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The spring term started as any other: tales of Christmas, the presents, the food, the visits to family. We always start back with a get-to-knowyou session and some games to introduce the new Rainbows to the meeting. This term we had nine new girls over the two different groups. One of the first activities of the term was the very exciting trip to the Panto! We went to see Jack and the Beanstalk at King James Academy in Royston. The performance was fantastic and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the day. This term we were working on our ‘For my future’ and ‘Take Action’ badges and this involved a lot of DIY skills! The Rainbows identified different tools and their uses, learned how to use cable ties, how to attach a new drawer handle, used a paint roller and practised using screwdrivers and Allen keys. Who knew it could be so much fun! The Rainbows learned how to count coins and their values, and then used twenty pence each to buy some delicious fruit to make a fruit kebab. Every girls’ kebab was different as they all bought different things. Some stacked theirs in a pattern, some in order. They all ate them very fast though! The girls had a go at decision making by choosing four songs and four games and then voting on which ones to do in the session. Tough decisions were made that night. We decided to decorate plant pots for Mother’s Day this year and fill each of them with a flowering bulb. The girls used decoupage paper and glue to decorate the outside of their pots.

Unfortunately we were unable to meet as a unit after that week so Buttercup and her daughters potted them up at home and delivered them to the Rainbows’ doorsteps in time for the big day. The end of this term has been different to say the least! We had no end of term session for our older Rainbows going up to Brownies (although we will try to include something once we return) and our last couple of sessions, to complete badge work, could not be held. Instead, we have set up ‘Virtual Rainbows’. We are keeping in contact with a weekly newsletter and if the girls complete any badge work at home, we organise a video call so they can show us what they have done. It is working really well and the girls seem to be enjoying it. We will continue with our virtual Rainbows until we return to normal and can get back to our weekly meetings. Rainbows is a Girl-guiding section for ages 5-7 years. Run by volunteers, we try to cover a range of topics and activities each term, and we try to make it as fun and interesting as possible. For enquiries, please visit the Girl-guiding website: www.girlguiding.org.uk. Stef Cooper

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Competitions

The entry deadline for the competitions featured in last month’s issue of Meldreth Matters has been extended until 21st July. For details of the competitions, see last month’s Meldreth Matters, which can also be viewed online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters/docs/ mm_may_2020_issuu/26 or follow the link on the Rail Partnership’s home page: http:// meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership