Join Rona and Tracey, our Chief and Deputy Chief Commissioners, on their adventures around our region.
The Chiefs have been here, there and everywhere this month!
From welcoming new team members, to celebrating volunteers and their success, there’s a lot to reflect one. Here’s what they’ve been up to.
One of the biggest highlights this month was appointing our new Assistant Region Chiefs — and we’re thrilled to be welcoming Anya Peet Draycott and Frankie Worthington to the team. They bring energy, warmth and a brilliant guiding spirit. We can’t wait to start working with them properly once they’re back from their adventures in USA and Madagascar. No pressure, but we’re expecting excellent stories. We were also delighted to present them both with Region Chief Commissioner Awards in recognition of everything they have contributed to Girlguiding North West England. Huge congratulations to them both—they truly are an inspiration.
We both headed to London for Girlguiding Celebrates, honouring all the incredible volunteers who were nominated for — or received — national awards. A special moment: presenting Di Gray, our Region Walking Adviser, with the Region Chief Commissioner Award. A huge congratulations again Di — this was so well deserved.
This month’s Operations Board Meeting was a held at the region office, discussing lots of important strategic and operational matters, including membership growth and international trips for 2028. The meeting was also Tricia Beesley’s final meeting in her role as County Commissioner for Lancashire East. Thank you, Tricia, for everything you’ve brought to the role — your support has made a real difference. and we can’t wait to see what you new role as Region Commissioner Support Adviser has in store for you. We also welcomed Katie Ward to the meeting who will be taking over from Tricia in September as County Commissioner for Lancashire East.
We also held a lovely afternoon tea event for some of our Region Vice Presidents and Empower members, where they got to hear about how our first half of our tenure as Region Chiefs and what we have planned the next half.
For me this month has been a mix of national governance and regional leadership, and the usual guiding whirlwind.
I started the month with my monthly REN meeting with Becky, but this time also joined by Lisa, our new International Adviser who joins the region team.
Various meetings including the; HQ Awards Meeting, HQ Policies & Procedures Meeting, Trust Corporation AGM, Girlguiding’s AGM and Council Meeting, where I got to catch up with three of our region Council Members, Helen, Shree and Emma and the Operational Delivery Group in London.
There was also the region Health & Safety and Assurance Board and of course, my regular unit meeting nights, which remain a highlight.
This month looked a little different for me as straight after the afternoon tea I packed up my motorhome and headed off to Europe for two weeks on holiday. I travelled across three countries and numerous campsites, making countless memories and also finally had some time to sew some badges onto my camp blanket (which I’m desperately trying to finish ready for the ICE briefing weekend next month)
We also couldn’t let June pass without celebrating Volunteers’ Week and our amazing Thank You Wall! To every volunteer across Girlguiding North West England: thank you. You make guiding happen, you make magic happen, and you make memories happen. We appreciate you more than you know.
June has definitely been full of thanks, fun, joy, and meaning — from welcoming new people into new roles to celebrating volunteers, recognising service, and keeping the wheels of governance turning.
As always, thank you for everything you all do across the region.
Join Rona and Tracey, our Chief and Deputy Chief Commissioners, on their adventures around our region.
May has been a month of adventure, awards, and appreciation!
From ceremonies and meetings to region events, our chiefs have been across the region and beyond – supporting volunteers, representing the region and championing opportunities for girls. Here’s what they’ve been up to.
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.
Join Rona and Tracey, our Chief and Deputy Chief Commissioners, on their adventures around our region
April has been a month of movement, momentum and meaningful moments across the Region.
From parades and meetings to county weekends and international celebrations, our Chiefs didn’t get to spend much time together this month but they have been out and about – supporting volunteers, representing the Region and championing opportunities for girls. Here’s what they’ve been up to.
Rona’s month started with a well earned break! A chance to recharge before diving into a full month of activity. Her break was followed by a weekend away at Hautbois Activity Centre, with Kelly for a Chiefs and Managers weekend. As always, the journey became a mobile office, with the pair managing to tick off several jobs on the way there and back. The weekend itself was a brilliant opportunity to connect, plan and strengthen leadership across the organisation.
