OUR LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES

 

Find out more about what our members have been up to!

3rd December – Rainbows Enjoy Snowy Murton Park Trip

The snowy weather made for beautiful scenery and didn’t spoil the fun for the 141 Rainbows and 50 Leaders/Adult Helpers that participated in our Rainbow Santa Experience day this year. They enjoyed a range of Christmas crafts and activities, a visit with Santa and a train ride. Feedback afterwards was fantastic from the Rainbows, leaders and parents alike.

 

17th November – Brownies Get Active for National Challenge

 Well done to Wheldrake Brownies who took on the ‘All Girls Can Do Anything’ fundraising challenge by doing 5,000 bearpees. Their sporty efforts will go to making a difference in the lives of children and young people across the country.

1st October – Guides Make Pebble Messages

 Barlby and Osgodby Guides enjoyed a weekend away at Paxwold and made some fantastic pebble art for one of their craft activities. The Guides incorporated pebbles with drawings and inspirational sayings which were then framed for them to proudly display at home. Well done everyone!

 

25th September 2023 – NYS Joins Flamingo Fling

Lots of units from across North Yorkshire South joined Girlguiding units from across North East England at Flamingo Land last weekend. 

A welcome return of a fun weekend, last held before the pandemic, we have heard lots of positive stories from leaders who’s girls tried something new, encouraged others and showed Girlguiding in a wonderful light. 

Thanks to everyone that helped make this such a fun trip.

 

 

13th September 2023 – Upcoming Air & Share Events

Join leaders from across North Yorkshire South for an informal discussion and exchange of ideas. 

We have various dates running, they are online, dedicated to different sections and are held between 7.30pm – 9pm. 

To book please email countyadministrator@girlguidingnys.org.uk

 

15th July 2023 – Brownies Spy Fun!

3rd Copmanthorpe Brownies and their leaders had a lovely evening following the I-Spy Trail around York City Centre. The route encourages children to find items of interest using pictures with the colour behind each picture matching the street colour on the map to help them locate it easier.

You can find maps at the Tourist Information Office.

 

 

11th July 2023 – Wizarding Their Way Through York

64th York Dunnington Rainbows had a magical evening with the Wizard Walk of York.

A few of the units across our county have enjoyed this wonderful experience and would highly recommend to others!

 

6th July 2023 – Rainbows Shine at Sundown

4th Knottingley Rainbows and Monk Fryston Rainbows had a fantastic time at Sundown Adventure land. 

It was a day of glorious weather, fun and frolics!

 

 

3rd July 2023 – Brownies Try Upcycling

30th York Brownies recently held an evening of upcycling. The Brownies used their creativity and talents to turn a stack of donated t-shirts and random craft items into no sew bags.

Well done everyone! 

 

3rd June 2023 – York Pride

A big thank you to all the volunterers that helped us on our stall at this year’s York Pride event. We had glorious weather and the event had a fabulous turnout.

It was lovely to be able to speak to so many people about the Girlguiding opportunities in our area for both young members and adult volunteers. 

 

 

12th May 2023 – Volunteering at the Coronation

Among the many Girlguiding members who volunteered to help the King’s Coronation run smoothly was our very own Abi Bubb of 1st Wheldrake Brownies and Guides.

Abi played an important role in Hyde Park meeting and greeting the crowds, directing them to viewing areas and other facilities, giving out flags and answering queries. Well done Abi!

 

8th May 2023 – New Girlguiding Community Garden

Work has begun on a new Girlguiding community garden as part of the Incredible Edible South Milford project.

We look forward to seeing how it develops!

 

 

6th May 2023 – Celebrating the Coronation

It has been wonderful to see all your Coronation related celebrations!

Among them we have the leaders of Hillam and Monk Fryson Rainbows and Brownies that ran a stall and led the village singing for their village celebration. The girls impressed by signing the National Anthem in BSL. 

Two 1st Tadcaster Brownies working towards their Gold badge made a Brownie scarecrow called Princess Charlie Brown for the town’s first scarecrow festival.

