It's Time to GO!

The place to be last weekend was Pettypool Lodge, where we found out more about Streamline and the GO! database.

Designed to make life for all leaders and Commissioners much less ruled by forms, giving them more time to spend on Guiding activities. Did you know 2009 was the last paper census, did you know you will be able to update your own records, did you know the GO! database will ensure security for all our personal information? If you can answer 'Yes' to these questions you must have been there, if not don't worry, more information will be available via Forest News, the County website and Guiding magazine. Many thanks to Janet Grant and her team for running such an informative weekend, with lots of cake and coffee to fuel the little grey cells.

In contrast to last week I spent two evenings with new Commissioners, who had said 'yes', going through their training programme. I think I need to find a way to bottle their enthusiasm to support the leaders and girls in their areas, it is definitely good for the Guiding soul.

Speaking of which, this weekend is the time of year that touches the heart of everyone involved with Guiding. Thinking Day embodies three essences of Guiding; International, Heritage and the Promise. Wherever and however you celebrate have a wonderful Thinking Day. I'll let you know how I marked the occasion next time.

Catching Up

We have been back from our trip to USA for a week and I'm still catching up with everything that has been happening in Cheshire Forest whilst I was away...what a busy county you are!

On Thursday it was the meeting about the Centenary Launch party on 6 September. What an exciting day that is going to be with everything from clowns to cake and masks to magicians. Don't miss your chance to 'be there' at the biggest party Cheshire Forest has ever seen! Saturday brought the Region Executive so that was a trip up the M6 to Preston in the company of Dire Straits to see Sue Lomas chair her first meeting (were a couple of her new initiatives tried and tested in Cheshire Forest?? You bet they were!)

No meetings for three days so it was manning the phone and the e-mails to find two new District Commissioners, a new adviser and a Commissioner mentor, as well as continuing the 'catch up'. No 'yes' but some 'thinking about it'. Now I'm thinking about food so I need to catch up with my dinner.