A new chapter for News and Views

October is here already and, after many months of discussion, we have made the final decision about the future of News and Views. From now on, our monthly publication will be called News and will bring volunteers all the important information they need, including upcoming events, awards, contact details and much more.

But what about the photographs and stories that show what our Divisions, Districts and units have been getting up to? These will have a new online home, with editions published in January, May, July and October. Please keep sending your photographs and news to news@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk; we will bring everything together ready for the next edition.

For now, we are calling the new publication County Roundup—but we are sure you can come up with an even better, catchier title! Please send your suggestions to news@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk by 30th November.

There will be another change too: I will no longer be leading the monthly News on my own. Helen, our Deputy County Commissioner, will also be taking this on every other month.

Meanwhile, there are still plenty of residentials taking place, giving members across all sections some fantastic opportunities. Kayleigh, our International Lead Volunteer, has also run a very successful weekend where girls could explore the international opportunities available through Girlguiding.



As always, thank you for everything you do for Girlguiding across Northamptonshire. Your time, energy and commitment make so many memorable experiences possible, and they are very much appreciated by Helen, Lesley, Chris and me.

Mandy Ludlow

Northamptonshire County Commissioner

Jean Steel 

The news of the death of Jean Steel was received with great sadness.   During her time in Guiding, she had been District Commissioner for Wollaston and also Brownie Holiday and Camp Adviser for Wellingborough and Rural Division.   She was warden of the Jubilee Camp Site for many years which is where I grew to know her.   She loved the site and she and her husband spent a lot of their time working there. 

In 2004, a new hut was built to replace the old hut which had been at Jubilee since 1936.   Jean was very much part of the team deciding what we needed with the new hut and we have a wonderful photograph of Jean, having brought in her sewing machine to the camp site, finishing making curtains for the Guiders’ room at the hut – probably last minute, making sure that it was ready for the opening day! - Barbarah Malcomson

COMMUNICATIONS -



If you haven't already told us please fill out to form below and let us know your preferred method of communication

For those who have requested a printed copy of this news, any links or forms to fill out will need to be accessed by viewing the pdf copy using the link below;

https://www.girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk/news-views/

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 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 and are not sure if you have completed everything properly, ring or email the county office 01604 648740/office@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk and they can let you know.

You can also visit the county office 9.30-12.30 weekdays and term-time to complete in person.

Roller Disco Extravaganza!

Saturday 24 October 2026

This event is now full

Thinking Day 2027 - Booking details coming next month. One venue. Coaches may be available from Brackley, Towcester and Daventry. If you are in these areas and think you would use a coach please email us with approximate numbers so the cost can be calculated office@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

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

Email Chris for more info: accoutdoors@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Oktoberfest

Sip, sip, hooray! Oktoberfest is coming back to Wicksteed Park this October!

Get into the Oktoberfest spirit on the 3rd October 2026 from 7:30pm, with over 90 minutes of Entertainment from the one-of-a-kind Bavarian themed Party Band, ‘The Oomparty Band’. Join in on sing-a-longs and drinking games with our German Hostess followed by a disco to keep the party going.

Get those dirndl and lederhosen at the ready, as fancy dress is strongly encouraged.

If you love pretzels and bratwurst then you’re in for a treat. German food and drinks will be available to purchase on the night.

Tickets to this brew-tiful party are £20 per person when you book online in advance, or £25 on the day subject to availability (card only). Parking is included in your ticket.

Don’t miss out on an evening of Prost, cheers and beers! Book your tickets to Wicksteed Park’s Oktoberfest party now!

PLEASE NOTE: This event is 18+ only so please bring along proof of age ID to enter the event. Please check our Terms and Conditions before booking.

More information and booking - Oktoberfest - Wicksteed Park

We would like to offer Girl Guidng Leaders a 10% discount code to purchase their own tickets online if this is something you would be happy to share and they are interested in.

The discount code is: U93PHVW

Milton Keynes Theatre have an incredible calendar of shows right up to 2028.

With exclusive education offers! Please see below all the shows included in our savings for Uniform & Education Groups. There is something for all age groups, please feel free to share with your local groups.

On top of the exclusive reduced price for your group, you will also receive 1 free leader per 10 youth

On top of the discounted seats and 1 :10 free leader, the following benefits apply;

No deposit required & no transaction fees will apply

Extended pay by date, allowing time to confirm numbers and collect payment. Cancellations are possible up until the pay by date.

Dedicated Group Booking Team groupsales@atgtickets.com or call 020 7206 1174 quoting ‘Uniform Group’

Discounted ice creams if pre ordered, Free Educational resource packs on select shows

*please see website for more show information and age guidance

*prices subject to availability and change. Select price bands.

*for additional family and friends please ask for available show concessions and other group discounts

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

Girlguiding and the DofE



Are you a Guide? Ranger? Young leader? Adult member aged 14-24? Below is some guidance for unit leaders and volunteers about doing the volunteering section of DofE within guiding and some general information about the DofE programme.

For any DofE related questions or help on a specific issue email dofe@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Advice for Volunteers

Advice for Leaders

Katie Ward is our new DofE Lead Volunteer for more information email dofe@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

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

Coffee morning Thursday 5 November 10-12. Donations. Raffle, bring and buy stalls.

Jubilee Campsite



Information and availability for campsite HERE

How to contact the HQ safeguarding team

If you have a safeguarding concern, report it.

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.

County Office - The Unity Centre

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

Open 9.30am-12.30pm weekdays in term-time. During school holidays it is best to call 01604 648740 or email office@girlguidingnorthamptonshire.org.uk

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