THE GUIDE ASSOCIATION

Girlguiding Leeds

COUNTY PRESIDENT

Glennis Allan

COUNTY VICE PRESIDENTS

Jean Collinson Marjorie Emsley Doreen Escolme Val Faint Andrea Hanson Ann Hemsworth Judith Johns Eunice Kinghorn Dorothy Lazarus Jenny Roberts Ruth Spencer Maureen Hallatt

TRUSTEES OF GIRLGUIDING LEEDS

COUNTY COMISSIONONER

Audrey Morrall

DIVISION COMMISSIONERS

Airedale: Shagufta Sharif Leeds North: Cathy Barratt Athill: Ann Sadler Leeds North East: Elaine Gee

Billing: Joscelin Davidson Leeds South East: Marjorie Bell

Bramham Moor: Susan Everard Leeds South West: Lynne Reid

Chevin: Cath Gillson Leeds West: Patricia Hayes & Nikki Hawcroft

Elmet: Gillian Ainsley Skyrac: Alison Hughes

COUNTY SECRETARY

Tricia Smith

COUNTY TREASURER

Jan Ali

OTHER COUNTY PERSONNEL

ASSISTANT COUNTY SECRETARY (CRB) Ruth Spencer, Pauline Barker, Sandra Goddard

ASSISTANT COUNTY SECRETARY (CRB & Desktop Publishing) Sandra Goddard

COUNTY GO CO-ORDINATORS

Sue Marley

COUNTY ADVISERS AND CO-ORDINATORS

LEAD CO-ORDINATOR – Advisers – Anne Schofield

BADEN-POWELL AWARD CO-ORDINATOR PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISER Hannah Bithell & Kirstie Lewis Jennie Carroll

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD ADVISER QUEEN’S GUIDE CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Goddard Sarah Goddard

FIRST RESPONSE COORDINATOR SAFE SPACE ADVISER Sue Everard Canon Ann Hemsworth

FRIENDS OF GIRLGUIDING LEEDS SENIOR SECTI0N ADVISER Jenny Roberts Jess Beck

INTERNATIONAL ADVISER Peer Educator Co-ordinator Karen Whitelaw Lucy Greenfield

JOIN US CO-ORDINATOR ADVISER FOR MEMBERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Lynne Reid Hazel Stancliffe

LEADERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR PLT TREFOIL GUILD CHAIRMAN Andrea Simon Hazel Brown

ASSISTANT COUNTY LEADERSHIP CO-ORDINATORS ROBIN HOLE CHAIRMAN Mavis Davison Judith Emsley

LEADERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR TREFOIL CENTRE CHAIRMAN Carol Medd Anita Caldwell

OUTDOOR AND RESIDENTIAL TEAM LEAD Lynne Baum

PROGRAMME, LEADERSHIP & TRAINING Andrea Simon – Lead Co-Ordinator

Awards and Thanks

Award Queens Guide

Rachel Kirkwood Sophie Etherington

Lucy Greenfield Emma Wilkinson

Helen Miles

Chief Guide Challenge

Lucy Dobson 3rd Garforth Guides

Helen Essell

1st Collingham Guides

County Service: Thanks to the following for service given:

Caroline Brannigan Division Commissioner Elmet Maureen Hallatt Chair of Trefoil Centre Sophie Etherington Division Commissioner Leeds West Hannah Bithell Baden-Powell Coordinator Kirstie Lewis Baden-Powell Coordinator Marie Pearson Senior Section Adviser Louise Flynn PLT – Lead Coordinator Dianna Bell Trefoil Guild Chairman

Welcome to:

Gillian Ainsley Division Commissioner Elmet Patricia Hayes Division Commissioner Leeds West Nikki Hawcroft Division Commissioner Leeds Wests Anita Caldwell Chair of Trefoil Centre Susanne Johnson Baden Powell Coordinator Andrea Simon PLT Lead Coordinator Hazel Brown Trefoil Guild Chairman

From the County Commissioner

Another great year which was sadly my last as County Commissioner, it was a great honour to be asked to take on the role and I have enjoyed my five years with many memories made along the way. At the start of the year Anne Esslemont met with the Canal and River Trust to arrange the adoption of the area around the Royal Armouries. Units embraced this challenge and have planted bulbs and flowers, painted lock gates, and general tidying up of the area. A challenge badge was designed for anyone taking part in the scheme and it will carry on into 2016 due to the success of the scheme. In June following on with the canal theme we took part in the Leeds Waterfront Festival where a team took part in the dragon boat race, sadly we did not win but as they say it’s the taking part that counts.

