It was celebrations and a campfire at Faurefold for Alexia Beale who was finally awarded her Queen’s Guide Award, the highest award you can work towards in guiding. Alexia, formerly a 2nd Dorking Guide and Young Leader and Leader, received the award at a campfire with the Guides from 2nd and 5th Dorking, Leith Hill Rangers and their leaders.
The award was presented by Jennifer Sibley, our County Queens Guide Award Coordinator, who supported her together with various mentors within and outside of guiding for the different parts of the Award. Jennifer explained what a challenge it had been to complete it during the pandemic and congratulated Alexia for persevering. Alexia had volunteered at a Brownie group and took on the role of first aider at a sleepover. She developed her piano skills, and because of the pandemic held a virtual sleepover on the Growing Up Wild Birds badge, attended by members across the UK which led to new friendships being formed. We think this is a first! She also organised an exploration on a space and physics theme with her university friends.
The Queen’s Guide Award usually takes 3 years to complete and Alexia is highly congratulated for her achievements. In due course she’ll be invited to a national presentation for her Queen’s Guide Award as well – because for such a high honour, two celebrations are needed! Alexia’s parents were at the presentation along with past and present 2nd Dorking Guide Leaders and County Advisers who supported Alexia on her journey.
The opportunity was also taken to ask the County Commissioner to work for her tea and cake and present long service awards to 5th Dorking Guide Leaders: Nicola Hamill – 5 Years, Fiona Butler – 10 Years, Lynda Mackie-Gandy – 20 years. Leith Division thanked Nicola Brett who has stepped down as DC after 10 years and also Alison Cotterill who has retired as Brown Owl from two Units within the Division. Thank you and congratulations to them all.
If you are interested to find our more, take a look at the Queens Guide Award or contact Jennifer directly.