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We try all sorts of new adventures in Girlguiding, some more unusual than others! At Girlguiding Leeds we own a set of handbells with a long history that is being continued today by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.

Our set of handbells comprises 37 bells (3 chromatic octaves) and was purchased in 1939 by Miss Phyllis Holmes, an active Guider in what was then known as Yorkshire Central County (today’s Girlguiding Leeds). The bells were cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry – the only place in the country to produce handbells – and cost Phyllis £39.00. Today, these bells are worth in the region of £17,000.

Volunteers Marjorie and Judith Emsley first came across the bells at an Arts Camp at Bretton Hall in the mid 1960s, at a session run by Phyllis Holmes and another Guider from Yorkshire Central, Miss Mary Weatherall. Phyllis and Mary had received an invitation from the English Folk Dance and Song Society to play the bells during a break from dancing at their May Ball, due to be held in the Victoria Hall at Leeds Town Hall. Knowing how much Marjorie and Judith had enjoyed the sessions at camp, Phyllis and Mary asked them to form a team to attend the Ball.

They continued to operate as a team for a short time until both Mary and Judith moved away. Meanwhile Marjorie, keen to teach her Guides to play handbells, advertised in the Exchange and Mart and The Dalesman for a set of bells. In response, Phyllis contacted Marjorie to say she could borrow hers.

The Guides learnt to play and, tested by Phyllis, passed their Bellringer Badge. With Phyllis’s permission Marjorie continued to borrow the bells on a regular basis, eventually agreeing to keep them on permanent loan whilst Marjorie had an active team of bellringers. The rest is part of Girlguiding Leeds history!

Sadly, Phyllis died several years ago, but in her will she left the set of handbells to Girlguiding Leeds on condition that Marjorie and Judith continue to take care of the bells, play them and introduce new generations of Guides to them.

In 2010, Marjorie and Judith took the bells to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry for refurbishing. This foundry has since closed, leaving just one bell foundry in the country at Loughborough, which only produces church bells. So, with nowhere left in the UK producing or refurbishing handbells, we have to take very special care that no damage is caused to them.

However, we still enjoy our handbells and are looking to the future to ensure the county’s set of handbells continues to bring pleasure to those who play or listen to them. Marjorie, Judith and another former Guider, Barbara, are still actively playing the bells both to entertain at events and to teach people to play.

Recently, they advertised for volunteers to attend a special workshop (no experience necessary!) Altogether, fourteen volunteers and two Rangers came along to try their hand at handbell ringing. They had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Even when a power cut caused all the lights to go out, in true Girlguiding style they found torches and continued playing. The group met for the second time this January and, with some trepidation, were introduced to playing from sheet music.

Their enthusiasm and enjoyment from playing the bells mean we hope that, with practice, we’ll have another team who will also be able to introduce the bells to others and continue this wonderful part of Girlguiding Leeds history.

Festive fun and charitable work

At the beginning of December this year Caley Rangers took part in the Christmas Tree festival at the Parish Church, Otley.

This annual event offers 40 local charities the opportunity to decorate a tree to celebrate and promote the work they do, and to raise money either for their own or another worthy cause. It attracts hundreds of people from the local community and surrounding areas who visit to take in the Christmas spirit. Many people see this as the start of the Christmas period and often bring with them bags of coins they’ve saved up during the year to donate to their favourite charities and the most eye-catching trees.

This year Caley Rangers chose to use old badges instead of baubles. They draped the tree in a colourful paper chain made up of the different section colours (red for Rainbows, gold for Brownies, blue for Guides and purple for Rangers) with lines from our promise threaded throughout.

The ‘badge’ tree was a huge success, with many people appreciating the nod to one of the favourite things for many members of Girlguiding – collecting badges!

Sadly, the trees have to be taken down at the end of the festival week, but not before a special carol service is held to celebrate the charities represented by each of the trees.

Notes:

• The Otley Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival is held from Wednesday to Saturday during the first week of December. Please check local press for details of dates and times for 2025.

