Our new tractor!

Not that exciting you might think, but to us at Hautbois it is a big deal! For some time the little Iseki has been struggling, so to have a bigger machine capable of doing so much more is like a dream come true! Freddie is in seventh heaven, but as can be seen he doesn't always get to drive the tractor - seen above is Rosie Spencer, Anglia Chief Commissioner, trying it out for size!

2008 is now well under way, with some major changes on the staffing front, (to see more about this please click here) and the completion of the second phase of the improvements to our facilities. We now have 8 en-suite bedrooms, up from three, and also a single en-suite room available. To improve inclusivity we have moved our accessible bedroom upstairs, and with the lift now firmly established we feel that we are better able to cater for those less mobile. Despite the changes we managed to achieve this with only the loss of one bed, so our nominal capacity is now 38, though we still have a couple of comfortable "guest" beds we can put up too.

The Fun Day this year will take place on Saturday, May 31st, and we hope to include all your favourite activities, though rafting is making way for the more popular kayaking. Unfortunately we have to introduce an entry charge of 50p per person to help with our overhead costs, but we hope to have more things to do to make up for this.

The excellent service we offer to our friends and guests remains our number one priority, so whether it's a weekend extending your knowledge of the Guiding programme, or participating in adventurous or creative activities - maybe learning a new skill - or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings of this beautiful house and grounds - we promise to do our best to make your stay enjoyable and to fulfill your expectations. We continue to offer a warm welcome to all our friends, old and new. (It was once said that a stranger is only a friend we have not yet met, and we firmly believe in that here at Hautbois!)

This Residential and Activity Centre belongs to all in Girlguiding Anglia. It is here for YOU, the Girlguiding Anglia member, and we try to put on events that reflect the needs of the Region. All ages are catered for, and we try to be cross-sectional in our content, but we do need your input to ensure that we satisfy your needs. We are always looking for opportunities to improve the service offered at our Centre, and welcome suggestions from our members, friends and guests.

June 21, 2008