1st Copmanthorpe Guides decorated stones and placed them around the village for children to find while Church Fenton Brownies lead the parade at the Coronation service at St Mary’s.

 

27th April 2023 – GOLD International Launched

Are you aged between 18 – 30 and fancy going on an international trip to work with local units and leaders on development goals? GOLD may be for you! Applications are now open and will close on 4th June.

Apply here – Go for GOLD application form | Girlguiding

 

 

23rd April 2023 – St George’s Day

Well done and thank you to everyone that participated in the St George’s Day Celebration. It was wonderful to see so many young members and volunteers parading through York and enjoying the service at York Minster.

 

17th April 2023 – Guides Learn New Skills

1st Askham Bryan Guides tied out their new flint and steels tonight and exclaimed ‘We have fire!’

The Guides loved learning this new skill, working together and getting a real sense of achievement.

 

 

15th April 2023 – London Visit for Intrepid Guides

6th York Guides, Young Leaders and Leaders had a fantastic visit to London, stopping at ICANDO for 2 nights. They visited the Natural History Museum, went on the London Eye River Cruise and fitted in some shopping and food among all the walking.

 

27th March 2023 – Celebrating Easter

1st Askham Bryan Rainbows enjoyed making and then parading with their Easter bonnets.

 

 

24-26th March 2023 – NYS takes over Waddow!

After some cancellations, postponements and other hiccups since the start of their term of office, Alison & Lesley (county commissioners) arranged for over 50 volunteers from across the county to take part in the 2023 county training weekend.

The residential training weekend took place at Waddow Hall, Clitheroe, and included section trainings, a ‘NYS marketplace’, inclusivity and LDP trainings, amongst the social elements of “Silly Bingo” and the “Escape Room”! Lots of fun and laughter were had, with many memories made … just ask any of us about the clock, ducks or gnome!

Special thanks goes to the organising committee (Sally, Emma, Ann & Jeni) as well as a special congratulations to Judith Bellamy who was presented with her Laurel Award certificate!

 

16th March 2023 – York Guides help Tesco shoppers and support food bank

6th York Guides raised a fantastic £361 from a session bag packing for shoppers at Tesco in Clifton Moor. But their good work didn’t stop there – after counting the money they then split into groups and spent it in store to buy items for the local food bank. Leader, Emma Chester, said: “We’re so proud of their efforts and the generosity of the members of the public donating, it was quite overwhelming. The Guides have supported those in need and learnt some life skills along the way.”

 

 

8th March 2023 – Girlguiding unveils new branding

After years of research and design, our refreshed look and feel has arrived. With our new brand purpose ‘we help all girls know they can do anything’ we show that we’re a supportive and inclusive organisation. It reflects the courage and confidence of what we offer to girls and highlights that we help members see that there are hundreds of possibilities waiting for them to get stuck into. Find out more on the main Girlguiding website – https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-stories-and-news/blog/our-refreshed-brand-is-here/  

 

22nd February 2023 – Thinking Day celebrations

Units from across the county found lots of different and creative ways to celebrate Thinking Day this year, including 1st Tadcaster Guides that made and lit their own ‘Guidetingles’.

 

 

17th February 2023 – Save the date – St George’s Day Parade

It’s the 80th anniversary of the joint Scouting and Girlguiding event in the City of York this year and we are delighted that the Archbishop of York will be joining us to celebrate this anniversary.

 Please let your Division Commissioner know if your unit would like to attend this event.  

 

13th February 2023 – Call for volunteers for York Pride

York Pride is being held on 3rd June this year. Please email pradviser@girlguidingnys.org.uk if you could be available for a couple of hours to help run our stall and speak to potential new young members and adult volunteers about the opportunities with Girlguiding North Yorkshire South.

 

 

6th February 2023 – York Rainbows visit fire station

64th York Dunnington Rainbows had a wonderful visit to York Fire Station. They learned about fire safety and had the opportunity to see the fire engine and all its equipment up close. The fire fighters did a great job of answering all the many questions the Rainbows asked.

