Articles - Miscellaneous

HQ40

Over the weekend of 6th and 7th July children and adults were seen leaving the creature comforts of Roundhay and heading to Burley Woodhead, near Ilkley, for a weekend of fun, excitement and celebration. I am of course, talking about the HQ40 Camp for all Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Rangers at St. Edmunds', to celebrate the HQ's 40th birthday!

An advance party of Leaders set up camp on Friday evening and were up early on Saturday morning to welcome the campers. The Rainbows and Beavers visited for the day and were able to join in with the crafts, games and challenges with the older children. Other activities included grass sledging and 5 legged football, not to mention Giant Golf and camp cooking.

The evening celebrations went with a swing with a disco with plenty of Guiders letting their hair down to Y.M.C.A. and the Scouters demonstrating "Dad" dancing. There was a laugh for everyone.

We closed with a Barbeque in the rain, and we were pleased to welcome Mr Derek Oliver, one of the Scouters at St. Edmunds responsible for the hut as we know it. During the service held in the campsite Chapel (under an old oak tree with views over Wharfedale) Simon was able to bless the new Guiding flags, bought in the memory of Isobel Brown.

I would just like to say a big "thankyou" to everyone who made the weekend such a big success. People have been complimenting me on the organisation of the event, as it went without a hitch, but I'd just like to say it is easy when you are organising experts and that is what St Edmunds Uniformed Organisations have in abundance- EXPERTS!

At the end of this term I will be finishing as a Brownie Leader at Monday Brownies. I have been involved in some way for 20 years with the Units at St Edmunds and it has brought me much fun, enjoyment and opportunities, which otherwise I would not have experienced and shared. I have friends who will last a lifetime and skills I can use elsewhere in my life. I urge anyone with a little time to spare, to get involved! You won't regret it and after all - life begins at 40 and the HQ has just turned 40. Who will take the UFOs into HQ50?

Helen Bunce, Ex Brownie Guider

25 July, 2007