District Guiding commissioners Bridget Scase (left) and Jane Amess (right) with South Holland district councillor Sally Slade.

Spalding Guiding history book published with councillors’ backing

A book of bygone stories from a Girl Guiding group in Spalding has been published with financial support from the ward member’s budget of six South Holland district councillors.

“Memories of 2nd Spalding Guide Company 1941-1965″ has been produced by District Guiding commissioners Bridget Scase and Jane Amess in tribute to Mary Waters, who was involved with the Guiding movement for 76 years having first joined in 1937.

Printing costs for the book were covered with donations from the ward cashpots of councillors Sally Slade, Elizabeth Sneath, James Avery (all Pinchbeck and Surfleet), Angela Newton (Spalding Monkshouse) and Harry Drury and Gary Porter (both Spalding St Mary’s).

Jane said: “After Mary’s death in 2014 a series of log books for the 2nd Spalding Guides which covered the years 1941 to 1965 were found in her possession.

“Mary does not feature too much in the books but we felt that the lovely stories, drawings and photographs about Guide life in those years should be shared.

“We would like to thank everyone who helped us produce the book and the councillors who generously supported us.

“The book took us over two years to produce and we are delighted to see it now in print. We hope that people will enjoy it and think that it is a fitting tribute to our friend.”

Coun Slade added: “I was delighted to be able to help give the project a boost by donating some of my ward budget. Several other councillors did so, too, and I know that all those involved are really pleased.

“I am thrilled to her how well sales of the book are going, as some of the profits will help fund the Lincolnshire Poacher Camp for local guides, which is a great opportunity for them.”

The book is on sale for £8 with a donation given to The Johnson Community Hospital League of Friends (Mary was on its committee for many years). Any other profit made will be used to take a group of Guides from Spalding District to an international camp in August.

Anyone wanting to buy the book should contact Bridget on 01775 760118 or Jane on 01775 769729.

South Holland Councillors have designated ward budgets which they use to help all manner of community groups and causes across the district.

To find your local councillor visit www.sholland.gov.uk.

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