Rona
It’s been a busy and rewarding month across the region and nationally. I attended my monthly International Residential Event Notification meeting with Becky, our region international adviser. At these meetings we look at all the amazing international trips that are planned and ensure that everything is in place to approve upcoming adventures. This was followed by our quarterly Finance Meeting at region HQ, where we reviewed budget requests for 2027 and set the region levy for next years’ subscriptions. Whilst there, I was delighted to drop in on Chris, our brilliant region residential adviser, and all the county residential advisers during their meeting and training.
I also attended the HQ Awards Meeting, and my own Guide unit took part in the region’s Annual Promise Day activities.
Later in the month, I travelled to London for the Operational Delivery Group meeting, where chiefs and senior volunteers from across the UK came together to review national priorities and operational progress. The meeting covered current challenges and key areas of focus for the next quarter. It was also an opportunity to share regional insights and ensure that North West England’s perspective is represented in national decision making. I then joined colleagues in thanking a fellow chief who will shortly be completing her term of office.
I’ve also been supporting one of our counties with some property challenges this month, ensuring they have the guidance they need to make informed decisions.
The month rounded off with the HQ Volunteer Policy & Procedure Board meeting – where I represent the region chiefs – as well as our regular chiefs’ meeting, keeping us aligned with national priorities.
Tracey
My month began with a trip to the Isle of Man for a Peru get together. It was a lovely opportunity to reconnect with region volunteers that I went to Peru with in 2024. Whilst there, I also took the opportunity to catch up in person with Su, the Island commissioner.
I was honoured to attend Greater Manchester West’s Awards Evening, which was truly inspiring. From Queen’s Guides to 1 year awards, and three remarkable women receiving their 70 year service awards, it was a wonderful celebration of dedication at every level. We also recognised new leadership qualifications – which are always a joy to see.
Then I got to spend a day at Knowsley Safari for Operation: Safari Conservation with Kelly, our executive manager, meeting so many of our amazing members and watching them have the best time. A big thank you to everyone who joined us – and of course to Gary and Larry for being such stars! 🦒🦁
And to finish on a fun note: my Brownie and Guide units entered a duck into the local Duck Race, which won! The girls were absolutely thrilled with the win.
Together…
We both ended the month by interviewing candidates for our new assistant region chief. We’ll be excited to share the outcome with you very soon.
We hope you all enjoy Volunteers’ Week, whatever your plans are. Remember that you are all superheroes, with superpowers of kindness and commitment — qualities that shine through in every unit meeting, event, camp, and conversation you have in your guiding roles. Thank you for the time you share, the care you show, and the difference you make. Girlguiding North West England simply wouldn’t be the same without you.
