1st Hassocks Guides are proud to announce that four of their Guides have achieved the highest award available to Guides, the Gold Award. I was delighted to be asked to present Kathryn Blake, Charlotte Failes and Carolyn Morris with their Gold Award earlier this month. They join Emma Robinson, who achieved hers in April.

“To gain the Gold Award, we needed to complete all six Theme and Interest Badges,” said Charlotte. “To achieve this, we have completed activities such as attending camps and sleepovers, cooking outdoors, facing our fears on a zip wire and improving our canoeing skills.” They have tried rifle shooting at the Ardingly county day, where Kathryn led the renewal of the Guide Promise in front of over 400 people.

“We have also raised funds for good causes and donated to local food banks. As senior Guides, we also have extra responsibilities such as planning meetings for the younger girls,” added Kathryn. “We have all enjoyed our years in Guiding so much. We have been given so many opportunities to try out new things and we have developed new skills, had fun and made new friends,” said Carolyn.

They would also like to thank their leaders, Pennie and Dawn, for encouraging them to reach for Gold! The Guides are now looking forward to their next adventure, which is helping to raise funds for the guide hut at their Summer Fete on Sat 8th July, 12-2pm at the Guide Hut, Semley Road. For more information on Girlguiding in Hassocks and Ditchling, please email beaconguidingdc@gmail.com.