Buckinghamshire Girlguiding: an inspirational afternoon

This afternoon Julie and I had the honour and great pleasure to be present at the Banner Service for Girlguiding in Bucks at St George's Church, RAF Halton. This is the occasion when all the banners of girl guide units and districts from across Bucks and MK are rededicated to the guiding family. The first banner service was held on 28 October 1928 and has been held every year since (apart from the war years). It is an occasion unique to Bucks. And it was a delight to see guides of all ages from (I am guessing) 5 to 95!

The banners were fabulous! Each one is carefully designed and hand stitched together with silver and sometimes golden thread. Each new design has to be passed by the College of Arms.

The Bucks 'chain gang' were out in force this afternoon: I met the Mayors of Marlow, Olney, High Wycombe, Newport Pagnell and Milton Keynes among several other council leaders and chairs. It was good to Isobel Darby, leader of Chiltern District Council again. (We did some work together on reforming the constitution of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Association of Local Councillors a couple of years ago.)

The High Sheriff was there in full black breaches and the Lord Lieutenant in full uniform also (and I had a good conversation with his wife about ambition and purpose).

I hunted for the Buckingham unit banner and I was told by the District Commissioner for Wolverton, Margaret Lorton, that it was work in progress. And they were still raising money for the banner to be produced (they each cost about £1000 in materials). I mentioned that they might want to put a bid into the Town Council grants process for help with the cost. And I said I would be happy to come along and talk with any of the groups, brownies or guides, on a subject of their choosing.

(UPDATE: Margaret has since emailed me to say that there is a banner for Buckingham District but the woman who was bringing it was called away at short notice. There is a banner for the Buckingham Division which is under preparation. Watch this space!)

All in all a fabulous afternoon that finished with some tasty cake and a cup of tea.

My last point to mention is that they are always looking for volunteers to help run the various units be they Rainbows, Brownies or Guides. Their national website says that whatever time you have to spare, they could really do with your help! You can contact the local association here.