By Press Release
It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation from Girlguiding SW England region to serve as Island commissioner. I am now half way through my term of office, and the different opportunities which I have experienced have been amazing. From attending meetings across the country, representing the Isle of Wight, to arranging events where we can celebrate achievements, and present awards to girls who have gone beyond their comfort zone.
I have been involved in Girlguiding since age seven, when I was a Brownie, progressing through all the sections, becoming a Brownie leader at 18. Since then, I have held multiple roles. In addition to being Island commissioner, I have been the leader of 1st Carisbrooke (Princess Beatrice Own) guide unit since 1998.
A highlight of my week is our weekly meeting, with my dedicated team and our guides. I particularly enjoy taking the girls on trips, camping or helping them learn new life skills and try out new adventurous activities.
Girlguiding Isle of Wight is part of Girlguiding UK, and we are the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls. We’re girls from 4 to 18 who come together to laugh, learn, explore and have adventures. We’re volunteers who make guiding happen by giving time, talents and care for girls. We’re her first night away or weekend camping adventure. We’re the badges she collects – anything from rock-climbing to crafting to coding. We’ve been by girls’ sides, for over 100 years. Today, we’re focused on what drives, challenges and excites girls now. We’re Girlguiding.
This year, five of our Island members have been selected to represent the UK on international trips, and I look forward to sharing their stories when they return.
I am often asked, “Are there still girl guides today?” and, technically, no, as the word girl was dropped about 20 years ago. Since then, girls aged 10-14 have been called guides. Our overall name is Girlguiding, which encompasses all our members, from the 4-year-old Rainbows, through Brownies (7-10) to Guides (10-14) to Rangers (14-18) and beyond. We continue to thrive as an organisation.
On the Island, we are proud that we registered one of the original guide companies in the UK with 1st Ventnor registered in 1912. One hundred years was celebrated in 2012, but, sadly, they have now closed, due to leaders moving on. We would love to reopen this unit and new units in other towns, especially in West Wight and Cowes. In some areas we have waiting lists for Rainbows and Brownies, and need to open additional units.
We will always welcome new girls so that they can experience the fun activities and experiences. Girls can do anything. If you are interested in volunteering as a leader, assistant leader, or unit helper, we would like to hear from you. Training is on offer. Currently we have over 600 girls, plus leaders, in 45 units across the Island, so there could be a unit near to you who would welcome your help.
Come and see us at Riverfest, at Newport Quay on Saturday or, at the Wildheart Trust in Sandown, on Sunday. If you feel that you could volunteer with us even in a very small way, please contact me on 520873, or sign up on-line at iow.life/guidevolunteers or see girlguidingisleofwight.co.uk
We are one of a few charities on the Island where all adult members are true volunteers, with no-one receiving a salary. As Volunteers Week approaches, I would like to thank all volunteers, especially those on the Island. Without you, we, and many other charities, would not be able to operate.