A major campaign has been launched by local Girlguiding members in the town to find thousands of pounds for major building and renovation work needed for their base at Rock Hall, Midsomer Norton. Many women in the area may have once joined the Guides, Brownies or Rainbows in Midsomer Norton, using Rock Hall as its base, and members are hoping the community will be able to come to their rescue to save the hall, which is supporting young girls and helping to shape their futures.

Girlguiding members from Midsomer Norton took action for their home at Rock Hall by packing shopping bags at Tesco last Saturday and would like to say a big thank you to Beckie Eschle, Community Champion at the store, local staff, and an extra very big thank you to all the customers who kindly donated, helping to raise £458.37 for the cause.

Rock Hall has been home to senior section Guides, Brownies and Rainbows in Midsomer Norton since the 1960s, having inherited the building from the W.I. for the exclusive use of Girlguiding, and now needs major renovation to keep the hall in a usable condition for girls, now and in years to come.

Having already held successful fundraising events within their units at Rock Hall and a very popular quiz, the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section rallied

together and set to work helping shoppers at Tesco in the hope of raising more money to fund the projects.

Guide unit leader, Jenna Taylor, said at the event last Saturday: “Members of the community approached us to talk about what they did as a Girlguide and in particular, at the hall. It was lovely to hear so many members of the community have happy memories of using Rock Hall and used Girlguiding to make new friends and learn new skills – we want to keep that going for as long as possible.”

Girlguiding has always encouraged girls to have a voice on the issues they care about and take positive action in their communities. It opens up a world of opportunities to girls and young women aged five to 25, offering a hugely varied programme incorporating everything from world issues and science to social action, adventure sports and international travel. Just recently, the units from Midsomer Norton have enjoyed learning survival skills, cooking on an open fire, as well as exciting activities like canoeing, roller skating and climbing. The old favourites, such as singing and crafts are still enjoyed as well!

The charity builds girls’ confidence and raises their aspirations and Rock Hall is just one of the places giving them their own space to have fun and build friendships.

If you are interested in helping the project in any way, please email: [email protected] or if you or your daughter would like to join Girlguiding, please visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk to register your interest. Please keep your eyes peeled for further fundraising events for Rock Hall in the near future – they would love your support.