County Update: Celebrating Volunteers, International Guiding and Summer Successes

It has been a busy and inspiring time for Girlguiding Northamptonshire, with volunteers coming together to share ideas, celebrate achievements and enjoy the wider Guiding community.

Looking Ahead at County Ops

A “Big” County Ops meeting was held on a very warm evening, bringing together Chairs, Lead Volunteers, Division Commissioners and District Commissioners. The aim of the evening was to hear views on how the County should move forward, how communication could be improved, and how volunteers who are new to Guiding can be better supported.

There was plenty of discussion in small groups, and the overall feeling was very positive. Thank you to the Trefoil Guild members who came along and prepared refreshments for everyone.

Thanks and Recognition 2026

The 2026 Thanks and Recognition event was held at Barton Seagrave Community Centre, which proved to be a brilliant venue. The team there looked after everyone extremely well and helped make the evening feel special.

This year’s event had a slightly different format, with volunteers sitting at tables alongside friends. After the formal presentations of Long Service Awards, Guiding Spirit, Guiding Light and Good Service Brooch awards, everyone enjoyed delicious cakes with tea and coffee.

A Visit to Unity International Camp

Chris and I attended Unity, Staffordshire County’s international camp, and what a wonderful afternoon it was. Girls attended from across the UK, including our own County contingent from Towcester, as well as from Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and Gibraltar.

We were treated to the full VIP experience, including a tour of the camp, a look at the wide range of activities available to the girls, and the opportunity to chat with the Deputy Chief Guide. We also enjoyed a full afternoon tea before being entertained by girls from the visiting countries.

The afternoon also included a fashion show of the new uniform, from Rainbows through to volunteers — and my new shirt was much admired! Many awards were presented, from Gold Awards to Long Service and Good Service awards, with the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire presenting a Queen’s Guide Award to close the celebrations.

Welcoming New County Vice Presidents

I am delighted to announce the appointment of two new Vice Presidents to the County: Val Armstrong and Carol Henry. Both have held a number of appointments over the years and continue to promote Guiding within the community, from helping with a Rainbow unit in Birmingham to handing out leaflets at events.

Enjoy the rest of the summer holidays and do take time for yourselves before we all hit the ground running again in September.

Mandy Ludlow

Northamptonshire County Commissioner

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Subject: Planning Ahead Together for 2027 Subscriptions

For 2027 the total subscription amount per girl will be £71.50 before any local Division or District levy.

The amount is made up as follows:

A simple budgeting tool is available on the Girlguiding website and may be helpful when planning unit subs. https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/running-your-unit/finance-insurance-and-property/unit-finances/setting-following-budget/

We would like to encourage units to begin reviewing their finances now, giving plenty of time to plan ahead with confidence. If you have any concerns about the impact of the subscription amount or wider financial pressures, please speak with your District or Division Commissioner as early as you can, so that support and guidance can be explored together.



Next steps for units

·        Review your unit finances and begin planning ahead.

·        Use the Girlguiding budgeting tool if it would be helpful.

·        If your unit may need support, please speak with your District or Division Commissioner in good time, so that any guidance or support can be explored together.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support, understanding and commitment. We truly appreciate everything you do to help girls and young women enjoy safe, welcoming and inspiring guiding experiences.

EVENTS

What's happening where and when?

DBS - Please start your DBS as soon as you are notified that you require one as in some cases it can sit at the LPF (local police force) for over 70 days and this can mean you will be unable to take part in a camp or sleepover.

Digital - If you choose the digital process for the DBS and are not sure if you have completed everything properly, ring the county office 01604 648740 or email office@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk and they can let you know.



If you would like to complete your DBS manually (in person), the county office can help with that too just email or ring and make an appointment.

Drop in for help with Safer Guiding or DBS

Saturday 22 August 10.00am to 2.00pm we will be running another "come and chat day" where volunteers can come and do their DBS have help logging on to saferguiding, use a computer at Unity if they can't do it at home. 

The Unity Centre, Unit 1 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6WL

Roller Disco Extravaganza!

Saturday 24 October 2026

Calling all Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers/Young Leaders

• Rainbows & Brownies 12 noon -2.00pm
• Guides & Rangers/Young Leaders 2.30pm-4.30pm

Get your skates on and join us for a fun-filled Roller Disco. Dance, laugh and roll with your friends to some brilliant tunes!

