Dear Friends,

Spring has at last arrived here in the UK with daffodil, crocuses, and snowdrops already out in the gardens.   Just need plenty of sunshine and the cold north winds to stop.  I have been hearing that the USA have been suffering from very deep snow but I hope by now you are now all looking forward to better weather.

Our group of 20 from the Friends of the four world centres have just returned from a session in Sangam India where the exciting news is that there is to be ‘new builds’ which will be new bedrooms over what are now the garages.  These will be for the staff leaving more rooms for people who volunteer to give service in the community.  WAGGGS has received a very big donation to help with this work but more will be needed if you feel you need a special project this year

We have 59 Friends from Ireland and the UK  joining in a gathering in Somerset in April this year which is always a fun week with outings to local places of interest,  dancing, singing, and perhaps walking in the area.   Next year 2011 we are planning our gathering in Waddow in Lancashire which is one of girlguidings training centres.

Also next year in September we are organising for the Friends to go as a group to Our Chalet in Switzerland and welcome enquiries from anywhere in the World.  By visiting these lovely places we are helping them financially.

I have also heard that the Friends in the United States are hoping to plan a trip to Sangam in India for next year and will be open to all the Friends no matter where you live.

We have a growing membership which helps the centres with those little extras as  well as supporting young people to go for a time to work at one the centres.

So I hope you will all encourage new memberships and encourage everyone to come on one of our trips or gatherings.  Everyone is so friendly and you would be made very welcome

Yours in guiding

June Webb.