This was followed by a full week of governance meetings, with the Region Health & Safety Board, the Region Trustee Board and the Girlguiding Operational Delivery Group (with fellow Chiefs) all meeting in the same week. The week ended with Rona joining Girlguiding Lancashire Border for the St George’s Day Parade in Bolton. It was a joyful celebration of community spirit, pride, and tradition — and a wonderful chance to meet members and volunteers from across the county.
Rona rounded off the month by spending time at Girlguiding Lancashire North West’s County Weekend, where she connected with leaders, celebrated achievements, and heard about county plans.
Tracey’s April has been full of forward‑thinking and planning, including: A Knowsley Safari Event planning meeting (and she looks forward to seeing lots of you on the Saturday of Operation Safari Conservation event next month). The Region Trustee Board meeting and several Gibraltar international trip planning meetings. These sessions are helping shape exciting opportunities for members in the year ahead.
Tracey joined Team ICE and Team Malawi at the Manchester Marathon, helping hand out bags at the finish line. It was a brilliant day of teamwork, visibility, and community engagement.
Later in the month, Tracey supported an international fundraiser in Girlguiding Stockport, working with leaders and girls to raise money and promote upcoming international adventures to Gibraltar, Armenia, and Sweden. A fantastic showcase of enthusiasm and guiding spirit.
Tracey also attended Girlguiding Stockport’s Brownies Fly High event at the Airport Visitors Park. There she spoke to the girls about her own journey — from apprentice at British Aerospace to qualified aeronautical engineer — inspiring the next generation with real‑life STEM pathways.
To finish off the month, she travelled over to Girlguiding Cheshire Forest’s Awards Event, where she had the honour of presenting Carol Ridley with a Region Chief Award and Nikki Barker with a Laurel Award plus several long service awards including three 50 year awards. A wonderful celebration of dedication, leadership, and service.
April has shown once again the breadth of work happening across the Region — from governance and planning to celebrations, parades, and hands‑on support for volunteers and girls. As we move into May, our Chiefs remain committed to championing youth voice, supporting counties, and ensuring every member feels valued and connected.
Join Rona and Tracey, our Chief and Deputy Chief Commissioners, on their adventures around our region
March swept by in a blur of activity for the Region Chiefs, who probably should have calculated their steps for the month just to prove how much running around they truly do.
Here’s a whirlwind recap of all the energy and excitement, as our Chiefs dashed from event to event, making a real difference throughout the region.
The month kicked off with Rona attending Girlguiding Wirral’s Thinking Day Event; arriving ready to dive in with enthusiasm with her trusty dancing shoes! She spent the day connecting with volunteers and young members – soaking in conversations about all the inspiring things happening across the county. It truly was a fantastic start to the month highlighting the vibrant spirit of our Girlguiding community.
Next up was The Future is Us Youth Conference, where Rona, Tracey and Kelly joined the event for its second consecutive year in celebration of International Women’s Day. Once again, our young members blew us away with their creative ideas and infectious enthusiasm, offering fresh perspectives for the Chiefs to carry forward. The chiefs listened intently, scribbling notes that will help shape the future of the region.
Tracey then attended the Region Award Committee meeting, where stories of inspiring nominees and proud achievements took centre stage. This month, we were thrilled to see three Region Chiefs Awards presented: congratulations to Claire Montado (Girlguiding Gibraltar), Lily Lloyd (Girlguiding Cumbria South) – our youngest ever volunteer to receive this award – and Vicki Noble (Girlguiding Cumbria South). Their dedication is simply legendary and their impact immense. We’re delighted to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
March also featured Tracey chairing the first Region Operations Board meeting of this year. This meeting brought updates from all corners of our operations – adventure, growth, marketing & communications, and rewarding, flexible volunteering. Each team has exciting events and activities lined up for the rest of the year ahead and beyond. We also gave a warm welcome to new and incoming county commissioners and staff members.
The month wasn’t all meetings. Tracey took in the Gang Show at Marple (Girlguiding Stockport), enjoying an evening of dazzling talent and sparkle. The Gang Show proved once again that Girlguiding boasts more hidden stars than the night sky.
