THE 2nd Ascot Girl Guides reflected on their amazing trip to the World Guide Centre in Switzerland at a special presentation held last Monday (September 26) before the Mayor.

Cllr Tony Virgo as well as Cllr Dorothy Hayes, fellow Guides and Brownies and the youngsters' friends and family were all treated to a video showcasing the Guides' exploits overseas earlier this year.

As well as visiting the Guide Centre, three new Guides and one leader took their Guide Promise and the group met Girl Scouts and Guides from across the world during the experience.

The girls sampled authentic Swiss entertainment, learnt how chocolate is made in Interlaken, went up the Niessen on a funicular railway, went tobogganing, visited a cheese farm, played mountain games and hiked along Choleron Gorge to see a wood carver.

The Guides raised £13,000 towards the cost of the trip through carnivals, village fayres, car boot sales and even the odd bucket collection.

Extra donations were provided from local companies including Bracknell Storage, All Saints Church, Busker Bill (Heffill), Ascot Rotary Club and Ascot fire station.

At the end of Monday's presentation, the new North Ascot district commissioner, Fiona Fanning, presented Susan Shefford with her 10 year award for services to Guiding. Susan runs 2nd Ascot Guides as well as 4th Ascot Brownies.

The next trip will be in 2018 to Mexico, where the Guides will get involved in a community project and get a taste of Mexican cultures and traditions.

The first fundraising event towards this will be a Christmas shopping evening, on November 18 2016 at King Edward's Hall, North Ascot, starting at 7pm. There will be many unusual stalls and entry is free.

For more information on fundraising or joining the Guides, please contact Susan Shefford at sueshefford@hotmail.com or 07919 926104.