• Rangers is the section of Girlguiding for young members aged 14-18. Rangers is an open and relaxed space, where members can regularly meet up with good friends, go on trips at home and abroad, and help make a difference to the things they care about. 

Girlguiding Leeds County Crystal Maze Activity Day 

On Sunday, 29 September 2024, Girlguiding Leeds County hosted an exhilarating Crystal Maze Activity Day that brought together 200 enthusiastic Guides, Rangers and their dedicated leaders. The event, held at the picturesque Robin Hole Activity Centre, was a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. 

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from the event organisers, who set the tone for the adventure ahead. The Guides and Rangers, divided into teams, were eager to tackle the challenges inspired by the iconic Crystal Maze TV show. Each team navigated through a series of themed zones, including Aztec, Medieval, Industrial, Ocean and Futuristic, each presenting unique puzzles and physical challenges. 

The Aztec Zone tested the Guides’ and Rangers’ agility and problem-solving skills with tasks like crossing a rope bridge and deciphering ancient symbols. In the Medieval Zone, the teams faced mental challenges, such as solving mathematical problems, walking the plank and playing head hockey. The Industrial Zone required precision and coordination, with activities that included blind fold nightline and team grass skiing. Finally, the Futuristic Zone pushed their creativity and innovation as they tackled string lasers and games of phones. 

Throughout the day, the Guides and Rangers demonstrated incredible teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Leaders provided guidance and encouragement, ensuring that every participant felt supported and included. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers and laughter echoing across the activity centre. 

One of the highlights of the day was the grand finale in the Crystal Dome. Teams entered the dome to collect as many “golden tickets” as possible within a limited time, a thrilling conclusion that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The winning team was celebrated with a special award ceremony, where they received trophies to commemorate their achievement. 

The Girlguiding Leeds County Crystal Maze Activity Day was not just about fun and games; it was an opportunity for the Guides and Rangers to develop essential life skills, build lasting friendships, and create cherished memories. The event was a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next adventure. 

The Leys is an active, enthusiastic division in West Leeds, always ready to have fun and learn something new! Whether it’s Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Rangers, each unit provides thought-provoking, challenging and exciting activities for their young members. Here are some of our highlights from the last few months.

We’re all so proud of Clare Devine, leader of 1^st Bramley Brownies & 3^rd Pudsey Rangers, who has earned her Queen’s Guide Award!

This summer 1st Pudsey Rainbows made wooden love heart pocket hugs and hid them all over Pudsey Park to spread some love.

1st Pudsey Rainbows with one of their Young Leaders. We think this really sums up how loved and valuable our Young people are, the leaders for our future – Happy 16th Birthday Ellenor.

Dottie Hickabottom from 1^st Bramley Rainbows earned her Rainbow Gold Award!

3rd Pudsey Rainbows are going from strength to strength, the girls are growing in confidence with every week and we are loving seeing them trying new experiences. A particular highlight this month was ‘Fruit Shop’, not only did the Rainbows practise their arithmetic with calculating prices they had fabulous hand hygiene, took care building the fruit kebabs and tried fruits they haven’t eaten before. A special shout out goes to our guide helpers who took on the role of shop keepers.

1^st Woodhall Rainbows are adjusting well to a new leadership team this term. They are currently completing an autumn and Room on the Broom challenge alongside the Know Myself theme. They recently made ‘fruit wands’ as part of these challenges.

Isn’t it funny

How a Brownie loves honey?

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

I wonder why she does.

2^nd Pudsey Brownies enjoyed a bear-tastic weekend in the 100 Acre Wood (AKA Robin Hole) having autumn adventures with Winnie-the-Pooh & friends and enjoying all things honey 😊

3^rd Farsley Brownies created a quilt as a part of their Make Change skill builder. It encourages supporting charity shops and reusing clothing. The squares came from the girls’ old t-shirts and pyjamas and were skilfully sewn together by our leader, Susanne Gee (and her mum, Ann).

1^st Woodhall Brownies have been completing the Know Myself theme creating their own personal coat of arms.  They have also thought about their role in the wider community, contributing to the church’s collection for harvest festival with donations, creating a display and in the Service itself.

