Girls from the 1st Oaklands Rainbows unit were dismayed this evening when they arrived at their meeting hall at Christ Church, New London Road, Chelmsford. During the week, asbestos had been discovered in their store cupboard - and all their play equipment, craft items, books and folders have been placed strictly out of bounds forever! The girls, aged five and six, were most disappointed that they were not allowed to have their favourite skipping ropes, parachute, games and colouring pens to play with.
Guider Michelle Carroll, who has been a leader for over fifteen years, said: "Luckily we brought enough things with us this evening to keep them busy for an hour, but we are all extremely upset that this has happened. We have been collecting equipment for the last twenty years, and have lost the lot. Pens, glue and scissors can be replaced, but all our old photos of the unit, a favourite tea set, badges, and certificates are irreplacable."
The Rainbows now have to build up their equipment from scratch, and Guider Rachel Barford is worried that there won't be such a range of activities available. "I started this unit twenty years ago this year, and we benefited from donations of equipment from the Guides and Brownies, as well as lots of gifts from girls when they left the Unit.. We would be really grateful for any donations of suitable craft or play items to get us off the ground again", she said.
The 1st Oaklands Rainbows can be contacted via Rachel Barford on 01245 611616.
Guider Michelle Carroll, who has been a leader for over fifteen years, said: "Luckily we brought enough things with us this evening to keep them busy for an hour, but we are all extremely upset that this has happened. We have been collecting equipment for the last twenty years, and have lost the lot. Pens, glue and scissors can be replaced, but all our old photos of the unit, a favourite tea set, badges, and certificates are irreplacable."
The Rainbows now have to build up their equipment from scratch, and Guider Rachel Barford is worried that there won't be such a range of activities available. "I started this unit twenty years ago this year, and we benefited from donations of equipment from the Guides and Brownies, as well as lots of gifts from girls when they left the Unit.. We would be really grateful for any donations of suitable craft or play items to get us off the ground again", she said.
The 1st Oaklands Rainbows can be contacted via Rachel Barford on 01245 611616.
