Words by Katherine Turner
Photos: Denise Stott
Thanks to funds from the Outer West Community Committee the 6th Wortley unit were able to attend camps this year.
The committee is made up of councillors from the Pudsey, Calverley & Farsley and Farnley & Wortley wards. They allocate funding every year to community projects and youth activities. Small grants of up to £500 and large grants of over £500 available.
6th Wortley Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers are based at St John’s Church, off Dixon Lane in Wortley. They applied for funding to pay for a coach to take 24 Brownies and Guides to Winmarleigh Hall PGL Activity Centre and funds towards the coach taking 15 Guides and Rangers to Dorset.
6th Wortley unit leader Janet Norfolk thanked the Community Committee for their generosity, which allowed the Brownies to enjoy activities such as raft building, climbing and a giant swing.
“They experienced time away from parents and made memories for life,” Janet said. “All the girls joined in with the activities, some pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. The weekend was a success.”
The funds also helped support the Guides and Rangers’ trip to Dorset. Originally planned for 2020 to coincide with the unit being 70 years old, it was postponed due to Covid. The 15 Guides and Rangers enjoyed the visit to Dorset and Brownsea Island, the birthplace of scouting and guiding.
The unit spent time learning about the history of guiding and walked in the footsteps of 1,000’s of other Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Cubs and Scouts from around the world.
Janet added: “They all thought it was a special feeling to be there and to stand in the cast of Lord Baden Powell’s foot!
“They spent a day in Bournemouth, letting off steam at the beach. They also participated in team games, craft activities and helped with camp duties, which developed independence and confidence.”
Girl Guiding is the leading UK charity for girls and young women and accepts members from age four years upwards as a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide, Ranger, Young Leader or Adult Member. For more information or to join a local unit go to the girl guiding website.
For more information regarding community funding, contact the Outer West team at communitycommitteefunding@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 3785808.
Follow WLD‘s coverage of the Outer West Community Committee here.
