2003 was another busy year for Chelmsford South Division.  We saw a change of Division Commissioners as Bev Ellis moved on to the role of Assistant County Commisisoner and Judith Pickess moved from District Commissioner of Great Baddow to Division Commissioner.  We also saw a change in advisors as Jane Ronaldson took over from Sheila Everitt as Camp Advisor and Sally Gale took over from Sue Thompson as Pack Holiday Advisor.  We thank those who have moved on for their support and welcome the new members of the team, wishing them luck in their new roles. 

Our Division is divided into four Districts, which cover the following areas:- 

Danbury District now consists of three Guide Units and three Brownie Packs with happy girls and enthusiastic Guiders, although as always, new Leaders are required, especially in the Little Baddow area.  Over the year the District held Brownie Revels, which was enjoyed by all that attended, the three Guide units, working closely together spent summer evenings “out of doors”, supported the Chelmsford Gang Show and attended Mayhem. 

Another busy year for the Great Baddow District, with Judith moving on, Ann Malin took on the role of District Commissioner.  The Guide units tackled several “Go for its” and interest badges.  The Guides also took part in a cooking challenge at Riffhams, which 3^rd Great Baddow won, although the points were very close and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Money was raised for Leukaemia research when the units took part in the Leukaemia Challenge and several Guides and Guiders went to Mayhem.  The Brownies were busy too, are enjoying the new programme and several pack holidays took place with a variety of themes.  Two Brownie packs went on Santa’s Biggest Brownie Adventure at Hautbois, and had great fun, although not much sleep!  At the end of November one Guider did her residential module at Prances, with Christmas coming early!  Staying on the theme of Christmas, three Brownie Guiders spent a weekend at Hautbois learning crafts, and would thoroughly recommend it to others.  The summer term saw lots of out of doors activities and in February a Thinking Day Party was held with crafts and food from around the World.  Also within the District several Guiders received their long-service awards ranging from 10 to 40 years.

Hylands District also saw a change in District Commissioner, with Bev Pavitt standing down and Nicola Randall taking on the role.  Over the last year there have been several District events, including the annual Strawberry Evening, a visit to Chessington World of Adventures, a carol service at Writtle Church and a well attended Thinking Day meal for the Guiders.  There has also been a number of International activities with Janice Lee of Zodiac Rangers going to Poland, Aimee Batchford, a Guider with 1^st Writtle Brownies going to India and 1^st Writtle Guides have been to Holland for a Jamboree and EuroDisney for Thinking Day.  The District was represented at the Big Gig with two units attending and there have also been a number of craft nights run by the Guides for other sections.  The Guides have also been involved in the Gang Show, fundraising, attending camps and Jamborees, and taking part in Division challenges.  The seven Brownies units have been busy all year taking part in the Martin Shield, going on Pack Holidays, fundraising and embracing the new programme.  There are two Ranger units in the District, both of which have also been busy, by attending Rave with Mave and are now working on the Senior Section Movie Challenge.  Zodiac have been raising funds by running a Murder Mystery Evening and face painting at Danbury Fireworks.

Moulsham District saw two Guiders retire after 20 years, but recruited five new people.  The District team are working well together organising a Brownie and Rainbow disco, which was a hue success as well as being a fundraiser.  The Rainbows visited Tropical Wings at South Woodham Ferrers and had a joint panto with the Brownies, which was excellent.  The Brownies have visted a dinosaur park, had a valentine’s party and a BBQ bonfire party as well as completing several badges.  The units are working on the new programme and 1^st Galleywood Brownies went on Pack Holiday to Terling.  The two Guides units joined together to go to the Big Gig and a camp at Blackland Farm.  Both units have completed “Go For Its” and interest badges as well as attending the Gang Show.  4^th Moulsham held a Fair Trade evening and 1^st Galleywood had a visit from an Ambulance and its crew.