter Wildlife Badge”.
Ten Isle of Wight adult members travelled to Wimborne, Dorset, for the Guiding Delivery Conference organised by SW England Region. Lots of topics were discussed and it was great for the IW members to meet up with others from across the Region.
Nationally, Girlguiding has had a rebrand. Here are the new logos:
Colours and Logos on this website will be updated soon-so watch this space!
To celebrate the formation of Inspire 4 Isle of Wight, adult members aged 18 to 30 visited Pax Lodge in London.
Carisbrooke Brownies have been skating and had a “messy meeting”, Carisbrooke Guides had fun with Easter activities and East Cowes Brownies have enjoyed a visit to Amazon World.
With the arrival of slightly warmer weather, outdoor activities are coming into their own again for the Spring and everyone is looking forward to getting out and about.
Kerry Hiscock, Assistant Leader with Carisbrooke Guides and Girlguiding IW Walking and Outdoor Advisor was one of the leaders of a group of Guides for their visit to Ireland. Staying at Lorne the Girlguiding Training Centre in Northern Ireland the group enjoyed trips to Stormont and the Titanic Experience.
