Moray guides celebrate achievements at annual awards

Girlguiding Moray’s Annual Event celebrated the achievements of members of all ages from across Moray.

The event saw the presentation of five girls from the 1st Forres Guide Unit with the Baden Powell Challenge Award. They were amongst 21 girls from Moray to have received the award in the last year.

This award, which has recently been retired by Girlguiding UK after the introduction of a new programme, is the highest available within the Guide section. On average, girls spent four years completing the requirements for the award.

Four second New Elgin Guides were among the last to receive the award. Kayleigh and Abbie Howie, Leah Slater and Courtney Stanforth were presented with their awards at a celebration on Hopeman beach.

The girls had great fun and learnt many skills along the way. These included taking part in activities such as camping, surfing and rock climbing. They also lead fun evenings for their unit, such as tasting foods from around the world.

Margo Howe, from the Trefoil Guild section, was presented with her Voyage Silver Award. The award takes more than 12 months to complete and includes service, fundraising and self-development.

Eight members also received their Long Service Awards this year. On the day, Elaine Penny, from 1st and 2nd New Elgin Guides, and Nicola Smith, from 4th Keith Brownies, received their awards for 30 years’ service to Girlguiding.

A trip to the Netherlands by Keith Guides was also showcased, as well as a trip to Switzerland by Guides and Rangers from Forres, Buckie and Lossiemouth and a trip to the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia by Elgin Rainbow leader Emily Gonnella.

If you are interested in joining, find out more at www.girlguiding.org.uk.

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