An Outdoor Skills day at Robin Hole in March saw leaders trying their hand at lots of outdoor activities even the weather did not dampen their enthusiasm and they all agreed it had been a great day. We had a team weekend at Wynches for Commissioners and advisers. This helps everyone get to know each other and work together towards the same aim. It was a very worthwhile weekend. The Rainbow Eggstravaganza at Gateways School saw hundreds of Rainbows, having fun on all the activities which included crafts, dancing, trails, games and bouncy castles. Everyone left with an Easter egg after singing songs at an indoor camp fire. A Growing Guiding event was held at the Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds and girls and leaders did a conga around one of the levels in the centre. We raised the profile of Girlguiding Leeds and lots of people stopped to chat about guiding. We held a very successful County Camp at Bradley Wood, the weather was kind to us and everyone enjoyed the activities which included, high ropes, crate stacking, wide game, volleyball competition, crafts and beach activities to name a few. The girls had great fun making candy floss, building sand castles and flinging flip flops. Evening entertainment had the girls singing so loudly they drowned out the sound of the motorway, they relaxed on the grass to watch a movie and danced at the disco on the last evening. Everyone left very tired but all agreed they

had had a great time. Thanks must go to everyone involved in organising, running activities, looking after the guides and to the girls themselves, there

was nothing but praise for how they all behaved.

We were asked to take part in the next round of the

uniformed youth social action fund to grow guiding in Leeds,

Youth United Foundation and the Cabinet Office awarded

£10 million from LIBOR fines) to organisations to create

opportunities where young people are provided with

opportunities to both develop themselves, as well as their community through social action. Becky Hutchinson

was employed for a year and has so far opened six new units. And recruited over 20 new adult volunteers into

guiding. The Bi-annual Carol Service in York Minster is always a very special occasion with all the standards from across the Region and the Country coming together to make a stunning procession and display. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make the past five years so fantastic. I know I have had some great times and I hope that you all have too. I wish you all the best for the future.

Audrey Morrall

County President’s Message

By the time you read this, a new County Commissioner will be in place joined by her new County President. For me, five years as County President have flown past and this will be my last county report. But I can look back at many great times not only in 2015 but all the previous years too. There have been some amazing events.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Lotherton were a triumph in spite of the weather which threatened to bring everything to a halt! But would that ever happen? Guiders always manage to carry on regardless. There were great activities, decorated boats, and an Air Ambulance to help out an injured bus driver! The Brownie birthday celebrated at Flamingo Land- inspired! A Rainbow extravaganza at Gateways- a mass of red clad tornadoes -but what fun. Leeds Rocks also a great innovation enjoyed by everyone including the cast! The spectacular event at Wetherby race course was amazing and catered for all age groups. County camps occur with unfailing regularity along with unit and Division camps all run by enthusiastic guiders and even more enthusiastic guides and brownies.

All of these things are brought about by team work. No -one need ever feel that they are on their own. There is a massive support network in place from County, Division and District Commissioners Over the years roles have been redefined to make life easier, job descriptions updated and new teams have been formed to work on specific tasks including programme development, Outdoor activities, training and recruitment along with mentoring and support available for all leaders and other volunteers. Properties have been improved and are continuing to be improved which benefit us all and job sharing has been encouraged. Methods of communications have been updated to meet the needs of life in the technical age by putting so much more online including the annual report, Leeds forward, training information and the county directory. I would like to say a huge thank to Audrey and all her team for all the hard work they have all put in over the past 5 years –valuing every member from the youngest rainbow to the oldest member (probably a Trefoil member!), supporting, encouraging and challenging. Audrey’s approachable manner and open -minded qualities, her friendly and relaxed approach has brought everyone together. I wish the new team every success. ‘Hats off to the past and sleeves rolled up for the future’. We have a thriving and flourishing Leeds County Guide association of which we can all be extremely proud.

Glennis Allan County President

DIVISION REPORTS 2015

Airedale Division There has been a hive of activity in Airedale division in 2015. All the units have been growing throughout the year and leaders have continued to do a great job by consistently providing fun and challenging activities. One of the highlights came from 1st Pudsey Brownies who took part in the Pudsey Carnival and won the Best Carnival float competition. The win was covered by the Yorkshire Post: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/bumper-crowds-at-vibrant-celebrations-in-pudsey-and-otley-1-7264959

A HOST of sparkling parades and community celebrations have brought people together this weekend

in Leeds. An estimated 10,000 people ventured out for Pudsey Carnival

Athill Division

38th Leeds (Holy Name) Rainbows celebrated their 25th Anniversary in June 2015. We celebrated at Church Parade on 7th June (actually anniversary of first ever meeting was 12th), where Fr Pat chose special readings and involved the Rainbows in a special Rainbow themed homily. Afterwards the Rainbows acted as 'usherettes' carrying Rainbow themed trays serving cakes & biscuits - all with a Rainbow theme - to members of the Parish, whilst they looked at a display of photos of our unit from over the last 25 years. 3rd Cookridge Rainbows celebrated their 20th Birthday on the 4th September 2015. Rainbows were asked to design a badge to celebrate. The winning design by Chloe Sadler was made into a badge and given to all who attended. Guiders past and present came and celebrated with tea and cake and memories shared. Old games and new games were played.

