Janet and I were very lucky to be nominated to attend the
Girlguiding Celebrates in Manchester earlier this month.
After a long 4 ½ hour drive, I arrived with my daughter Louisa in a
very busy Manchester. Coming from quiet Somerset, it was all very
overwhelming. Not knowing where to go exactly and looking lost, we
heard a call from across the road, ‘Do you ladies know where to go?’
Obviously, we replied with ‘No’. We were then met by two fellow
leaders from Manchester who showed us the way as we talked about
where we were from and our travels. On the walk to the Odeon
Louisa was worried she would be the youngest one there.
Arriving at the Odeon we couldn’t have been made to feel more
welcome. We were greeted by a friendly smile and quick chat,
showed to the next friendly member of guiding, who then took our
names and pointed us up to the escalators.
Waiting for us at the top was a sea of guiding members dressed in
uniform with a “sparkly twist” and their chosen guests. Louisa had
nothing to worry about. Award winners and nominees guests included
fellow Rangers, Guides, Brownies and even Rainbows. As we stood at
the top, Louisa pointed out a couple of familiar faces, Janet and
Helen, who were talking to someone they knew. After we said our
hello’s, it was time to have some memorable photo’s taken, by a
couple of very helpful leaders.
We were then free to help ourselves to popcorn, water, a mocktail
and a mini bottle of prosecco. Whilst we waited to go in and sit at
our allotted seat, trays of canapés were offered around. It would
be very easy to get used to this side of guiding life!
Inside there was a wonderful buzz of everyone talking, you could
feel the anticipation as we didn’t really know what to expect.
We found our seat, the four of us sitting next to each other.
Waiting for us was a pack of badges and a light-up wrist band – the
type made famous by Coldplay. These lit up to show where each
Region were sat and any special mentions as they turned on when it
was relevant. They also glowed with the entertainment.
Time for the celebrations to begin.
Out the front stepped one of the friendly faces that greeted us at
the start of the afternoon alongside the two members that where
taking phots for everyone. They were the Chief Guide, Tracy
Foster, Deputy Chief Guide, Sally Kettle and the Assistant Chief
Guide, Mhairi Mackay. I couldn’t think of a better way to make sure
everyone felt important and special for these celebrations. They
may be high up in guiding, but they wanted to make sure everyone
felt welcome and happy.
Our first speaker was the CEO of Guiding, Felicity Oswald, again one
of the friendly faces that greeted us we entered.
We were then entertained by the National Scout and Guide Big
Band, who were amazing. Ambassador, Laura Young, then spoke to
use about her passion of being an environmentalist within Girlguiding
as well as her own guiding journey and working with units towards
their Eco badges.
Time for an interval and more canapés and an opportunity to stretch
our legs.
Back in for more entertainment, this time from the Congleton Gang
Show. All very talented young people from Guiding and Scouting.
Our second ambassador enthusiastic talk came from Anna McNuff.
Anna spoke about running the London Marathon with no shoes on,
being cheered on by guiding members as well as other members of
the public. She also spoke about her journey running barefoot
around the UK and meeting young members in their units, spending
time with them and talking to them about her journey and
challenges.
Throughout the afternoon we were shown messages of
congratulations from Region Commissioners to those that had been
awarded their Queen’s Guide and Laurel Awards.
Before we knew it, the celebrations came to an end, with more
canapés waiting for us.
Louisa and I said our goodbyes and safe travels to Janet and Helen,
as they were heading home back on the long journey. Louisa and I
would be spending the rest of the evening in Manchester. I couldn’t
think of a better way than to share this magical experience than
with my daughter, who has been a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide, and now a
Ranger and my Brownie Young Leader.
I would like to say a very big thank you, as I’m sure Janet would too,
to those that nominated us and who felt we were deserving of this
honour of attending the celebrations.
Jenny Coburn
For details of the event and how to nominate someone for next year check out this link.
Girlguiding Somerset county 