Worth

Division Commissioner:  Tina Shea

Worth Division was formed in 1994 when Worth District, then in East Grinstead Division, became too large.  It was created with two Districts:   Selsfield District (now 10 units) and Akehurst District (now 7 units).  Over Fifty volunteer guiders and unit helpers bring guiding to over 260 girls in the villages of Crawley Down, Turners Hill, West Hoathly and Copthorne: there are 5 Rainbow units, 6 Brownie units, 5 Guide units and 2 Senior Section units including Copthorne Rangers.

The Rainbow, Brownie and Guide/Senior sections meet at least annually to arrange Division activities for their section across the two districts.  This has worked very well to help the units integrate.  2008 events have included so far  'March Monster Madness' where the Guides/Senior Section completed a night walk from Turners Hill to the new guide centre in Copthorne and a 21st Birthday celebration for Rainbows at Imberhorne School.  At Christmas all sections meet together for carol singing at Tulleys Farm.

Both Akehurst and Selsfield districts took Guides and Senior section to WS 2008 international camp at Ardingly in August.

The Worth Division standard was completed and dedicated formally in May 2006 with a service at St Leonard's Church, Turners Hill.  The Division President can be seen standing with the two main ‘stitchers'.  

• Swan for West Hoathly - this is the symbol the Parish Council use.
• Crawley Down is the Anvil,
• Turners Hill the Compass and
• Copthorne is represented by the Gorse that grows prolifically on Copthorne Common and is symbolic of the rural area. The Anvil, Compass and Gorse are all on the Worth Parish Council symbol.

Four years of grant applications and fundraising events produced £250,000 and has resulted in a wonderful new guide centre for Copthorne units.  Although not officially opened until May 2007, the units moved into their new home on Thinking Day 22^nd February 2007.  All the Copthorne units walked from the old Hall to the new and the opening ribbon was cut by the eldest ranger and assisted by the youngest rainbow at that time..  This new Guide Centre should ensure that guiding has a home in Copthorne for many years to come.