Ann Sadler

Billing Division

The Division has grown by a the equivalent of a whole unit full of girls - although not all in the same unit - since this time last year – units have taken ‘just one more’ seriously – be it an extra girl, new leaders, or starting a new unit! Yeadon District Yeadon District started off 2015 celebrating World Thinking together. Since then it has been a year of adventure with Brownies going for a sleepover at Eureka, as well as visiting PGL. Guides have celebrated their love for chocolate decorating Easter Eggs. The Rainbows have been visiting Pets at Home and having their annual Sleepover. We have had Leaders achieve their Leadership Qualification and others celebrating 10 and 20 years of service. Horsforth South District Horsforth South have been Growing Guiding with a vengeance – we have had quite a few new leaders join the District this year, and have re-opened a Guide Unit to create places for those who didn’t fit into the existing unit, which also provides Guides on a different night of the week for those who can’t make the other unit. We have also placed several Young Leaders with units, and are looking forward to showing them the opportunities of The Senior Section program in this centenary year. We are looking to provide support and training to all our leaders – both qualified and in training - over the next year. Rawdon District Rawdon Guides enjoyed Origami folding with Life's Big Canvas, Golden Owl Awards at Leeds Town Hall, trips to the theatre, County Camp, bell ringing and Christmas Fair fundraising of £600 for their trip to Switzerland in 2017. Rawdon Brownies also enjoyed panto & theatre trips to Yeadon, a sleepover and pack holiday at WYNCHES with a wonderful experience at Clip & Climb, Ilkley. Rawdon Rainbows went to the County Easter Eggstravaganza, took a trip to the canal via the train and the water taxi and also to the theatre on the top deck of the bus! They also had lots of parties with dressing up and really tasty food!! As a District, 220 of us including the Scouts, Cubs & Beavers had a wet but fabulous trip to Flamingo Land in September. Horsforth North District We have had a busy year. All three rainbow groups have waiting lists. All the Brownie packs have participated in varied and exciting programmes including holidays to Waddow, visits to Eureka and pottery workshops. They have enjoyed a variety of badges, learning cooking, first aid, road safety and disability awareness. Guides are thriving and planning and carrying out a wide variety of different evenings on team building, cooking etc., and some were also able to join in the County Camp. The Senior Section has a varied programme of debate, cooking and planning evenings and activities for other girls in the district.

Joscelin Davison

Bramham Moor Division

Bramham Moor Division is made up of 3 Districts, Boston Spa, Hetchell and Wetherby. Within the Division we have 5 Rainbow, 13 Brownie, 8 Guide units and 1 Senior Section unit. We also have a depot and the profits used to benefit the members in the Division. The Boston

Spa Trefoil Guild continue to support Girlguiding within the Division helping at various activities and also helping to run the depot. Last year the Guides attended various camps, with those from Boston Spa going to France and Guides from Wetherby and Hetchell attending the County camp at Bradley Wood as well as camping with their units. The Brownies attended various Pack

Holiday venues and a Rainbow unit had a sleepover. Rainbow units also attended the Rainbow Eggstravaganza Day held at Gateways school. The Districts held a variety of events, i.e. swimming galas, ten pin bowling, Carol Services, Thinking Day activities, canoeing, campfires and walks. Last year the Division enabled each District to organise a fun day for the girls. Boston Spa organised a day showing a variety of films for all ages with ice creams, followed by a pizza supper. Hetchell organised a coach trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Wetherby took their Rainbows and Brownies to see Sing-along Frozen on stage at York with the Guides going to the Big Gig. We look forward to continuing to offer the girls all the opportunities available within Girlguiding.

Sue Everard

Chevin Division Reva District

2015 was another busy year for 1st Guiseley Rangers who did expeditions for bronze, silver and gold DofE awards. 2nd Guiseley Guides had weekends away at Robin Hole and Wyke and 1st Guiseley Guides had a sleepover at the Guide HQ. 1st Esholt Guides went to Flip Flop Fling. St Oswald Brownies had a pack holiday at Wynches. A coach of Guides went to the Big Gig in Sheffield. The district ran two sleepovers at Robin Hole for Brownies taking 22 girls each time, both nights were a great success with the girls enjoying archery and activities on a Robin Hood theme. 2nd Reva Rainbows went to the Eggstravaganza and did a farm visit later in the year.

Caley District

At the start of the year Brownies and Rainbows enjoyed going to the pantomime to see The Snow Queen at the Carriageworks. Some Brownie and Guide units went on pack holiday to

Kingswood, Bramhope and Bradley Wood. Units enjoyed raising money for Save the Children by having a Build a Den day held at their unit, another had a campfire to raise money for Edge. 2nd & 5th Brownies as well as 1st Rainbows entered lots of crafts in the Otley Show, Rainbows were invited to 1st & 6th Brownies for a Teddy Fantastic night even designing a badge for the occasion. Guides had an events at the Clip and Climb, canoeing and sailing

Catherine Gillson

Elmet Division It was all change in Elmet Division in 2015, we thanked Angela Hemmingway, Carolyn Davy, Sarah Morris, and Sarah Willkinson for their hard work and commitment as District Commissioners in Halton, Garforth, Crossgates and Kippax and we welcomed Sheila Bryant as District Commissioner for Kippax District and Jane Trout as District Commissioner for Garforth District. Crossgates and Halton Districts were combined to form the new Crossgates and Halton District and we are still looking to appoint a new District Commissioner. We also said thank you to Caroline Brannigan who completed her term of office as Elmet Division Commissioner. Elmet Division had a fun filled year with many units getting out and about locally during weekly meetings with penny hikes and chip shop walks featuring highly. Many girls were able to experience resdential events both indoors and outdoors including two units attending Wellies and Wristbands at Waddow and a trip to Switzerland. Lots of units got involved with Community Action in 2015 with girls getting involved in the clear up after the Boxing Day floods by helping to fill sandbags for the flood defences, joining in the Canal Adoption Scheme, marshalling at the Leeds half marathon and the Leeds Triathlon, planting wild flowers with Garforth in Bloom and generally making a difference in their communities. Congratulations to Ellie Roberts and Sophie Chapman of 1st Crossgates Guides and 1st Manston Guides who were shortlisted in December 2015 for the Child Friendly Leeds Awards as Children’s Champions 11 – 18 years for their work as Brownie Helpers.

Gillian Ainsley

Leeds North East Division During the last year we have opened a new Rainbow Unit and a new Brownie unit within our Division and promoted Girlguiding locally by having a stall at the farmer’s market. Many of our units have been away on camps and pack holidays, one of our Guides took part in the NEE trip to Switzerland and four Senior Section members are looking forward to Sangam. Moortown district had a campfire at Wike Scout Campsite and Roundhay and Oakwood districts recently enjoyed their Thinking Day celebrations. Other unit events include a trip to Tesco, ice skating, Winter Wonderland at Stockeld Park, a visit to Yorvik and The Dig, a sleepover at Alton Towers and participation in the Canal Adoption project. We have a very active Trefoil Guild who have enjoyed amongst other activities, a trip to a chocolate shop in York, a BBQ and pottery painting. In January over 400 of us went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and it was fantastic to see so many Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section, Leaders and Trefoil Guild members together, the rest of the audience may not have felt the same! At the end of 2015 we decided to close Leeds NE depot due to the time commitment, and we would like to thank Jane Murray for all her hard work over the last three years.

Elaine Gee

Leeds South East Division

Over the last year the Division has continued to grow and develop opening a Rainbow and Guide Unit. In July we held our Summer Seaside Day, we played bingo, space hoppers, side show games, made seaside cupcakes Guides made a Punch and Judy show and performed it for everyone. The team within South East Division are a credit to Guiding in their commitment to providing all our members with a wide and varied programme. Here are examples of that.

1st Barwick Guides took part in the national Growing Guiding Challenge and were complemented by the Growing Guiding Team who said - “It is really exciting to read that you implemented a flexible guiding technique, and with such success!” The Guides went to Robin Hole in the spring, this was at the same time as the Brownies, although we followed a different programme, and encouraged the older Brownies to find out about Guides. Working with Barwick in Bloom on our bespoke Go for It! involved growing potatoes in buckets and making scarecrows for the summer judging. We were pleased to see the Guides mentioned in the RHS report, and a picture of the scarecrows in the local paper. We had a successful trip to the York Chocolate story with the Brownies. The canal challenge that Leeds County ran saw the Guides enjoy many activities, including a trip to RSPB Fairburn to find out about nature, look for bats, and make bird boxes (one of which is put up in Barwick as part of our support of Barwick in

Bloom). A Christmas tree made by the Guides, doubled up as a recruitment tool and was part of the church Christmas tree week. The Christmas party was held at Gravity, trampoline park. 21st Leeds Guides Enjoyed Ice skating, joined County at Flip Flop Fling. The unit as part of the Streets Ahead Go For it we decorated the hall that we use, the church paid for all the materials and the girls enjoyed splashing paint around but not the cleaning up.

Margery Bell

Leeds South West Division Guiding in Leeds South West is doing well, with over 200 girls waiting to join our units. We need to do some Growing Guiding for volunteers! Everyone in our units have been busy and very active in 2015, as is usually the case. I was invited to Westwood District to speak to Rangers about their BP Awards and to present a 10-year long service award. This was during a District event where all sections enjoyed various activities, finishing with a sing-song where I learnt a few new songs. Brownies have enjoyed visits to the fire station helping them to complete their Fire Safety badge. There have been trips on Middleton railway to meet Santa too. Approximately 200 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and their Leaders from Leeds South West Division took part in “Adventures for Everyone” on 27th September 2015 at Oakwell Hall. The girls enjoyed outdoor activities including trails, pond dipping, environmental activities, orienteering and making dens, fires and dampers, as well as making fruit kebabs, smores, herb bags, Mexican Gods Eyes and some tried their hand at calligraphy. The activities were run by a combination of Oakwell staff and Leaders and members of the Trefoil Guild with Unit Leaders helping the girls where necessary. There were also a few willing volunteers roped in to deal with car parking and general setting up. We were very fortunate with the weather and all activities were able to run as planned.

The girls had a thoroughly enjoyable day and most tried something they had not done before.

Lynne Reid

Skyrac Division

2015 was an exciting year for Skyrac, kicked off with our ‘Healthy and Happy’ celebration for Thinking Day. 40 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides came together for a messy afternoon of activities and reflection, including strawberry foot scrubs, bath bombs, and relaxation. Lots of girls from different sections got involved with the election via the ‘Girls Matter: Hear our Voice’ resource, and 95th Leeds Guides and Senior Section even travelled to London to have their badges presented by their MP. Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section enjoyed doing their bit to keep the canal looking lovely, although Skyrac Rangers were a little gutted to see it flood over Christmas just a week or two after they’d cleaned up all the moss! We had a couple of important celebrations, with Lucy Greenfield achieving her Queen’s Guide award, and 66th Leeds (St Chad’s) Brownies reaching their 50th Birthday – they celebrated in style with an amazing cake! We also had quite a few first-time campers at Flip Flop Fling, and several leaders running their own holidays for the first time as well! We’re also proud to say the division was well represented in the national media, with Emma Gees, Girlguiding Advocate and lead volunteer on youth participation, being interviewed on BBC breakfast and writing in the news about the outcomes of the Girls Attitudes survey and the launch of Breaking Barriers. Some of 95th Leeds Guides also appeared on Blue Peter with their ‘spot’ for the Children in Need super hero cape, and spent an exciting but tiring day at the BBC studios. We’re all looking forward to an exciting and spectacular 2016!

Alison Hughes

Trefoil Guild

Our Trefoil Guilds have all been busy this year, with many different activities. The annual meetings were held in Cookridge (Leeds), Newcastle (NEE) and in Londonderry (National), and members attended all these events. Members from many of the Guilds met in August in Jean Collinson’s beautiful garden in Boston Spa to celebrate ‘Yorkshire Day’. Events at Division Guild meetings have included: - Celebrations – Bramham Moor Guild celebrated their 25th anniversary. Speakers

The history of diamonds

The British Legion – work of the local group.

Hope Pastures donkey sanctuary

Work Aid – tools for Africa and the UK

Demonstrations

Flower arranging - “Flowers by Karen” –demonstration of Christmas flower arrangements

Pamper evening with a beautician

Jewellery making Activities

Work on the “Adopt a Canal” badge, doing weeding and scraping paint off the railings.

A play-reading evening, having bought plays on-line.

Two pantomime actors gave a presentation on the history of pantomime

A musical evening (with instruments)

Division and County Standards were examined to see the symbols portrayed. Outings

Visit to Farnley Hall in July and Guy Fawkes made them tea;

Visit to the Marks & Spencer’s exhibition at Leeds University in October

Visit to York, visited the Yorvik exhibition and made their own chocolate bars

Visit to Temple Newsam. There they learned about the etiquette of tea tasting.

An afternoon at the City Varieties Theatre where they sang Taps on stage.

A canal trip on the Spirit of Guiding.

Visit to Rodley Nature Reserve, inspired by last year’s Annual Meeting speaker.

Beryl Nicholson

Robin Hole

Bookings in 2015 did not get underway until February. The cost of the heating needed in January is likely to be one of the reasons. There was the usual mixture of Brownie, Guide, Senior Section, Trefoil Guild and County weekends along with the occasional Rainbow sleepover, a few Scout weekends and day bookings by schools, along with evening bookings often for archery sessions. As the bookings are usually taken on a ‘first come-first served’ basis it pays to enquire as early as possible. We thanked Janet Wainwright for all her work as booking secretary and Treasurer. The bookings are now done through the County Office which is not staffed on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends or during school holidays. New mattresses for all the beds were installed in February and one shower cubicle in each washroom has been changed to a toilet, as the feeling was that the showers have been underused. A water boiler has been plumbed into the kitchen to replace the old Burco boiler and we hope that the new suspended ceiling in the Main Hall will help to reduce heating costs. The missing deeds were eventually located, the land has now been properly registered as belonging to Girlguiding Leeds and the plans for the new on-site shelter can now move forward. The week to week cost of running Robin Hole was reviewed at the end of 2014 and it was decided that instead of an overall increase in fees, a non-returnable booking fee of £50 for Girlguiding Leeds groups and £100 for others would be charged. Sadly, this is a disadvantage for smaller groups but it is hoped that some could join with others to spread the cost of the booking fee. There were two major problems at the end of the year. Some indiscriminately dumped materials which were not suitable for burning attracted more unauthorised dumping and eventually in the region of £340 had to be paid for its removal. The second problem was deep flooding in Stead Lane after the unusually heavy rainfall in the autumn. We are particularly grateful to the majority of groups who clear up well but sad that there are a few who don’t leave the house as they would wish to find it. Spring Cleaning Day, usually in March, is supported by most Divisions – thanks go to those who come and work so hard and willingly, and to members of the Management Committee who also give up mornings from time to time to clean and check the bits that get missed. Robin Hole is YOUR house and campsite so please help us to look after it to make sure it continues to be a good place for our members of all ages to enjoy the out of doors.