 

 

5th February 2023 – 1st Tadcaster Brownies tour the York Ice Trail

Young members and leaders at 1st Tadcaster Brownies enjoyed the York sunshine as they toured the York Ice Trail and marveled at the many beautiful and detailed creations that were set out around the city centre.

 

 

5th February 2023 – Ainsty Brownies enjoy Pirates and Princess Weekend

Ainsty Brownies went to Waddow Hall this weekend and had a great time at their Pirates and Princesses event.

 

 

2nd February 2023 – Pizza on the menu

3rd York Rainbows had a lot of fun practicing their chopping skills and managed to top their own pizzas. It was a delicious and well-earned snack after all their hard work!

 

28th January 2023 – 100 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides sleepover at The Deep

Over 100 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from Tadcaster, Copmanthorpe and South Milford visited The Deep in Hull for a special tour and sleepover among the exhibits. The group had fun seeing sharks, sting rays and penguins, and managed to fit in a bit of sleep among the laughter!

 

4th January 2023 – Calling all young members over 10!

The ballot for International Community Experience (ICE) and the International Selection Weekend is now open. You have until 27 January to enter the ballot for a chance for a place.

Click here for ICE Ballot Entry for 2023

Click here for Girl Internationals 2024 Ballot Entry

3rd January 2023 – Scouting and Girlguiding Easter Family Fun Day Announced

An Easter Family Fun Day will be held at Snowball Plantation on 2 April. It will include an Easter egg treasure hunt, games and activities. 

A selection of food stands will also be available offering chocolate treats and much more. 

Please see the event flyer for more information.

31st December 2022 – Are You Up for An Engineering Challenge? 

Scouts and Guide units from across our County are being invited to a day at the University of York to test your creativity, ingenuity and engineering skills. 

Taking place on Sunday 12th March at the Exhibition Centre, teams of 3 to 5 people can participate and need to register by 31 January. 

Please see the event flyer for more information. 

19th December 2022 – Where Could Girlguiding North East England Take You?

Girlguiding North East England is excited to announce that International Community Experience (ICE) for Guides is back for 2023 and there will be three trips on offer in 2024, including Nepal and Norway.

Visit the Girlguiding North East England Facebook page for all the latest announcements. 

15th December 2022 – Judith Bellamy Receives Prestigious Laurel Award

Congratulations to Guide leader Judith Bellamy for being selected for the prestigious Laurel Award. Judith was surprised with the award by Jan Ali, Deputy Region Chief Commissioner at White Rose House during a residential event for her Guides. 

As many will know, Judith holds many roles within Girlguiding and is a former County Commissioner, so this is well deserved recognition for everything Judith has given and continues to give to Girlguiding. Congratulations Judith!

12th December 2022 – York Brownies Get into Christmas Spirit

Lots of Christmas related activities have been taking place across our Girlguiding county this month. From pantomimes and Matilda the Musical to caroling and crafts.

Among the units using the opportunity to do something for their community were 2nd Poppleton Brownies who have made these wonderful Christmas cards which will be sent to elderly patients at York Hospital – well done Brownies!

24th November 2022 – Brayton Guides Shop for Food Bank

Well done to the members of 2nd Brayton Guides who raised £100 by collecting loose change and then used the money to shop in Tesco for Selby Food Bank.

The Food Bank were delighted and sent the following letter of thanks:

“Good Morning, your donations totaled over 90kgs. This is the equivalent of more than 5 families shopping, so assuming an average family of 4, this gives them 3 meals each for at least 3 days. I was very impressed with the group, some of whom I spoke with had thought things through very well. The group is a credit to you and the other leaders!”

14th November 2022 – Adult Volunteers Wanted for York Scout & Guide Gang Show 2023

Every two years the York Scout & Guide Gang Show provides opportunities for young people and adults. It is a variety show filled with songs, dances and sketches performed at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York.

The organisers need to put a team together so that the planning for the show can begin in January. Please see the flyer for more information and to get in touch.

