Guiding volunteers needed to keep 100-year-old tradition alive

Frome’s Guide packs are in urgent need of volunteers to ensure a 100-year-old tradition in the town continues for future generations.

Girlguiding has been a part of Frome for nearly a century. The 3rd Frome Guides celebrate their 100th anniversary this year, and 4th Frome Guides will reach the milestone next year. Rainbows, the youngest section of Girlguiding, was introduced nationally in 1987.

Volunteers are vital to keeping the groups running, helping with activities such as crafts, games, fundraising events and trips for local girls.

“Volunteers are required to attend a unit meeting, which could be every week or on a rota during school terms,” explained volunteer Kirstie Jones.

The groups meet weekly during term time, with additional events such as sleepovers, weekend camps and day trips taking place during school holidays.

“Volunteers could also support with fundraising or admin if they don’t want to attend the weekly meetings,” added Kirstie.

Volunteers have the opportunity to complete an adult leadership qualification, which enables them to help plan and run activities and trips alongside a leadership team.

“If they’re working towards the qualification, they’re supported by a learning mentor and the other unit leaders, who are always on hand to give guidance,” said Kirstie. “Without volunteers, these groups can’t operate – we urgently need help.”

In addition to weekly meetings, the groups take part in a variety of exciting activities. Rainbows have an annual sleepover, while Brownies often go on a two-night pack holiday. Last October, 4th Frome Guides and Rangers travelled to Iceland after a major fundraising effort, and they are due to go on a weekend camp in June.

“All Guides also have the opportunity to attend a sleepover at Wells Cathedral,” said Kirstie. “3rd Frome Guides and Rangers go on a summer camp every year. None of this would be possible without volunteers.”

Over the years, the groups have made a big contribution to the local community – from fundraising for Fair Frome and collecting food for the food bank, to planting bulbs at Critchell Court and serving at a Harvest Supper. They have raised money for Bath Cats & Dogs Home, made ‘cups of kindness’ to give to strangers, created seed bombs for the Kindness Festival, and put together shoeboxes for the homeless.

“We always take part in the Frome Children’s Carnival – we’ve been involved since 2013 and are usually the largest group taking part,” said Kirstie.

To find out more or sign up as a volunteer for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Rangers, visit:

https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/register-to-volunteer/

Pictured: Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at last year’s Carnival