January was a very busy month for the Uniformed Youth Fund project. We started the year with lots of data crunching and preparing reports for our funders. We’re really pleased to share that we’ve met one of our targets – to increase capacity in existing units by 342 spaces. Over 90 units have reviewed and updated their capacity on GO and then gone on to welcome new Guides or Rangers. We’ve created 811 new spaces so smashed our target. Of those spaces, we’ve welcomed 403 new girls so that’s hundreds of extra girls learning that they can do anything.
If you were one of those units, do get in touch. We’d love to hear what you did to prepare for new girls and share your success on next month’s blog.
Over the next month or two, we’ll be financially supporting those units that are eligible with payments towards Girlguiding’s subscription payment. If your unit is eligible, I’ll be in touch with you directly. This important payment helps fund running costs at all levels of Girlguiding – from developments to digital tools to risk management and safeguarding. If your unit is worried about paying subscriptions, please read the Girlguiding website for support on paying subscriptions. It includes help with how to speak to parents about this cost. There are many grants to apply for and you can speak to your commissioner about your concerns. The earlier you ask for help, the better.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and would like to read more about the project head to our first blog or December’s edition about our new Guide unit in Thedwastre, Suffolk.
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I’m so excited to share my first Lunar New Year blog as a member of Girlguiding Anglia! Hi, I’m Lauren, I grew up in Singapore and celebrated the Lunar New Year every year with my family and friends. Since moving to the UK, I’ve kept up my celebrations and traditions and have included my favourite ones in this blog. I’ve also written an accompanying activity sheet that can be used at unit meetings, at home or at the workplace. I hope you enjoy reading about the celebrations and I can’t wait to usher in the new year with you all.
Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar and occurs on a different day each year. The cycle is 12 years long and is marked by 12 zodiac animals, one for each year. This year celebrates the year of the dragon, bringing good luck and prosperity to those born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2014 and children born this year. The first day of Lunar New Year is 10 February. The new year is celebrated throughout east Asia and by many who live abroad. Celebrations occur over a 15-day period and traditions vary from country to country but there are a few that are not to be missed.
Many new year superstitions and traditions centre around the imminent arrival of the luck god and the rival evil spirit Nian. Families will gather on the eve of the new year for a reunion dinner and will engage in the following auspicious activities:
- Wearing bright colours, mostly red, pink, and orange to scare off Nian and attract luck and good fortune.
- Eating traditional dishes that include noodles to symbolise long and healthy life, fish to symbolise happiness and oranges to symbolise prosperity.
- Using sparklers, fireworks, and rattles to scare Nian away from their houses.
- Exchanging red packets or hong bao, older relatives will usually give children and single adults these auspicious blessings in denominations of 2, 8 and 10 – never give someone a sum containing the number 4! It is a sign of bad luck and misfortune.
Some of my other favourite traditions are eating a sticky caramel rice cake called Nian Gao, thought to have been created to be so delicious and glutinous that it would glue Nian’s mouth shut, rendering it unable to consume any more good fortune. Additionally, throughout the 15-day celebratory period, families don’t clean their houses or throw any rubbish away, to not accidentally get rid of the wealth and blessings showered on their homes during the Lunar New Year. Instead, families will clean meticulously before the first day, making sure to throw out anything unlucky. Many companies will invite lion or dragon dancers into their offices where the performers skilfully navigate the desks and paperwork, to usher in a prosperous year of business. These performances are usually accompanied by loud percussive music and chanting auspicious phrases in mandarin. I find that my new years have been lots quieter here than at home!
I hope this blog has been a helpful introduction to the Lunar New Year and I can’t wait to see how you and your girls take part in the festivities. It is so wonderful to see everyone celebrate a holiday from another culture and I’m excited for the many festivals and traditional holidays that Girlguiding now recognises and celebrates. Celebrating our differences and uplifting girls in minority ethnic groups is more important now than ever. Personally, I can’t wait to have my friends round and cook a delicious meal for all of us to enjoy!
Share your experiences, celebrate with us on social media and don’t forget have fun!
新年快樂 (Xin Nian Kuai Le) and happy celebrating!
Join us this Earth Day 2024!
The RSPB and Girlguiding Anglia are excited to offer girls a fun filled day out at one of the RSPB’s 3 nature reserves – Minsmere (Suffolk), Rainham Marshes (Essex), The Lodge (Bedfordshire).
Each reserve event will offer a variety of outdoor activities where girls will be adventurers, exploring the unique environment of the reserve and discover new and exciting creatures.
These nature events will be led by the knowledgeable RSPB teams alongside instructions for leader-led activities where relevant.
When and where?
All reserves will carry out the activities on Saturday 20 April 2024. Bookings are now closed for the events.
There are 3 different nature reserves available to choose from, each in a different location with varying capacities.
Minsmere (Suffolk)
Rainham Marshes (Essex)
The Lodge (Bedfordshire)
The reserves have limited parking space, as a result we encourage group travel by public transport, coach, minibus, or carpool.
What’s on offer?
Each reserve has slightly different offerings, based on location. However, all girls attending the event will be able to experience the unique environment of the reserve and discover what creatures lurk and live in each zone and habitat of the reserve.
All attendees will receive an Earth Day badge upon completing the activities of the day.
Who can attend the event?
We welcome all girls from all sections with their leaders and young leaders to attend. Please be advised that each location has varying activities and capacities and should be booked accordingly.
How much is it and how do I book?
We are currently waiting to hear back about a grant which would greatly subsidise the cost of the event. Currently without the grant, tickets will be around £9 for under 18s with adult leaders going free.
Other important information
Upon booking, leaders will be sent final details including photo permission forms for both Girlguiding Anglia and the RSPB.