Girlguiding members presented with awards
AWARDS for an array of achievements, including one for 50 years of service, were presented to members of Girlguiding Guernsey at a special event at Les Cotils.
Special guest was chief commissioner for the South-West region Racheal Tattum, who presented the South-West England review of the year.
‘It’s inspiring to see our volunteers continuing to make such a difference,’ she said. ‘Thank you all for the passion and energy you bring to the community.’
The evening also saw Bailiwick commissioner Colette Merrien deliver her annual review, as well a presentation from Mair Nippers, who was part of Girlguiding South-West England’s group on an interrailing trip through Europe.
And three teams from the Ranger section (14-18-year-olds) gave presentations in competition for the Stephanie Le Page Memorial Challenge.
This year’s challenge was to design an eco-friendly camp and it was won by St Stephen’s Rangers.
Long-service awards were given for girls and women who had been with the service from five to 50 years, with the latter being received by Alison Done.
'I have loved my 50 years as a leader and have tried to give all the girls I have met the chance to both enjoy themselves through the activities we have shared and hopefully help them to become more confident in everything they have achieved in their futures when they have moved on,’ she said.
She particularly remembered meeting Olive Baden Powell, wife of Scouts founder William and the first Chief Guide, who was a ‘wonderful lady and an inspiration’.
Cathy Martel was presented with a 40-year service award. She said she was originally asked to help out for a few weeks and could not believe she had stayed involved for so long.
She felt lucky to have been a Brownie leader for many years at Capelles. ‘Volunteering can be a challenge at times, keeping the meetings activities varied and interesting for a wide range of abilities and interests, but is rewarding when you see the girls develop and grow in confidence during their time with us,’ she said.
A special recognition award, the Patois Brooch, went to Debbie Robinson, along with an award for 30 years of service.
‘It has been an honour to be part of such a great organisation for the last 30 years and see hundreds of girls flourish with the experiences Girlguiding Guernsey has given them from days out to pack holidays in the UK,’ she said.
There was a 20-year long service award for Danielle Lesbirel.
‘Being a leader for Brownies and Rainbows is extremely rewarding,’ she said. ‘I get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing the girls grow in confidence. It’s a lot of fun doing their activities too.’
The evening also saw two Good Service Awards presented, to Lou Goddard and Sarah Grantham, and Thanks Badges were given to Emily Pailing, Sian Merrien, Helen Durkin, Tammi Beach, and Carol Joyce.
Tracey Shorto received a Thanks Badge, which Mrs Merrien said was for her arranging visits for the girls to the RNLI lifeboat station to allow them to complete their ‘MayDay MayDay’ badge, produced with the RNLI to celebrate the lifeboat service’s 200th anniversary.