Venue - Benham Sports Centre, Moulton Park, Northampton

Cost £10 including a badge for all skating

TRAININGS

To complete First Response, or Safer Guiding e-learnings (which replace Safe Space Levels 1, 2 and 3) please visit the Learning Platform

UPCOMING FIRST RESPONSE TRAININGS

All trainings will be held at the County Office, The Unity Centre, Unit 1 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park NN3 6WL

Wear uniform or comfortable clothes. Bring a packed lunch and a drink and a paper and pen. This course is FREE

The first response e-learning will also need to be completed on the learning platform

Lynsey McIntosh is the training co-ordinator and adult support contact so please email her on training@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Nicky Smith is the Leader in Training co-ordinator and can allocate a mentor email ldp@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Lesley Ingle is the Commissioner Mentor and Leader in Training Mentor and can be contacted on accleadership@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Join us for Connect 2026,

A day of Inspiration. Network, Learn and Lead with Confidence

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026

Time: 9am to 4pm

Venue: Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Road, NN4 6UU

This joint event is for all volunteers, with sessions tailored to different stages of your guiding journey:

• Young Leader Connect – for young leaders aged 14–17

Get ready for a day that puts you in charge. Join other young leaders for hands-on training that helps you plan brilliant adventures for your unit. From getting out and about, to shaping activities, to running everything safely and confidently. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with a complete plan you can use straight away.

• Leaders in Training Connect – for anyone working on the leadership development programme

Step into your leadership journey with confidence. This day is designed to help you dive deeper into the Girlguiding programme, explore how to adapt activities for every girl, and complete one of your mandatory LDP sessions. You’ll leave feeling empowered, informed, and ready to bring brilliant guiding experiences to life.

• Leaders Connect – for all other adult volunteers, inc. unit helpers

Join us for Connect 2026 a day dedicated to inspiring leaders like you! This is your chance to connect with other volunteers, share experiences, and gain fresh insights to enrich your guiding journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills. You have a choice of sessions to broaden your horizons. 

Please complete the booking form below by 1 September 2026 to secure your place. We’d love to see you there for a day packed with inspiration, practical learning and the chance to meet others from across Northamptonshire.

Additional information:

Please bring a packed lunch and a mug or bottle — hot and cold drinks will be provided.

The Trefoil House shop will be on site during the day, and you will be emailed an order form so your can be ready to collect on the day.

If you have any questions please contact us on training@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

PLEASE HELP US - We’re on a big growth mission - more girls, more volunteers, and stronger visibility.

To make that happen, we need your help at the summer events below



If you can support a stall, chat to families, or simply be a friendly face in uniform, please sign up through the links below.

Let’s be out there loud, proud, and recognisable!

The 1st Wootton Brownies and 2nd Wootton Rainbows made the most of the heat wave by taking part in a summer trip to Gallone’s ice cream parlour.

They learnt about the history of Gallone’s providing ice cream in WW2, then did a blind taste test, made their own flavour and colour ice cream, took part in a colouring competition and finally got to eat their favourite flavour!

What a fun end of term trip!

Congratulations on completing the Leader Development Programme;

Katie Ward - Irthlingborough

Lorraine Fare - Brackley

Emily Clarke - Weston & Clare

Congratulations on completing the old Going Away With;

Teresa Balchin - RIFF District

Congratulations on completing the Queens Guide Award

Kerrie Ashford - Kettering

Some lovely pictures from our Thanks & Recognition evening on 16 July 2026

BELLBOAT LAUNCH -Last month we launched Bluebelle, our new county bellboat! 

After many years of service - and countless girls learning, paddling, and growing in confidence - the previous Bluebelle has been retired.

Bluebelle was blessed by our Pastoral Vice President, Lynda, before setting out on her maiden voyage with an all-female crew, representing every section from Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Young Leaders, adult members and our County President, Susan. 

Huge thanks to the Mayor for cutting the ribbon - he earnt a rest after the litter pick so no paddling for him this weekend!

NEW UNIFORM LAUNCH

A big thank you from Northampton Guide Shop for supporting our New Uniform Launch.

There was a fantastic turn out of leaders, parents and girls. All enjoyed seeing what is available to buy, discussing what is to come in the next month and joinng friends at the refreshment table.

Thanks to the whole shop team, but especially to Claire Strudwick for the power point presentation and Karen Skears and family for the fabulous photos.

August opening hours

Wednesday 2.00 to 6.00 pm

Saturday 10.00 to 12.00am

Look out for LAUNCH TWO  The Sequel coming to Trefoil House Saturday 29 August

Val and Rosemary

Give your unit a night to remember!