Cityscapes Manchester was buzzing with activity as Tracey and Kelly supported this unique event. On Saturday, Tracey helped Kelly welcome participants to the central hub, where everyone learned how to make origami bees and collected their badges. On Sunday, Tracey juggled her Deputy Region Chief role with her unit responsibilities, showing just how manageable—and rewarding—that balance can be. Sally Kettle, Deputy Chief Guide (also known as the Princess of Girlguiding), joined Sunday’s festivities, cheering on participants and resisting the urge to adopt every unit she met.
March’s final weekend was a marathon of activity, all happening on the same day. Rona, Tracey and Kelly managed to squeeze in their quarterly strategic and operational catch-up meeting on the road, whilst driving to visit the 2027 international trip participants and leaders at Guys Farm Activity Centre, where the excitement was palpable. They then attended the Queen’s Guide Award Celebration event in Lancaster, where the stories from Queen’s Guide Award recipients were truly inspiring. Sally Kettle returned to our Region to entertain everyone with tales of adventure, and to congratulate all the awardees, celebrating their achievements.
Huge congratulations to everyone who will be offered a place in one of the international trips and to every person who celebrated their Queen’s Guide Award!
Rona and Tracey have spent March doing an amazing job of running the region – being everywhere, supporting everyone, and keeping their spirits high even when their calendars looked like a game of Tetris.
We can’t wait to see what April has in store!
Given that February is the shortest month of the year, we’ve certainly jam packed a lot into it! It’s been a month of celebrating the Girlguiding Spirit across the region and beyond. From the echoing history of Westminster Abbey to the windswept wonder of the Isle of Man, from Youth Voices shaping the future to Rainbows waving flags under the Gibraltar sun, this month has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Rona kickstarted the month at Girlguiding Manchester’s County Awards Celebration where she presented Gillian Lewis with a region Chief Award. Denton Golf Club was buzzing with pride as volunteers, leaders, and young members were recognised for their dedication and creativity. It wasn’t just an awards ceremony – it was a reminder of the extraordinary impact ordinary people make every single week.
Rona then headed off to London for the Operational Delivery Group meeting with HQ staff and the other country and region chiefs. They all gathered at HQ to keep the wheels of Guiding turning smoothly. It’s the kind of meeting that rarely gets a spotlight, yet it’s where strategy meets passion, and where discussions that empower thousands of members begin with a shared determination to make Girlguiding stronger, more accessible, and more exciting than ever.
Rona, Tracey, and Kelly (our Executive Manager) then headed to Waddow Activity Centre for a day with some of our regions Youth Voice (Empower) committee members. This meeting brought a different kind of excitement – one fuelled by ideas, debate and the unstoppable enthusiasm of the group. This was no ordinary meeting. We were discussing a blueprint for the future of Girlguiding North West England, and the message was clear: the next generation isn’t waiting to be heard, they’re already shaping what comes next.
A week later, Tracey’s work and volunteering collided, when she transformed the region office into a playground of possibility during the half term STEM Fun Day. From challenges to hands-on experiments, the day was a joyful reminder that science is all about curiosity, discovery and the thrill of trying something new. Young members attending the day left the region office with bright eyes, and the unmistakable glow of “I did it!”
We then had our remarkable virtual Voyage Under the Stars event to celebrate 100 years of World Thinking Day and to raise funds to support Girlguiding British Overseas Territories. Rona spent the day at the Thinking Day Service in Westminster Abbey, with some Guides and Leaders. Steeped in a thousand years of history, the Abbey held a different kind of energy that day as voices rose in reflection and celebration, you could feel the weight of the past and the promise of the future meeting right there in the heart of London. Tracey travelled to the Isle of Man for her Thinking Day – meeting members from the island as they embarked on their Voyage Under the Stars, under Mars, at Peel Cathedral. It was the kind of night that makes you feel small in the best possible way: connected to the world, to each other, and to the Girlguiding family.
And then, as if the month needed one more burst of brilliance, came Tracey and Kelly’s trip to Gibraltar for the Thinking Day parade. The warmth of the Mediterranean sun was matched only by the welcome from local Girlguiding members marching through the streets, sharing stories, swapping badges, and seeing the joy on the girls’ faces. This was Guiding at its most vibrant and international.
From London to the Isle of Man, from Manchester to Gibraltar, this month was one of connection and a celebration. It has shown us just how amazing it is to be part of Guiding North West England!