GIRL GUIDES: Abergavenny needs leaders for Guides, Brownies and their little sisters in the Rainbows groups.

There is a national shortage of leaders in Girlguiding, and every group is making an effort to try and recruit more adult leaders and helpers to satisfy the waiting list which is increasing each week.

Volunteers do not need to have been members of the movement in their youth because they will be mentored and trained while they are having fun with the various activities which the girls enjoy.

Girls can join Rainbows at the age of five and continue through the movement until they gain their Queen’s Badge as a guide.

They can then join Rangers which meet in Abergavenny every other Wednesday.

Rainbows sessions are held in Abergavenny, Goytre and Govilon and there are three Brownie packs in Abergavenny which meet on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Goytre and Govilon also have packs as well as guides. Abergavenny guides meet every Thursday.

Divisional commissioner, Margaret Spencer, said: “During the week of September 21-27 we are making a concerted effort to recruit leaders throughout the county. This will enable new units to open and ensure continuity in existing units as present leaders retire.

“There are over 50,000 girls wishing to join the movement throughout the UK.

“In the Abergavenny Division there is a call for a unit to reopen in Crucorney and for a number of new leaders to assist existing groups in the town.

“Goytre are soon to lose some of their leaders as they are coming to their retirement age.”

A Brownie pack was opened in Crucorney in 2006 with 16 girls and this was run by a rota of parents for a term, but there was no-one to take over so it closed – yet there is still a waiting list in the area.

There are various events being held during that week to highlight the recruitment drive, with Llanfoist and Govilon Guides doing a Golden Mile and Golden Silence on the Monday.

Abergavenny mayor, councillor John Prosser, is to help raise the profile of the week by attending the Wednesday meeting of Brownies, and Gwent’s lord lieutenant, Simon Boyle, will visit Abergavenny Guides on the Thursday. The week will end with a special display in Abergavenny town centre on Saturday, September 27.

To find out more, ring Mrs Spencer on 01873 850596. Lesley Flynn