Fordingbridge Travellers

FORDINGBRIDGE DISTRICT GOES TO TOWN!

PAX LODGE - Fordingbridge have had a pretty hectic last year. For my part, I get to tell you about our annual trip to London, which we normally do just before our girls who joined us at 14 go off to University. This year being no different. We have Alison going off the Bristol and Anna to Cambridge.

Anyway to our trip to London. We stayed at Pax Lodge this time, which is out on the edge of Hampstead Heath and one of the WAGGGS world centres. This is a most beautiful place to stay, very clean, friendly and very international.

We arrived on the Saturday at about 10.30am, left our bags at Pax Lodge and made our way into town. We booked a show at the half price stalls at Leicester Square. I am not sure we got there early enough for the real bargains and were left with only a few choices. We choose to see Mary Poppins, which was enjoyable. I must tell you about a superb cake shop-come coffee shop where we had our lunch. We have never seen cakes so beautiful. Wedding cakes, which were out of this world. I think one of the girls said that if she got married she would have to have a cake from there.

After the show, we went to Covent Gardens to have a roam around and something to eat, before going off to Hyde Park for Proms in the Park. This was the first time for all of us experiencing the proms in the park. A brilliant night, music was wonderful and we flew the flat to aching arms in the morning.

Sunday morning saw us up enjoying a very leisurely breakfast at Pax Lodge and then all outside for flag up, which was very moving for Hayley who has now visited two of the World Centres, but we feel Pax Lodge is the best.

We then headed off to the London Eye for our booked trip. For me this was the highlight of my weekend. It was a perfect hot sunny day and the sights from the Eye were stunning. We were lucky enough not to have the pod packed with other people and in fact, I think there could be no more than 10 of us in there. After a leisurely stroll around London taking in Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street and the Embankment, we finished our day off in a lovely pub for a lovely lunch.

Here's to next year’s trip.
Anne King, Assistant Guider, 1st Fordingbridge Rangers

BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDEN PARTIES
In July, Sally Gemmell, accompanied by Doug and Pat Newman, accompanied by her sister, had the privilege of attending Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. As we all remember they enjoyed the most beautiful warm summer weather. It was a most memorable day for all of them.

Although not introduced to the Queen, they were able to be near enough to appreciate her warmth and interest in those whom she did meet. Prince Philip accompanied the Queen. Also in attendance were Prince Charles and Camilla; the Duke of Kent; Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Princess Alexandra. Guests were served a delicious traditional English afternoon tea, and during the afternoon two military bands played entertaining music.

Sally and Pat were invited because of Hale Brownies being nominated by the Hale Parish Council for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The present Brownie Leaders, Cherry Bromage and Sue Huckfield, have been invited by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire to a reception at Serle's House in Winchester on 3rd October. The Brownies were invited to a service at Winchester Cathedral, but unfortunately it was sent to the Village Hall and not received in time for the Brownies to be able to attend.

Sally and Pat very much appreciate the recognition of the Parish Council in making the nomination of the contribution that Hale Brownies make to our community.
Sally Gemmell, Fordingbridge Trefoil Guild

THE BIG BREAKFAST
In September Fordingbridge Trefoil Guild organised a Big Breakfast at Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge, in support of the BBC Daisy Appeal for the Wessex Cancer Trust. 100+ customers enjoyed a full English breakfast of fruit juice, cereals, egg, bacon, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, jam, marmalade and tea or coffee. £743 was raised for the Appeal to help with three major projects: a gamma camera for Southampton General Hospital; a chalet for respite holidays for cancer patients and their families in the BBC Radio Solent region; and a new chemotherapy unit at St Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Jill Burton, Fordingbridge Trefoil Guild

FINLAND - WIK 2006, 31 JULY TO 8 AUGUST
I was selected to go as an Assistant leader on a South West Region trip to the WIK Jamboree, in Dragsfjard, South West Finland. Three of us took twelve Guides and Rangers from all over the Region, and after two pre‑weekends and lots of planning we were ready to set off on our adventure. The jamboree lasted eight days so we had decided to have a few days either side to soak up other cultures! We flew to Helsinki from Bristol, found our hotel and spent a few hours relaxing before walking down to explore the local area. Our first evening meal was a real introduction to Finland, as a few of the girls were brave enough to try raw reindeer meat as a starter! The following day was spent sightseeing and preparing for camp.

On our arrival at camp, we soon found that the "back to basics" style promised was not a let down. Having cleared the forest floor we pitched our tents and set to work making all the gadgets we needed! Following a short walk from our site we found ourselves standing on the beach looking out at the Baltic Sea; the views were truly stunning. Each morning at camp began with a swim in the Baltic, followed by breakfast and morning flag break on the beach. The theme of camp was Vikings and Viking Culture; many of the activities were based on this. Activities included orienteering and incident hikes, canoeing, sailing and rowing a Viking boat. We enjoyed many campfires on the beach and some magical sunsets. One evening we presented the traditional English entertainment we had prepared which was Morris dancing, complete with raggy jackets and bells. We made many international friends and the girls and leaders alike fully embraced the Viking culture! After camp, we returned to the same hotel in Helsinki and had another full day of exploring the city, that evening held a special treat as we enjoyed a trip to a local ICE BAR! For the last two days of the trip we travelled to Estonia and visited the medieval town of Tallin. We had a bus and a walking tour and learnt a lot about the history of this beautiful town, the evening and trip was rounded off with a fantastic traditional medieval banquet.

We returned home with 12 very tired but happy girls; we all had an absolutely amazing experience and would go back like a shot! Another fantastic opportunity provided by Guiding.

Hayley Faithfull, Fordingbridge Rainbow and Ranger Guider