Bench Dedication

230th Birmingham St Gabriels Guides opened in December 1950. The unit celebrated 60 years last year. Unfortunately due to declining numbers the unit closed in July 2011. The guides discussed how the unit could be remembered and decided to present an engraved bench to the campsite. Many of the guides past and present will remain in guiding and when they use the campsite the bench will be there as a reminder of their guide company.

On Saturday 28th November guides and leaders past and present and many members of Middlepark division met at Beaconfield to celebrate the units history and to dedicate the bench to the campsite.

The weather was cold with a biting wind but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the people gathered. Following a talk from Sue Blaze on the history of the unit the bench was blessed by the vicar of St Gabriels church. This was followed by tea and cake and lots of catching up.

Sue Blaze had been the leader at St Gabriels for over 30 years, she was presented with gifts from Middlepark division.

Janet, Sue & Linda

CSV make a difference day

On Tuesday a team of fifteen volunteers from npower came to the site lead by CSV volunteers. They split into teams of three and cleared brambles and scrub from all around Beaconfield campsite. The amount they accomplished in the time they were there was amazing and would have taken us many months of hard work to have the same results.

A number of the Beaconfield Committee were on site throughout the day. The volunteers work was supported by tea and muffins baked by Jill. A delivery of bacon sandwiches arrived at lunchtime courtesy of one of the volunteers mums!!!! The day was rounded off with a noisy game of french cricket.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have made such a difference to our site.