BlogStonia?

I know what you're thinking - is that really the best you could come up with for the name of the blog? Let's be honest - previous blog titles have been more linguistically pleasing - there was the original LuxemBlog from 2013, the IceBlog from 2014, then, ok, the latest one wasn't that snappy actually - Slovenia2017.  But work with me - BlogStonia was an option, but that sounds as though we're off to live in some sort of intriguing commune, therefore friends, I give you... Estonia 2018.  

International opportunities with Girlguiding change lives.  I didn't say a lot before I represented Chislehurst Division at the World Scout Jamboree in Chile in 1998; since then, as those around me will testify, I have hardly stopped talking.  International opportunities with Girlguiding enable girls to explore the world in a safe, secure environment with their Guiding sisters and an experienced leadership team.  There is a whole world out there, so why stay local? Plus there are Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 147 countries across the world, so let's go and meet them! 

But why Estonia? Well, why not?

We've worked hard to fundraise for this trip - everyone attending has paid £275, when the true cost is nearer £500 per head.  We are hugely grateful for the various grants we have received from the Leslie Sell Charitable Trust, The Pat Tiley Memorial Fund, The Region Chief Commissioner's Fund and the Freemasons.  We have also spent the last few months running events, selling things online, collecting stamps and encouraging everyone we know to use easyfundraising (we know - with the latter one seems to generate about a tenth of a penny every time, but it does mount up eventually, believe me!)

You'll be gently relieved to hear that the forthcoming authors of this blog will be the girls themselves, not me.  Enjoy.