GUIDING DEVELOPMENT REPORT

As I take over as Chair, I would like to thank Elspeth again for all her hard work over the last 5 years. I am now beginning to realise how important Guiding Development is

I am delighted to inform you all that Caroline Matheson will be my assistant and that Kim Clark will be our Guiding Development Secretary. There are a few new faces too on the team and together we want to give you a varied programme for the next 5 years.

Unfortunately we have two Divisions without a Representative and hope that these positions will be filled very soon. If you are in Paisley or Renfrew Division, and are interested in helping or have an interest in how we plan training's throughout the County, please speak to your Division Commissioner.

You should now have your annual calendar of events and I hope you have noticed some new trainings?  These include Go Help!, Child Protection, Practical Camping and Gadgets, Walking Safely. All training's will be advertised on our website and flyers will also cascade right down to unit level. Please let me know if you want a space as Lomas House can only hold a limited number!

As you may be aware we now only have two trainers within our County; we are one of the largest Counties in Scotland, but are one of the Counties with the least trainers! Training is a very rewarding job and next year you will hear more about Trainers with a small “t”. We are looking for prospective

trainers who would like to kind out more about training, gain experience and train at local level, i.e. Unit, District or Division. If you are interested, there will be a weekend at Netherurd in May 2010.

In Spring 2009, we held our County weekend at Netherurd which was unfortunately not as well supported as we would have hoped.  Nevertheless, we had a great time (check out the photos on the website).   Look out for information from your Division Commissioner and on the website for our next weekend which will be in 2011and be sure to book you place.

Finally I would like to highlight the Pick “n” Mix events, running for our neighbouring 6 Counties. This is to help our Scottish trainers through a long centenary year, limiting how many requests they may receive. The first will be held on Sunday 22 November 2009 at Clydebank College, and the second will be held on Saturday 13 March 2010 at Cumbernauld College, both 9.30-4.30pm and both at a cost of £5. I do hope that you can find the time to get to one or both of these events.

Julie Johnston

Guiding Development Adviser