Ascension : 1ST ASCENSION GIRLGUIDING UNITS’ THINKING DAY 2008
Submitted by The Islander (Nathan Prince) 28.02.2008 (Article Archived on 13.03.2008)

Let me first of all introduce ourselves…………The 1st Ascension Girlguiding Unit consists of 15 Guides, 2 Young Leaders, Guider and 2 Unit Helpers, 7 Brownies; Brown Owl, Woodsey Owl, Barn Owl and 7 Rainbows, Rainbow Leader and Unit Helper.

Thinking Day is 22^nd February and the theme this year was “Water” and it was decided to have the ceremony from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the poolside and for the girls to have a swim at Two Boats Pool to cool off as for the past weeks Ascension has been experiencing the hottest of days ever, but they were cooled off before the ceremony began because…….. Come Thinking Day it rained buckets – WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!!  It was so appropriate! 

With Mr. Colin Duncan as the Life Guard the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows had a splashing time at the pool and came back to the club with teeth chattering with their Leaders soaked from standing in the rain supervising them!!  Due to the heavy rains the ceremony venue was changed from the poolside to the inside of Two Boats Club.  Once everyone was dried and dressed the ceremony commenced.

Mrs. Hill welcomed us all and I was asked to open with a prayer.  This was followed by Mrs. Rosie Wade giving an introduction of the meaning of Thinking Day and how Girl Guides were founded etc…..  The Rainbows sang their song “Rainbow’s Care, Rainbow’s Share” which was done to perfection.  The Brownies read out what they found about water on the island and elsewhere with pictures and diagrams to show.  The Guides read out their “Water” poems which, was followed by every girl and leader placing their shiny copper coins on the ground forming in the words “Thinking Day 2008.  This bright idea came from Ms. Wendy Benjamin our Guide Unit Helper.  Having coins left over, a Trefoil was outlined as well.  Mrs. Hill then thanked everyone for attending and for making this day another one to remember.  A Hot Dog lunch prepared by Mrs. Delphia Leo and her staff and a Thinking Day chocolate cake made by Mrs. Debbie Lawrence concluded the day which was enjoyed by all. 

With photo sessions completed it was time for TAPS.  Each Unit sang their TAPS with actions which ended another Thinking Day celebration.  There were 4 Guides who could not attend.  Also Kirsty Anthony our Guide Unit Helper and Ms. Shari Parkhill our Brown Owl missed the celebration due to work commitment and Shari on vacation. 

On behalf of the 1^st Ascension Girlguiding Unit I would like to wish our Sister Girlguiding Unit on St. Helena belated Thinking Day wishes.  You were remembered in our prayers along with our sisters world-wide.

On a different note……………………PLEASE REMEMBER GIRLS

Mothering Sunday, 2^nd March we are off to Church Parade for our Family Service which, will be led by live music!!  Fresh daffodils from the UK will be distributed to all the children for their mothers. 

Cheryl Anthony MBE

Guide Guider,