Judith Emsley Management Committee Chairman

FRIENDS OF GIRLGUIDING LEEDS (FOGGL)

FOGGL, with a membership of over 80 people, provides opportunities for its members to keep in touch with each other and with what is happening in the County. We had our usual four social get-togethers during 2015, which included:

a pub lunch at the Toby Carvery in Oulton in March

our Annual Meeting with a faith lunch in Jenny and Geoff Roberts’ lovely garden in

June

a picnic lunch with strawberries and cream at Robin Hole in September

our Christmas lunch with home-made soup and assorted luxury sandwiches – as well as

Christmas parcels – at St Margaret’s Parish Centre in Horsforth in December

We welcome anyone who would like to become a Friend. Details of our meetings are published in the County Newsletter. Please contact Jenny Roberts if you require further information or would like to become a member.

Jenny Roberts and Marjorie Emsley Friends of Girlguiding Leeds

WARRRANTS AND REGISTRATIONS Census figures as at 22nd February 2015

Total number of Girl members in Girlguiding Leeds.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18+ Err Total

Rainbow 435 739 95 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1272

Brownie 0 1 729 961 876 211 8 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2791

Guide 0 0 0 0 1 342 387 276 182 84 30 7 2 1 0 1312

Senior Section

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 27 25 12 15 0 90

Totals 435 740 824 961 877 553 395 279 185 94 57 32 14 16 0 5465

Total number of Adult members in Girlguiding Leeds.

Commissioner 38

Leader 757

Young Leader 195

Other Volunteer 467

Unit Helper 159

Total 1616

Leeds County Guide Association

Operating as Girlguiding Leeds

Financial Statements

For the year ended 31st December 2015

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Leeds County Guide Association

Operating as Girlguiding Leeds

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2015, which are set out on

pages 3 to 6.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees

consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011

(the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission

under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity

Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a

comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any

unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would

be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a

‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting

requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of

the accounts to be reached. Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

9 Layton Park Croft, Rawdon.

Unrestricted

Funds Designated

Funds Restricted

Funds 2015 2014

£ £ £ £ £

Receipts

Membership Subscriptions 23,896 3,234 0 27,130 20,145

Grants & Donations 639 325 0 964 520

Investment Income 396 182 367 945 1,396

Tax Refund 53 0 0 53 61

Guiding Activities (Note 3) 46,090 29 0 46,119 54,387

Guiding Development (Note 4) 3,359 0 9,275 12,634 3,689

Hire of Property and Equipment 0 7,262 0 7,262 8,214

Sundry Other Receipts 644 1,611 0 2,255 1,956

Sale of Investments 0 0 0 0 0

75,077 12,643 9,642 97,362 90,368

Payments

Insurance 0 4,322 0 4,322 2,558

Guiding Activities (Note 3) 34,932 0 0 34,932 70,284

Administration Costs 7,136 0 0 7,136 5,976

Guiding Development (Note 4) 10,604 0 2,375 12,979 13,954 Running Costs of Property & Equipment 2,519 8,106 0 10,625 20,383

Property Improvements 0 0 11,152 11,152 0

Subsidies and Donations 0 0 1,019 1,019 1,533

Membership Subscriptions 3,633 0 0 3,633 3,904

Sundry Other Expenses 619 1,051 0 1,670 3,036

59,443 13,479 14,546 87,468 121,628

Excess of Receipts over Payments 15,634 -836 -4,904 9,894 -31,260

Opening Bank and Cash Balances 91,717 65,312 194,271 351,300 382,560

Transfers -48,040 50,335 -2,295 0 0

Closing Bank and Cash Balances 59,311 114,811 187,072 361,194 351,300

Unrestricted Funds

Designated Funds

Restricted Funds

Total 2015

Total 2014

£ £ £ £ £

Cash Funds

Cash in Hand 53 26 0 79 53

Bank Current Accounts 58,540 32,613 6,900 98,053 34,883

Leeds Charityline Account 0 0 0 0 316,364

Yorkshire Bank 1Yr Fixed 0 11,152 176,910 188,062 0

Nationwide 1 Yr Fixed 718 71,020 3,262 75,000 0

59,311 114,811 187,072 361,194 351,300

Other Assets Held for the Unrestricted Use of Leeds County Guide Association

Land, Buildings, Furnishings and Equipment at:

Robin Hole

Trefoil Centre Computer and Photocopying

Equipment County Standard

The attached notes on pages 5 and 6 form part of these financial statements. Statement of Public Benefit

The Leeds County Guide Association is a branch of Girlguiding UK, which with its branches forms the

United Kingdom's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women. A report on Girlguiding

UK's public benefit activities during the previous year can be found in its latest Annual Report.

