About Us
Friends of Dudsbury Guide Camp are exactly that. A group of people who become friends through a love of our beautiful Dudsbury. We primarily raise funds for the small and larger things needed at Dudsbury Guide Camp.
How did Friends of Dudsbury begin?
On 3rd October 1931, Lady Olave Baden Powell laid one of the first stones of The House at Dudsbury Guide Camp. Underneath the foundations of The House are copies of The Guider and The Guide magazines, the Bournemouth Daily Echo and badges from each section of the Girl Guide movement. On top of the stones were scattered corn, salt, oil and wine in keeping with ancient custom.
With this new building, further plans and use of the Dudsbury Guide Camp increasing, a Bournemouth Guider called Kitty Simmons recognised the Guide Camp would need additional monies. Kitty rode a bicycle and in 1965, she rode her bicycle to collect donations from supporters of Girl Guides and people interested in Dudsbury. After a while, she wanted to start a formal group but didn’t want to be Chairman.
So, in 1973 a Bournemouth Guider, Joan Sturton took on the role of Chairman for one year to start this new group - Friends of Dudsbury Guide Camp. Kitty was treasurer and continued to ride her bicycle round to collect members subs. After Kitty Simmons passed, George Matthews (at the time, warden of Dudsbury) made a lovely cross and candle set in memory of Kitty. It is housed in The Chalet and was designed to be used by Units for ‘Guides Own’ .
The Friends of Dudsbury continue today and we love welcoming new members.
Members are anyone interested in Dudsbury Guide Camp.
The Friends meet several times a year. Fun fundraising events are held and ground maintenance undertaken.
Every autumn, we plant daffodil bulbs at Dudsbury in memory of members who have passed during the year.
All Friends are welcome to join in all activities!
How did Friends of Dudsbury begin?
On 3rd October 1931, Lady Olave Baden Powell laid one of the first stones of The House at Dudsbury Guide Camp. Underneath the foundations of The House are copies of The Guider and The Guide magazines, the Bournemouth Daily Echo and badges from each section of the Girl Guide movement. On top of the stones were scattered corn, salt, oil and wine in keeping with ancient custom.
With this new building, further plans and use of the Dudsbury Guide Camp increasing, a Bournemouth Guider called Kitty Simmons recognised the Guide Camp would need additional monies. Kitty rode a bicycle and in 1965, she rode her bicycle to collect donations from supporters of Girl Guides and people interested in Dudsbury. After a while, she wanted to start a formal group but didn’t want to be Chairman.
So, in 1973 a Bournemouth Guider, Joan Sturton took on the role of Chairman for one year to start this new group - Friends of Dudsbury Guide Camp. Kitty was treasurer and continued to ride her bicycle round to collect members subs. After Kitty Simmons passed, George Matthews (at the time, warden of Dudsbury) made a lovely cross and candle set in memory of Kitty. It is housed in The Chalet and was designed to be used by Units for ‘Guides Own’ .
The Friends of Dudsbury continue today and we love welcoming new members.
Members are anyone interested in Dudsbury Guide Camp.
The Friends meet several times a year. Fun fundraising events are held and ground maintenance undertaken.
Every autumn, we plant daffodil bulbs at Dudsbury in memory of members who have passed during the year.
All Friends are welcome to join in all activities!
Become a Member of Friends of Dudsbury
Gifted by
Friends of Dudsbury
In addition to furnishing and maintaining a Leaders bedroom and bathroom in The House, here are a some
of the resources and projects, we have funded.
of the resources and projects, we have funded.
Join Us Today
Why Be A Friend
“My mum and great aunt had camped as Guides at Dudsbury. As Brownie, I enjoyed time at Dudsbury following trails, having fun on the field and ending the day with campfire singing. As a Guide, I remember sleeping in the Nadine on lumpy mattresses, shining our torches and telling ghost stories! Quite a few years later I visited Dudsbury as the mother of a Brownie and am now introducing our wonderful Dudsbury to the Rainbows in my Unit” - Linda- Unit Leader.
“Dudsbury has had a special place in my heart for many years. I have fond memories of walking there as a child and in later years, Dudsbury became a favourite Pack Holiday home for my Brownies. It is beautiful all year round with white frosty mornings and gorgeous autumn colours and it it is home to a variety of wildlife. As a Friend of Dudsbury, I am delighted to be able to play a part in preserving Dudsbury for future members of Girlguiding and of course…………. as a Friend of Dudsbury, I also get to make frequent visits!” - Jennie - Secretary and Friend of Dudsbury
“Dudsbury has always been close to my heart and being a Trustee means I can contribute to shaping and preserving it for the girls of today and tomorrow. It’s a safe place for Leaders to bring their girls to enable them to challenge themselves, learn new skills and gain in confidence in all they do” - Ann- Friend of Dudsbury and Trustee of Dudsbury Guide Camp
“Dudsbury has had a special place in my heart for many years. I have fond memories of walking there as a child and in later years, Dudsbury became a favourite Pack Holiday home for my Brownies. It is beautiful all year round with white frosty mornings and gorgeous autumn colours and it it is home to a variety of wildlife. As a Friend of Dudsbury, I am delighted to be able to play a part in preserving Dudsbury for future members of Girlguiding and of course…………. as a Friend of Dudsbury, I also get to make frequent visits!” - Jennie - Secretary and Friend of Dudsbury
“Dudsbury has always been close to my heart and being a Trustee means I can contribute to shaping and preserving it for the girls of today and tomorrow. It’s a safe place for Leaders to bring their girls to enable them to challenge themselves, learn new skills and gain in confidence in all they do” - Ann- Friend of Dudsbury and Trustee of Dudsbury Guide Camp
“Life without adventures would be deadly dull“
- Lady Olave Baden Powell |
Dates for Your Diary
Morning coffee at Dudsbury - 27th of each month - 10am - 12noon
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