3rd Pudsey Brownies had the best time at the PGL Brownie takeover earlier this month. 20 Brownies, Brown Owl, Snowy Jo, Snowy Lasagne and OG Snowy (what happens when other leaders help and they’re all called Snowy Owl). We had the best time den building, abseiling, ziplining, problem solving, volley ball on trampolines to name some! Our favourite was the giant swing – even Brown Owl and Snowy Jo had a go 🙂

Would recommend to all sections – it’s relatively easy as PGL sort everything- you even have a group leader during the weekend. We will definitely be back 🙂

2^nd Bramley Brownies had a blast at the Grand Day Out. We took part in circus skills, yoga, outdoor seaside activities amongst a few others. The Brownies had a great time as you can see in this photo!

This half term 1st Pudsey Brownies have been focussing on working hard on Skill Builders and UMAs, as well as gaining interest badges from their badge books at home. We are looking forward to presenting a range of badges on Monday 21 October as well as having a Promise Ceremony for our newest girls. A highlight has been the ‘Tape to Create’ activity; some very striking canvasses were produced using washi tape, acrylic paints and a variety of paint techniques using brushes and sponges. Parents were very impressed!

3^rd Farsley Brownies & 2^nd Farsley Guides enjoyed a visit from a local RNLI volunteer. They learned about water safety and the history of the lifeboats. Everyone really enjoyed completing the Girlguiding NEE Mayday Challenge!

4th Pudsey Guides enjoying the silent disco at the Grand Day Out this year. Apparently, this was the second best activity, as they enjoyed the ice cream the most! Our girls really loved the day and are looking forward to the next one!

Last week at 4th Pudsey Brownies we completed an exercise on 4 different black leaders, asking them to write a brief summary from the information they had been given. We then did a crafting session looking at different hairstyles and textures on silhouettes of black afro Caribbean women. 

3^rd Pudsey Rangers had a PGL adventure in September. Everyone tried something challenging, whether it was balancing on a plinth 25 feet in the air, jumping off a bungee platform or learning to canoe. The girls threw themselves into each activity!

We are delighted to be partnering with DePuy Synthes to bring new and exciting activities to our young members across Girlguiding Leeds.

We know from our research that many girls view STEM subjects as ‘more for boys’ (ref. Girls’ Attitude Survey, 2017). Since then we’ve noticed an increase in enjoyment of subjects including science, technology, engineering and maths, particularly in the younger age group. However, our 2022 Girls Attitude Survey found that 21% of girls aged 11-21 felt that gender stereotypes hold them back at school.

As a biomechanical engineering company, DePuy Synthes are keen to share the fun and excitement of engineering and science with girls and young women. Their aim is to inspire the next generation of female engineers in a field where traditionally women are underrepresented.

Following a chat with us to discuss how best to engage with girls and capture their interest, the engineers designed a fun activity and provided all the resources necessary to have a go. Their challenge to our young members is, how could you repair a broken bone? The activity asks the girls to design a device that will help a bone repair and allow a person to walk again.

On Wednesday 2 October 1st Leeds Brownies rose to the challenge and were the first to try out the activity. They welcomed two engineers from DePuy Synthes, Chloe and Naomi, who came to join in the fun. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the Brownies came up with some interesting ideas. All their devices underwent testing and passed the ‘wobble test’ and ‘pressure test’, before the winning design was announced.

Our thanks to Chloe, Naomi and Ellie who have generously contributed their time and expertise to helping bring a new and exciting challenge to the young members of Girlguiding Leeds.

If you are interested in creating a partnership with Girlguiding Leeds to bring innovative ideas and fresh adventures to girls and young women across Leeds and the surrounding areas, please contact our Business Support Manager at davina.scholefield@girlguidingleeds.org.uk

To find out more about Girlguiding’s annual Girls Attitude Survey, please go to the national website here.

Note for Girlguiding Leeds leaders: to borrow the Repair a Broken Bone activity box, please contact the county office on admin@girlguidingleeds.org.uk