More than 200 members of Girlguiding Isle of Wight enjoyed a special day out at Blackgang Chine, with rides, activities and a mass picnic bringing girls and leaders together from across the Island.
The event was planned by Island Commissioner Wendy Macklin and the MGR Team, with members from all Girlguiding sections attending alongside their leaders.
Several members also wore the new uniforms introduced by Girlguiding during the summer.
Girls and leaders took part in the attractions and rides on offer at Blackgang Chine, before gathering for a lunchtime picnic which gave members the chance to meet others from across the Isle of Wight.
Train rides, the water slides, Cowboy Town and the dinosaurs all proved popular during the visit.
Older girls were particularly drawn to Extinction, with the spinning and upside-down ride prompting plenty of screams.
The day also included a special presentation to Girlguiding leader Tessa Bryson, from the Carisbrooke area, who has achieved her Queen’s Guide Award.
Tessa joined Girlguiding as a young member before progressing through Guides, Rangers and Young Leaders and becoming a leader.
As part of her work towards the award, she completed a series of challenges while running and supporting local units.
These included a residential stay at Pax Lodge, a Girlguiding centre in London, where she explored the capital and worked alongside Girlguiding members from across the UK.
Other challenges saw Tessa gather information and host a presentation on mental health services available on the Isle of Wight, gain qualifications to take other members away on residential stays and camps, learn Italian, plan an international event and work with others to update Girlguiding’s national scheme for Young Leaders.
Wendy Macklin, Girlguiding Isle of Wight Commissioner, presented Tessa with her Queen’s Guide badge and certificate.
County President Susan Biss also presented her with her Going Away With certificate.
This year marks 80 years of the Queen’s Guide Award, which was introduced in 1946.
Girlguiding Isle of Wight is now looking to hear from people who have previously gained a Queen’s Guide Award on the Isle of Wight, as well as current leaders who achieved the award while living elsewhere, ahead of a planned celebration.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact the Island Commissioner via [email protected].
