Girlguiding Anglia celebrate extraordinary achievements made by members during the pandemic

As girls and volunteers across the Anglia region prepare to resume face-to-face guiding, Girlguiding Anglia celebrates the creativity and determination shown by its members across eastern counties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members from Girlguiding Chelmsford in Essex have taken part in a virtual project to create a local art installation. Titled “Lockdown Loss and Future Hope”, it reflects the positive impact that pets have had on members’ lives during the pandemic. It was funded by Essex 2020 and the Ragdoll Project, which aims to give children a voice through creative arts. Girlguiding Ideas Hub Chelmsford said, “The artwork is dedicated to all our lockdown pets, those that have gone over the rainbow bridge and those that we hope to have in the future”.

Members of a Brownies unit in Hertfordshire went global for World Thinking Day on 22nd February 2021 by connecting virtually with a fellow guiding troop from West Virginia, USA. Pippa Pearson, leader of the 24th St Albans group, explained that the Brownies were challenged to connect with another unit as part of their Thinking Day badge challenge: “I searched for other places around the world called St Albans, and sent messages to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. […] Eleven of our girls met up with eight of their group, and the most discussed topic was favourite foods.” Darcy, one of the Brownies in attendance commented, “I was really excited about meeting someone from guiding in America. It was interesting learning about a different country.”

Six-year-old Grace, a Rainbow from Hertfordshire, has raised an amazing £528 for the Moorfields Eye Hospital as part of a walking challenge set by her unit leaders. Grace walked 26 miles with her 3-year-old brother. “The staff are always so friendly and put us at ease” commented mum, Hannah. Rainbow leader Grace Bantin said; “When I set the challenge, I thought we would collectively raise a couple of hundred pounds for charities… but when I got the update from Grace’s mum I was blown away by her determination!”.

Girlguiding Anglia continues to offer an exciting programme of activities and events and has done so throughout the pandemic by adapting their normal face-to-face offer to a virtual one. Over the last year, Girlguiding Anglia has supported units across the region with virtual challenges and has run two extremely successful virtual events, the Midsummer Virtual Sleepover and the Under The Stars Festival in collaboration with the Royal Astronomical Society.

In celebration of its 50th birthday year, Girlguiding Anglia has launched its ‘Buzz About Anglia’ campaign to engage members during the recovery period. The challenge was inspired by bees and encourages members to be community minded and care for one another. To further the celebrations, Girlguiding Anglia has launched two brand new badges; a 50th birthday badge and a special edition region standard which can be purchased via their online shop.

As a result of the pandemic, Girlguiding Anglia has hundreds of girls across the region waiting to join units and so are actively working on recruitment campaigns for volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering to support young women across the Anglia region, visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/register-your-interest

For more information on Girlguiding Anglia, visit: www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk

For more information from Girlguiding on Coronavirus Safety, visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/making-guiding-happen/coronavirus-keeping-safe