Together…
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.
Rona…
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.
Tracey…
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)
Wrapping Up…
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.
