LIPHOOK DISTRICT GUIDES

Friends of Guiding

The Liphook District Friends of Guiding are a group of parents and other interested adults who have supported and fundraised for the District for many years. This small but dedicated committee have not only served gallons of tea and coffee over the years, but have raised hundreds of pounds for Liphook Guiding.

We have made donations to Units, sponsored girls for camp, pack holidays, activities and outings, and purchased new equipment and resources for the Guide HQ and for use by the District at camps, Pack holidays and events.

In the past, Friends of Guiding have run Christmas and Easter Fayres, and sold Easter chocolates to raise money. Income is also currently generated by running a stall selling donated second hand books at local fetes and events, and raffles are held. The FOG can usually be found at the Haslemere Charter Fayre and the Milland Rural Fayre.

The Friends of Guiding hold an AGM once a year, and after the business meeting, elections and presentation of reports and accounts (which is kept brief), the Units often put on a short entertainment.

Each Unit in the District has a representative on the committee and there are several co-opted members.

In partnership with some of the Liphook Guiders, FOG attend the local LiDBA 25 mile charity cycle ride every year, where over 1000 riders take part. FOG organises drink stops around the route and refreshments at the start and finish post. We sell sweets ice creams, drinks and sometimes books at the school where the race is based. FOG also prepares a cooked breakfast for the LiDBA organisers.

During 2005 the FOG raised money and helped with the following Districts events :

• Liphook carnival
• Thinking Day service
• LIDBA cycle ride
• Holly's Fun Day

Funds in 2005 have provided the District with two event tents. These are large marquee style tents with many uses, as they can be fully close or any of the sides can be left off if required .

The smallest of the two event tents was put to excellent service at the Lidba Cycle Ride and it made cooking and selling so much easier. The larger tent was invaluable for the Guides at summer camp and enabled them to eat meals when it rained in relative comfort!

FOG also purchased two heavy duty trestle tables and a bench for use by the District. These are useful in many situations but especially indispensable at camps as they are strong and withstand outdoor use.

FOG re-equipped the Guide HQ kitchen with a new professional range cooker, which will benefit all the Units.

In return the District have kindly supplied FOG with two pump pots to help dispense those numerous cups of tea!

FOG meetings are held about twice or three times a year. We are very much part of Liphook District, keeping in close touch with events and developments in the Units.

There are sometimes joint social events for FOG members and Guiders.

FOG were invited to attend the Rangers summer BBQ, and also the District's 25th anniversary celebration meal in 2005.

The FOG are a friendly group and are always pleased to welcome new members. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested supporting Liphook Guides. Men are welcome too.

Find out how you can Join the Friends of Guiding