Hundreds of members of Girlguiding Isle of Wight came together last month at Newport Minster to celebrate World Thinking Day 2026, marking 100 years since the international event was first established.
The county-wide celebration was organised by Wendy Macklin, Island Commissioner for Girlguiding, alongside her team of leaders, making the gathering the first all-county event to be held since the COVID pandemic.
Special guests in attendance included Didi Nicholson DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant, Jacquie Gazzard (High Sheriff), Richard Quigley MP and South West England Region Chief Commissioner Racheal Tatham, who attended with members of her regional team from Salisbury.
Girls and leaders embraced this year’s challenge by selecting and researching a country where girls can become members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Displays were arranged throughout the Minster, with girls waving flags and some wearing the uniforms of their chosen countries.
As part of the Isle of Wight celebrations, Sue Biss was welcomed as the new County President and presented with her badge of office.
Wendy Macklin has said:
“It is wonderful to welcome you all here. We are here to think about all our fellow 11.5 million Guides around the World.”
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World Thinking Day has taken place annually on 22nd February since 1926 and is celebrated by millions of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide. The date was chosen as it marks the joint birthdays of Robert Baden-Powell and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, who were instrumental in establishing and shaping the Guiding movement.
Thinking should probably be done every day, not just once a year. Explains a lot about the current state of the world.