Special celebration laid on for guild's anniversary

Guests came from other guilds in the county for a party which included a toast before the cutting of a special cake, and tea served by a team of Bognor Regis South District Guides and their leaders, who were pleased to be asked to join in.

Greetings cards made by members were judged by visitors donating coins which were to support the Scout Centenary Flame project.

Everyone enjoyed music by some of the United Reformed Church members, ending with a general and enthusiastic sing-along.

Earlier in the year, Michelle Erkiert from Bognor Regis West District visited the Guild.

She had been selected with other young Guide leaders to join a service project in Thailand last year.

She was impressed by the Buddhist temples and a visit to the Royal Palace in Bankok, before they moved into remote inland settlements, in some places to help with the construction of sanitation and water pumps, and in others meeting with children who were thrilled to receive tooth brushes as gifts, and play equipment.

The group were overwhelmed by the friendly welcome they received everywhere.

Michelle's description of encounters with local wildlife, and eating the unusual fruit and vegetables caused much amusement.

The experience of meeting such contented people with so few possessions had made a lasting impression.

Nearer to home, but as amusing and informative was an illustrated talk by Steve Harris about hop-picking during the earlier part of the past century.

He described vividly the lives of the families from east London who would travel by train to the Kent hop fields year after year to gather the cones of the hops which were used in beermaking and would then be dried in oast houses.

This would be their only holiday.

Living conditions were very primitive and often led to disorder among the families.

The Guild have various outdoor events during the summer. They usually meet in South Bersted Church Hall and new members are always welcome.