The Leeds County Guide Association has continued to provide its own public benefit activities in particular by providing organisational and administrative support and training to subsidiary branches of

Girlguiding UK within the County, and organising activities principally for the benefit of those branches,

and also promoting more broadly the charitable objects of Girlguiding UK for the benefit of girls and

young women.

Notes to The Financial Statements

1. The financial statements of Leeds County Guide Association have been prepared in accordance

with the Statement of Recommended Practice 2008 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

2. The movements in designated and restricted funds during the year were:

Bal B/fwd Receipts Payments Transfer

Bal C/Fwd

Restricted

Phyllis Holmes Robin Hole Fund 187,695 367 11,152 0 176,910

Outdoor Activities 1,153 0 60 0 1,093

International Travel 750 0 600 0 150

Jimbo's Fund 2,378 0 359 0 2,019

Guiding Development 2,295 0 0 -2,295 0

Growing Guiding 0 9,275 2,375 0 6,900

194,271 9,642 14,546 -2,295 187,072

Designated Funds

Outdoor Activities 1,382 0 0 0 1,382

Robin Hole 15,388 8,160 10,645 0 12,903

Trefoil Centre 38,542 4,483 2,834 0 40,191

Technology Fund 10,000 0 0 -10,000 0

Future Events 0 0 0 10,335 10,335

Building Fund 0 0 0 50,000 50,000

65,312 12,643 13,479 50,335 114,811

3. Guiding Activities

2015 2014

Receipts Payments Receipts Payments

Baden Powell Adventures 1073 910 0 36

Waterfront Festival 0 95 0 0

Flamingo Land 0 0 29,762 53,904

International Selection & LINKS 0 0 667 735

Archery 334 189 165 150

Barge Weekend 575 515 0 0

Guide Water Day 0 0 3,413 2,213

Owl Trail 0 0 127 262

Canal adoption Badges 224 245 0 0

Rainbow Eggstravaganza 2015 3,572 2,138 0 151

Leeds Rockz 0 1,310 6,781 7,452

Four Seasons Camp 0 0 7,157 4,058

County Camp 2015 23,303 24,572 6,240 747

Queens Guide & D of E 0 0 0 88

Sangam 2016 15,658 4,703 0 0

County Commissioner Handover 1,380 255 0 0

Miscellaneous Outdoor 0 0 75 488

46,119 34,932 54,387 70,284

4. Guiding Development

2015 2014

Receipts Payments Receipts Payments

General Trainings 418 591 528 1,059

County Training Day 1188 3231 751 2,561

County Weekend 2014 0 0 1,370 4424

County Team Weekend 2015 645 692 0 100

First Response 1108 550 1,040 832

Leadership Qualification 0 1878 0 1,401

Long Service Awards 0 2200 0 1,697

Administration & Travel 0 1462 0 1,880

Growing Guiding 9275 2375 0 0

12,634 12,979 3,689 13,954

Trustees Annual Report

for the Year to 31 December 2015

For

Leeds County Guide Association

Reference and Administration Details Charity name: Leeds County Guide Association Other names charity is known by: Girlguiding Leeds Charity number: 524738 Charity’s Principal address: The Trefoil Centre, 16a Morris Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds,

LS5 3JD

Charity trustees who manage the charity:

Trustee name Office Dates acted if not for whole year

Mrs Audrey Morrall County Commissioner Until February 2016

Mrs Jan Ali County Treasurer

Mrs Cathy Barratt Leeds North Division Commissioner

Dr Caroline Branigan Elmet Division Commissioner Until October 2015

Mrs Gillian Ainsley Elmet Division Commissioner From October 2015

Mrs Marjorie Bell Leeds SE Division Commissioner

Mrs Leni Busfield Chevin Division Commissioner Until February 2015

Mrs Catherine Gilson Chevin Division Commissioner From February 2015

Miss Joscelin Davidson Billing Division Commissioner

Miss Sophie Etherington Leeds West Division Commissioner Until January 2016

Mrs Nikki Hawcroft Leeds West Division Commissioner From January 2016

Mrs Patricia Hayes Leeds West Division Commissioner From January 2016

Mrs Sue Everard Bramham Moor Division Commissioner

Mrs Elaine Gee Leeds NE Division Commissioner

Mrs Alison Hughes Skyrac Division Commissioner

Mrs Lynne Reid Leeds SW Division Commissioner

Mrs Ann Sadler Athill Division Commissioner

Mrs Shagufta Sharif Airedale Division Commissioner

Mrs Patricia Smith County Secretary Until February 2016

Mrs Margaret Poulter County Secretary From February 2016

Structure, Governance and Management

Leeds County Guide Association is governed by Royal Charter dated 14 December 1922

Specific office holders become trustees, these positions are appointed by the County Commissioner in consultation with the other Trustees.

