Our Year in Review 2023

Girlguiding Moray has had an exciting year full of new challenges, activities, and camps. Read our President and County Commissioner's review of the past year & see what our Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers & Trefoil Guild got up to in 2023.

My challenge last year was for us all to constantly think about our laws – helping and encouraging each other to do our best in friendship in the true Guiding spirit. Guiding events in my diary continue to increase as I took this on. At the November One team event in Glasgow, I met up with Janet Peggie (Mould) a former New Elgin Guide, Ranger and Young Leader – what fun we had catching up.

Friendship has certainly been to the fore in Guiding in Moray in the past year. Bracelets were made for swapping at our County Thinking Day Event for all sections. What a sightseeing so many members gathered together in the Town Hall. Everyone mixed very well and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Rainbows asking Trefoil members if they were born in certain decades, Brownie’s meeting friends from different units comparing badges gained, friendship hands decorating trees and of course the afternoon ending with action games and singing.

It was the Guide section’s turn to share friendship at a weekend camp at Inchberry with activities from the nineteen twenties including making cake stands and decorating biscuits for their afternoon tea, dancing, drumming, archery and backwoods cooking.

Several units have also resumed their overnights and holidays – an excellent experience for both the girls and leaders – Cullen, Lossiemouth and even Dublin were on the list of venues. Leaders also represented Girlguiding Moray at the Windsor Coronation Concert, the Edinburgh King’s Garden Party and the World Cycling Championships.

More bronze, silver and gold awards are being achieved by our young members with some units presenting their first gold awards. The Duke of Edinburgh candidates are all working hard with several well on the way to achieving their gold awards. These achievements are only possible due to the hard work and encouragement of our willing volunteers who continue to support the girls whilst keeping up to date with trainings.

Friendship and fun for our adult members was very evident at our first social event since Covid – a gin tasting evening – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Ideas for future socials always welcome.

Our Trefoil members have also been enjoying their 80-year celebrations and challenges – remember Trefoil is open to everyone – leaders are welcome to join and have fun without the responsibility of having to organise meetings. THANK YOU all for your continued commitment to Girlguiding Moray.

CONGRATULATIONS to all who have gained Leadership, Going Away Qualifications and long service awards.

Moray County President’s Challenge - For every unit to send in action photographs for inclusion in our Facebook pages.

Vivien Welsh

What a fantastic year we have had in Moray. Units across the county have ventured near and far in pursuit of adventure. There have been trips to Dublin, Kent, Dalguise, Cullen and Lossiemouth to name but a few. Some leaders have embarked on their own trips, representing Moray at the King’s Coronation Party & Garden Party.

We held our first county camp since the pandemic. Sixty girls and forty leaders had a fantastic time at Inchberry in May, despite the best efforts of the weather.

We have had two trips to the cinema, another Christmas Cupcake Challenge and a fantastic World Thinking Day Event in Elgin Town Hall, where 650 members had a great afternoon of fun and friendship. We also held the first of our leaders only social events when we held a gin tasting evening and a cheese and wine. Both proved very popular, and we all had a lovely time.

Units, leaders and girls continue to support many charities and local projects, including clearing leaves at the Oaks, beach cleaning and litter picking and raising money for numerous charities.

During the year 13 leaders have completed their Leadership Qualification and 4 others have gained their Going Away With and other qualifications. Four Young

Leaders have been presented with their qualification too. Dozens of you have attended training courses and webinars to enhance the experience that you give to the girls.

Over the last year I have been privileged to present Hero Awards to 8 of our young members. These young members have embodied the traditional qualities of guiding. They have put others before themselves, they have shown sisterly friendship to their fellow guides and have shown courage and been cheerful in all difficulties. Some have raised large amounts of money for charity, some have changed lives by the quality of their friendship, and despite their young age have showcased Girlguiding in it’s very best light.

Without the hard work, dedication and support of our leaders these girls and others like them, would not be able to achieve these feats and fulfil their dreams. I thank you all for your hard work and commitment to Girlguiding. Without you there would be no mountain top moments and fantastic guiding memories to share.

I hope that you all enjoy reading about the fun and adventures that we have had in Moray over the last year as much as I have. I have been amazed and inspired by all that you have achieved and look forward to reading all about you exploits from this year in next year’s report.

We have many plans for the future of Guiding in Moray and hope that you will be able to join us creating many more magical memories

County Commissioner’s Challenge - For all leaders to take part in Girlguiding Scotland’s Fresh Start Challenge

Louise Winder