11th November 2022 – Tadcaster Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Support Local Food Bank

This term the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides of Tadcaster have been collecting donations for the local food bank. A staggering four crates of food were collected across the four units.

Pictured – Tadcaster leaders and young members hand over the donation to the food bank representative.

6th November 2022 – Planning Begins for Larkin Jamboree 2024

North Yorkshire Scouts are planning an International Jamboree in 2024 and we have two Girlguiding leaders on the Management team, so we will be keeping you up to date.

Please visit the new website www.larkinjamboree.org.uk and sign up for updates, so you can get information as it is released. The organisers would love Guide and Ranger units to join us at the Jamboree for a week of fun and adventure. Brownies and Rainbows will also be able to join in the fun with their own programmes. 

Adults also have the option to be part of the organising team or the service team at the event and if leaders would like to do that, then they can use the Volunteer button on the website – we would love to see lots of Girlguiding members help deliver this International Jamboree in 2024!

5th November 2022 – 1st Tadcaster Brownies Celebrate 90 Years

1st Tadcaster Brownies recently held a special party to celebrate their 90th birthday with activities including glass painting, celebration fruit pictures, games, and the chance to make s’mores over a fire pit with leaders from 1st Tadcaster Guides.

31st October 2022 – 1st Flaxton Brownies 30th Birthday

Leaders and Brownies at 1st Flaxton Brownies enjoyed a delicious two tier cake to mark their 30th birthday in October.

28th October 2022 – Joint Division Commissioner Roles for Manor Division

Emma Chester has been appointed as Joint Division Commissioner for Manor Division, working alongside colleague Helen Feetenby.

Together they will be able to provide a greater level of support to the members of Manor Division and are looking forward to sharing the role and responsibilities. A long time Girlguiding member, Emma has held various other roles at District and County level, as well as being both a Guide and Brownie leader.

Pictured: Emma (left) and Helen (right)

20th October 2022 – Welcoming Myra Puckrin as Trefoil Chair

We’re delighted to be welcoming Myra Puckrin as Trefoil Chair, who takes over from Carole Wilson. Myra started as a Brownie leader in 1965 at just 18 in Holgate and ran the unit for over 10 years before leaving to focus on her business and family commitments. As a lot of us find, we never really leave the movement and in 1991 Myra was back and helping to set up a Rainbow unit in Osbaldwick, before becoming District Commissioner of Tang Hall for the next five years and running a Brownie unit as well. 

A keen baker, gardener and reader, Myra keeps fit with Zumba and enjoys catching up with friends. She first joined the Trefoil Guild in 2007 and attributes her Girlguiding friendship network as a key support during her breast cancer battle in 2013 when she also held the position of Chairman of York City Trefoil.  

Commenting on her appointment, Myra said: “I’m looking forward to the challenges that will be coming my way over the next months and years. As with other organisations, we face issues with recruitment and this is especially true for Trefoil as we are an ageing organization. My first challenge is to recruit younger members as I don’t think many people realize that you can become a Trefoil member from the age of 18.”

3rd October 2022 – New County Website Launch

We’re delighted to bring you the new look Girguiding North Yorkshire South County website. This important and exciting upgrade to our online presence means that members can now view an events and trainings calendar, access information about the County team and purchase bronze and silver badges and certificates from our new online shop. 

The website also includes an availability calendar for White Rose House and information about the County and the team available to support you, as well as news and more!

1st October 2022 – County Training Day

Thank you to all that hosted, attended and participated in the County Training Day. As the first opportunity for the County to come together ‘en mass’ since the pandemic, the day proved to be a great success with lively discussions in the programme training sessions, a motivating talk from North East Region Recruitment Lead Alison Brown and the opportunity to participate in a selection of crafts and adviser discussions after lunch. The County team is now busy planning a training weekend at Waddow in March. Please see the newsletter page for details of how to book on. 

