Susan receives prestigious award for her significant contribution to Girlguiding

Susan Howden, a volunteer in Girlguiding for over 40 years, was presented with the Chief Commissioners Award during her Division's World Thinking Day Service held at Formby Methodist Church last Sunday. This is a special day for all members of Girlguiding when they celebrate being part of a worldwide organisation 10 million strong, but it turned out to be extra special for Susan when Chief Commissioner, Julie Bell, arrived to surprise her with the award.

The Chief Commissioner's Award recognises significant contribution and impact a volunteer has made in Girlguiding. Susan Howden is very highly regarded by her colleagues, and unknown to Susan they nominated her to receive this award. One of them said "Susan has given her time and talents generously to Girlguiding and her dedication and enthusiasm has resulted in a huge number of girls enjoying and benefitting from the guiding philosophy, adventure and challenge".

Susan began her guiding career as a Guide Leader in 1967 after being a Brownie and Guide herself. Over her long period as a volunteer she has held a variety of roles - Guider Leader, Rainbow Leader, Division Executive Secretary, Sefton County Outdoor Activities Adviser, and Archery Instructor to name but a few. Her love of the outdoors also extends to many hours work maintaining the Girlguiding campsite at Scarisbrick and training other leaders in outdoor skills. Susan has been instrumental in organising large scale events at the campsite such as music festivals, county camps and challenging weekends for older Guides. She works tirelessly to deliver a quality programme for the Guides and Rainbows in her care as many girls and young women from Formby can attest. Division Commissioner, Sheila Kirk, said “It was wonderful to see Susan recognised in this way; she’s a real asset to Girlguiding”.

Top photo: Susan Howden (on the right) receiving the Chief Commissioner’s Award from Chief Commissioner, Julie Bell (on the left). Photographer: Wendy Graham

Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, with 553,633 members. Thanks to the dedication and support of 100,000 amazing volunteers, we are active in every part of the UK, giving girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities. We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun. We run Rainbows (5–7 years), Brownies (7–10 years), Guides (10–14 years) and The Senior Section (14–25 years).

Registered charity number 306016 www.girlguiding.org.uk