Truly exceptional restaurants gain Michelin stars, and truly exceptional Girlguiding leaders can gain the Laurel Award.
This award recognises volunteers who have had a variety of roles within the organisation and who have made a very significant positive impact. Only a few of them are bestowed every year, but Sue Gudgeon, from Ulverston, has just become one of the latest recipients.
Sue currently runs the 1st Hawkshead Guide unit but has held a variety of roles during her time as a volunteer for Girlguiding, including being a Rainbow leader in Ambleside and County Commissioner for Girlguiding Cumbria South.
She has also been involved in planning and delivering a range of events for the county’s members and is particularly respected for her ability to encourage and support volunteers and helpers.
As a result, a number of large scale events took place during her time as County Commissioner. These include a county sleepover for over 300 Brownies at Beamish open-air museum and a Big Sing which used virtual communication platforms well before COVID-19.
One particular highlight was the celebration of Girlguiding Cumbria South’s 40th anniversary at Manjushri Buddhist temple near Ulverston. This was attended by nearly 1,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section members and leaders.
Girlguiding Cumbria South Commissioner Sarah Beale feels the award is hugely well deserved: “Sue’s enthusiasm is contagious. She is excellent at nurturing others and helping them to grow and develop, making the most of their abilities. She is a wonderful role model.”
12-year-old Hawkshead Guide Alaana Coates is very pleased for her unit leader: “Sue is a great Guide leader. She always has really fun things for us to do and even COVID didn’t stop us from meeting, as Sue set up our Guide meetings via Zoom. She always makes sure that everyone is having a good time and is included. She is truly amazing.”