18th September 2022 – 31st York (St Hilda’s) Rainbows and Brownies Remember the Queen on BBC Look North

A film crew from BBC Look North visited 31st York (St Hilda’s) Rainbows and Brownies on Thursday 15th September to capture their special meeting remembering and learning about the Queen. During the national mourning period for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the young members learned about the Queen’s links with Girlguiding as our patron, as well as her being a Guide well before that. They put together a timeline of significant royal and Girlguiding events, and some were even interviewed. The girls showed exceptional Girlguiding spirit and truly ‘served their Queen’ for one final time. The segment aired during a Special Programme on Sunday 18th September at 5.30pm on BBC1. Watch it here.

1st August 2022 – Celebrating Amelie Thompson’s Participation in GS90

Amelie Thompson is a Young Leader with 1st Copmanthorpe Brownies. Along with 5 other members of North Yorkshire Scouts and Guides she helped ensure GS 90 was a great success. This was a huge commitment from all 6 members and their parents – congratulations! All cast members including Amelie should be justifiably proud of what they’ve achieved in helping to deliver this memorable event. Read a first hand account from Amelie about her experience.

Pictured – Amelie with Marcus Barker of 1st Holgate Scout Group.

16th July 2022 – Thanks and Recognition Event

This year’s Thanks and Recognition event was a glorious afternoon tea, held at The Grand in York. Local dignitaries attending included the Lord Mayor and Mayoress, the Sheriff of York and his Consort and the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire.

Veronica Bird, the UK’s first female prison governor was the guest speaker and gave a motivating speech before the long service awards were presented. Many awards were given, including the rare 60 years award which was given to Molly Stainthorpe (pictured far right).

14th July 2022 – Welcome Surprise at Great Yorkshire Show

While helping on the North East England Region stand at the Great Yorkshire Show, Lesley Strathie, Alison Cunningham and Judith Bellamy were surprised by a visit from archaeologist, TV producer and presenter Jules Hudson.

The event was well attended and volunteers were kept busy sharing details of Girlguiding with prospective young members and adult volunteers alike.

10th July 2020 – Trefoil Guild Raises Money at Dragon Boat Race

Three members of our County’s Trefoil Guild ran a bottle bag stall to fundraise at the York Dragon Boat Race and raised £230 for UNICEF’s Children of Ukraine appeal. Well done ladies!

 

2nd July 2022 – A Busy Time for Trefoil Guild Members at the Region Activity Day

Seven members of North Yorkshire South’s Trefoil Guild were kept busy at the Region’s Activity Day on 2nd July ensuring that regular refreshments were provided to the 300 Trefoil Guild members in attendance. This included serving hot drinks at the morning and lunchtime breaks, as well as tea and Devonshire scones in the afternoon.

24th June 2022 – Cruise on the Ouse for Trefoil Guild Members

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 44 members of our County’s Trefoil Guild enjoyed a social get together with afternoon tea and an engraved coaster as a memento of the occasion.

18th June 2022 – County Supports York Pride

A team of volunteers hosted a stall at this year’s York Pride and enjoyed speaking to prospective young members about joining. A matchstick fundraiser proved a popular game to get people over to the stall and allowed us time to talk to them about Girlguiding. Many former members also stopped by and reminisced about their time in Guiding and took away information about how they could volunteer as adults.

We also met the organizer for the new Bridlington event and were able to put them in touch with the County team for North Yorkshire North East.

11th June 2022 – Tadcaster Celebrates Jubilee at Snowball

More than 100 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and their Leaders enjoyed a day of Jubilee themed activities at the Snowball Plantation. The day included games, crafts, balloon modelling, a barbeque lunch and a visit from the ice cream van. County Commissioners, Alison and Lesley, stopped by and cut the celebration cake.

3rd June 2022 – Much-Anticipated County Camp Arrives!

This year’s County event was a camp held at Glenbrook in Derbyshire. A great deal of planning and organizing ensured the three day was full of fun and entertainment, including cooking camp donuts, a Jubilee beacon lighting and lots of camp fire singing around the County’s new fire pit. Visitors included Girlguiding CEO Angela Salt, our County President Chris Bulmer and three Vice Presidents, oh and a lovely steam train passed by too!