Objectives and Activities

The aim of Leeds County Guide association is to enable girls and young women to fulfil their potential and to take an active and responsible role in society. The Leeds County Guide Association is a branch of Girlguiding UK, which with its branches forms the United Kingdom's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women. A report on Girlguiding UK’s public benefit activities during the previous year can be found in its latest Annual Report.

The Leeds County Guide Association has continued to provide its own public benefit activities in particular by providing organisational and administrative support and training to subsidiary branches of Girlguiding UK within the County, and organising activities principally for the benefit of those branches, and also promoting more broadly the charitable objects of Girlguiding UK for the benefit of girls and young women.

Achievements and Performance Another great year which was sadly my last as County Commissioner, it was a great honour to be asked to take on the role and I have enjoyed my five years with many memories made along the way. At the start of the year Anne Esselmont met with the Canal and River Trust to arrange the adoption of the area around the Royal Armouries. Units embraced this challenge and have planted bulbs and flowers, painted lock gates, and general tidying up of the area. A challenge badge was designed for anyone taking part in the scheme and it will carry on into 2016 due to the success of the scheme. In June following on with the canal theme we took part in the Leeds Waterfront Festival where a team took part in the dragon boat race, sadly we did not win but as they say it’s the taking part that counts. An Outdoor Skills day at Robin Hole in March saw leaders trying their hand at lots of outdoor activities even the weather did not dampen their enthusiasm and they all agreed it had been a great day. We had a team weekend at Wynches for Commissioners and advisers. This helps everyone get to know each other and work together towards the same aim. It was a very worthwhile weekend. The Rainbow Eggstravaganza at Gateways School saw hundreds of Rainbows, having fun on all the activities which included crafts, dancing, trails, games and bouncy castles. Everyone left with an Easter egg after singing songs at an indoor camp fire. A Growing Guiding event was held at the Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds and girls and leaders did a conga around one of the levels in the centre. We raised the profile of Girlguiding Leeds and lots of people stopped to chat about guiding. We held a very successful County Camp at Bradley Wood, the weather was kind to us and everyone enjoyed the activities which included, high ropes, crate stacking, wide game, volleyball competition, crafts and beach activities to name a few. The girls had great fun making candy floss, building sand castles and flinging flip flops. Evening entertainment had the girls singing so loudly they drowned out the sound of the motorway, they relaxed on the grass to watch a movie and danced at the disco on the last evening. Everyone left very tired but all agreed they had had a great time. Thanks must go to everyone involved in organising, running activities, looking after the guides and to the girls themselves, there was nothing but praise for how they all behaved. We were asked to take part in the next round of the uniformed youth social action fund to grow guiding in Leeds, Youth United Foundation and the Cabinet Office awarded £10 million from LIBOR fines to organisations to create opportunities where young people are provided with opportunities to both develop themselves, as well as their community through social action. Becky Hutchinson was employed for a year and has so far opened six new units. And recruited over 20 new adult volunteers into guiding. The Bi-annual Carol Service in York Minster is always a very special occasion with all the standards from across the Region and the Country coming together to make a stunning procession and display. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make the past five years so fantastic. I know I have had some great times and I hope that you all have too. I wish you all the best for the future.

Financial Review Reserve policy: Leeds County Guide Association maintains sufficient reserves to ensure that funds will be available to cover

a) The risk of unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds, e.g. an unexpected large repair bill.

b) Funds needed to give the trustees time to take action if income falls below expectations.

c) The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget, e.g. money may need to be spent on an event before fees or a funding grant is received.

The reserves policy and amount of reserves is reviewed annually by the finance committee.

Review of Financial activities: This year we held a County Camp which involved over 350 girls and 100 leaders, the event was a great success and successfully met its budget. An activity day was also held for the Rainbows which was another success. Where events have made a surplus the monies have been placed in to a designated account for use against the cost of a future event. We continue to monitor the budgets of all large events as well as the budget for the administrative overheads of the County. All membership subscriptions were received for 2015. We have strived to achieve better interest rates for our deposit accounts, with interest rates remaining very low this is a challenging task. Monies have been transferred to fixed term accounts to achieve better rates. Preparatory work has begun on the development of our camp site at Robin Hole, it is anticipated this will be completed in 2016.

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Jan Ali Margaret Poulter 30 March 2016

County Commissioner County Secretary