Recipients were :-
Heather Ansell, who volunteered in Henfield until recently, but now lives & guides in Leicestershire, amazingly she still manages to work remotely with Duke of Edinburgh participants in the county.
Helen Currington and Barbara Wyatt have both volunteered in Horsham. Helen was a Brownie leader before moving on to Guides and Rainbows, as well as becoming a division commissioner, Barbara held various appointments including Brownie leader, county Trefoil Guild Chair and treasurer for her division.
Helen Dowling, a region trainer & guide leader and Pauline Hyner, who currently is a Brownie leader & division commissioner but also has been the county international coordinator are both from Crawley,
Burgess Hill leader, Pauline Richards has always volunteered with 5th Burgess Hill Guides, she has also been a district commissioner & is the treasurer for the Guide Hall in Burgess Hill.
Unfortunately, two recipients were unable to attend the actual event; Deborah Phillips who was county commissioner from 2011 to 2016 but also held leadership roles in Guides & Rangers in Hurstpierpoint, and also Dierdre Smith who is currently a Brownie leader at 1st West Hoathly Brownies, Worth division as well as being a county leadership mentor for new volunteers.
Family and friends were invited to join the celebration.
Caroline Hitchcock, Chair of the Award Committee said: "Our county is delighted & privileged to recognise these ladies. Their amazing loyalty and dedication have ensured many girls have been able to enjoy the benefits of Girlguiding."
Wendy Colson, county Commissioner, commented: "I am so pleased to be able to award these special Girlguiding badges. Although some of the recipients have already received their badges and certificates, our county wanted to show their appreciation for the many years of volunteering at so many levels.
"Their commitment and passion for guiding, together with encouragement and enthusiasm shown to so many girls and indeed fellow leaders is why our young people are able to take on new challenges, have incredible opportunities and help all girls know they can do anything but most importantly they made sure they had fun!"
Girlguiding Central geographically covers Mid Sussex, Crawley, East Grinstead and Horsham areas.
Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls
We’re over 300,000 girls from 4 to 18 who come together to laugh, learn, explore and have adventures. We’re over 70,000 volunteers, and 25,000 local groups having fun and exploring activities week in, week out .
If you or someone you know, wants to give time to your community and would love to empower girls, build your own confidence and make new friends, then Girlguiding actively welcomes people like you. We’re an organisation that is easily accessible, rewarding and enjoyable!
To find out more and join us go to https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/
https://www.girlguidingsussexcentralcounty.com/
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