30th May 2022 – Ukraine Badges Fundraising Totals £1300

We are delighted to reveal that more than £1300 has been raised through the County’s Ukraine badges fundraiser. We sold out all of our 2013 badges with many going across the County, as well as to nearby counties, however, a few made it as far afield as the USA and St Helena. Many thanks to Rebecca Cook for organizing this, to the County Exec team for their support and to you for joining in.

7th May 2022 – Abbey Division Goes Down on the Farm

A bustling 184 Rainbows and Brownies, along with 45 leaders enjoyed a trip to Cannon Hall Farm. A lot of fun was had enjoying the animals, play areas and ice cream!

20th April 2022 – 2,000 Guides and Scouts to Parade Through York for St George’s Day

This year marks the long-awaited return of the Scout Association and Girlguiding annual St George’s Day celebration at York Minster.  Up to 2,000 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Squirrels, Rangers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows from York and the surrounding area will come together on Sunday 24th April to honour St George who is the Patron Saint of Scouting.

Commencing at 1.20pm with a procession from Clifford’s Tower to York Minster, the two organisations are hoping the community will come out in force to support them. The return procession to Clifford’s Tower is due to leave the Minster at 3.30pm after the service concludes. 

4th Jan 2022 – First Afghan Refugee Unit Meeting Held in York

Leaders from across the county, led by Alison Tant-Brown (left) of Castle Division, provided a welcome introduction to Girlguiding for a group of refugee children who had relocated to York from Afghanistan. A range of crafts, including friendship bracelets and fun foam bowls, as well as songs and games gave the girls the opportunity to socialize and have fun together.

12th Sept 2021 – York Dragon Boat Race

The County team held it’s first public stall since the Covid pandemic started at the York Dragon Boat Race. It was wonderful to be back out speaking with the public and the team used the occasion to share some UMAs for each section. Girls of Rainbow age tried out ‘Puppet Pals’, while Brownies did ‘Skills in Space’ and children of Guide age had a go at ‘House of Guiding’.

More than 100 prospective young members took away details of how to register and several promising discussions were had with potential new adult volunteers. Thanks to all that helped!

10th Aug 2021 – County Receives New Fire Pit 

Girlguiding North Yorkshire South received a generous donation from mourners at the funeral of Girlguiding volunteer Joyce Nelson. Donated with the request that we purchase something in keeping with Joyce’s love of camping, we decided to use the funds for a new fire pit with the Girlguiding logo carved within the design.

The fire pit will be used at County events and was unveiled at the Thanks and Recognition event in July, much to the delight of those in attendance who marveled at both it’s beauty and how fitting it is as a tribute to Joyce and her commitment to Girlguiding.

16 July 2021 – Thanks and Recognition Event 2021

Our annual Thanks and Recognition event returned in 2021 and the weather was glorious for the outdoor occasion. Being able to socialise and catch up with old friends as well as meet new Guiding volunteers was a welcome relief after being unable to meet up in large groups for so long. The occasion also celebrated a number of long service awards and special awards which you can read about more on our awards and recognition page.

15th April 2021 – Join North Yorkshire’s Scouts and Girlguiding Members on St George’s Day

More than 8,000 North Yorkshire members of the Scout Association and Girlguiding are expected to participate in a virtual St George’s Day celebration on Sunday 25th April.

This year’s theme, Journeying on Together, has been selected in tribute to the great strives made by volunteers and young members during the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen the two popular organizations shift to offer flexible distance, blended and virtual meetings to support young members.

23rd February 2021 – 1,000 North Yorkshire Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers Celebrate Peace

Over 1,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers came together online across North Yorkshire, virtually travelling the world – trying new crafts and tasting foods from around the globe – for World Thinking Day! 

The 22nd February is a key date in the guiding calendar where everyone comes together to celebrate the birthday of the first Chief Guide, Lady Olave Baden-Powell, born in 1889. World Thinking Day is a chance for Girlguiding North Yorkshire members to connect and think about the 10 million Girl Guides and Scouts across the globe…and to shout about the amazing things they do!