County Commissioner’s Corner – Nov 17

My last few weeks in Girlguiding Glasgow have been very busy after a few weeks downtime from unexpected illness. At times such as this you really appreciate being part of a movement such as Girlguiding as many Guiding friends sent well wishes and I even had a delivery of Galaxy chocolate in abundance which aided my recover superbly. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and to Evelyn and the rest of the team who covered my diary and inbox over the two weeks and for everyone’s understanding as I have been getting back up to speed!

First diary commitment was with my Senior Section unit on a flying visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the day a very early start from Glasgow Central meant we were at the park for it opening at 9:30am ready for a fast day of fun in the park. Our timing was impeccable as Ministry of Sound had guest DJ’s playing so we were entertained all day!

The following weekend Evelyn and I spent the day in Edinburgh at Girlguiding Scotland taking some time out to catch up on our epic Girlguiding Glasgow ‘to do’ list which was highly productive and satisfying. Our hard work was rewarded by a lovely evening meal, with the new Scottish Chief Guide, Dr Moira McKenna, who was keen to learn more about our County, the challenges we face and our aspirations. It was a lovely evening sharing our passion for Girlguiding and telling her about all the wonderful activity going on across our County.

Next up on the agenda was the Scottish County Commissioners weekend at Netherurd, this time round we had a bonus day added into the programme to complete the level four Safe Space training which was delivered by Girlguiding staff on the Friday, before the conference commenced in the evening through to Sunday afternoon. A full on agenda was covered by the new Scottish Chief Commissioner team with a clear ambition to grow Girlguiding in Scotland!!!

Back to Edinburgh by invitation of Girlguiding Scotland for our Executive team the following weekend to undertake a governance review and an opportunity for the team to review our progress to date and review the plan we are following going forward. The team found the day worthwhile and purposeful and challenged us all as trustees of our organisation!

The following day I spent a lovely afternoon with Kirstyn, Girlguiding Glasgow Senior Section adviser, and our County Baden Powell Guides who were down at Achachairdeis for their BP adventure weekend participating in outdoor adventure activities and making new friendships as part of their award. The Guides made the most of me being there and gave me plenty of hints and tips on how to make Girlguiding Glasgow even better – thanks girls!

My last weekend of the month I had the pleasure of attending our County training day which I found very useful and reassuring when hearing all about our new programme. I left with plenty ideas to take away for my unit. It was a lovely day getting an opportunity to catch up with friends old and new.

So all in all it has been a busy but very enjoyable few weeks and I just need to get back on top on my Girlguiding inbox and the world will all make sense again!!

A busy few weeks lie ahead including our County Annual Review – Girlguiding Glasgow Celebrates. I look forward to seeing some of you there,

Best wishes

Jill