(Don't Worry, Leaders Can Join in Too! )



Now taking bookings for Autumn/Winter 2026

Click here to contact us...

or click here to read our amazing reviews!

The Queen's Guide Award is the highest award you can work towards in Girlguiding. This award is open to members aged 16 to 30. You have 3 years to complete it or up until your 31st Birthday.

There are 5 sections; Personal Development Challenge, Guiding Challenge, Community Action Challenge, Lead the Way Challenge and Social Experience Challenge.

For more information; queensguide@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Use the QR code to fill out on your phone or fill out on your pc HERE

If you would rather print the form and post it please use the link to the pdf below

Training Record Cards are available to print from the county website

Nights Away Badges

Keep track of your nights away using the record card below. When you reach 1,3,5,7,10,15,25,50,75,100,150 and 200 nights you can celebrate with a Northamptonshire nights away badge. Buy from the local shops or use the form below to purchase from the county office (you will need to add on postage unless collecting)

We have two properties in the county that you can book for days, evenings or overnights.....

MacQueen House  

Information and availability for MacQueen HERE

MacQueen House Coffee morning on Tuesday 25th August at the home of Jo Pearce. 10-12. Bring a garden chair to sit on!

More information from: macqueen@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Jubilee Campsite



Information and availability for campsite HERE

How to contact the HQ safeguarding team

If you have a safeguarding concern, report it. If it’s an emergency and there’s an immediate risk of harm, you must call the emergency services first, and then report to the HQ safeguarding team.

Get in touch during office hours on +44(0)207 834 6242 ext. 3037 or email safeguarding@girlguiding.org.uk

For out of hours emergencies, call +44(0)7508 032997 (5-10pm Monday to Friday; 9am-10pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays).

Midlands Region Grants – free money

Apply now using the current forms available HERE if your unit or an individual member would benefit from the support.

2027 Gang Show will be held at:

The Core at Corby Cube, with a total of 5 Performances:  

Weds 17^th, Thurs 18^th, Fri 19^th, Sat. 20^th March 2027 (Matinee/ Eve.)

Registration for Glendon Gang Show 2027 will take place at:

Woodcroft Scout Centre, London Road, Kettering, NN15 6NQ

Sunday 20^th September 2026       2:00 - 3:30/4:00 pm

Sunday 27^th September 2026       2:00 - 3:30/4:00 pm

(you only need to attend one of the dates)

Any young person listed below can register their interest to be in the Show, by attending one of the above events.

                            Scouting:                              Girlguiding: 

                            Cub                                        Brownie

                       (Aged over 8 years on 1st September 2026)

                            Scout                                     Guide

                            Explorer                                 Ranger

                           Young Leader                      Young Leader

                            Network / Leader                Leader

                (Aged under 25 years on 20^th March 2027 – Last Day of Show)

Young people should attend in their Full Uniform, along with their Parents / Guardian. Further information about the Show, will be provided at the Registration Day(s), together with the rehearsal schedule and the expectations of commitment. Rehearsals will broadly be held at Woodcroft Scout Centre, Kettering, should there be any changes during the rehearsal period, due to room availability, these will be communicated to you in good time. The whole registration event, should last no longer than 1-1½ Hrs. Please note, there will be a one-off registration payment of £15 per cast member, to cover Show administration and rehearsal costs.

Should you be unable to attend on either of the days shown, please contact: 

Julie Barton – Cast & Adult administrator     Email: gangshow@glendonscouts.org.uk     Tel: 07875 044298

If you can help in any way towards the Show, or would like further information, please get in touch with us.

Mark Phipps            /     Chris Curchin

Tel: 07505 131046          Tel: 07971 817454

Bring the Battle of Naseby to Your Meeting Place

Discover the story of Naseby 1645 by welcoming a member of our team to your meeting place.

You’ll learn: why the battle took place, what happened on the day, what the aftermath meant for the Civil War

Leaders:

Naseby 1645 is a ready-made programme for Scouts, Girl Guides and Cadets meetings. The team will run most of the session — you simply open and close the meeting and help keep everyone focused during the presentation.

Best of all, it’s free! Contact us at enquiries@naseby.com

SUMMER OPENING TIMES BELOW - All leaders can enjoy 10% discount off new adult uniform on in person sales on these dates...

County Office - The Unity Centre

Do some photocopying or get help with your DBS or any other aspect of Go!

We are open 9.30am-12.30pm Weekdays in term-time. During school holidays it is always best to call 01604 648740 or email office@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

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