Deborah Meadows has been handed the Laurel award, the organisation's second highest discretionary national honour.

The Bembridge resident started at a Brownie Unit in Bushey,
Hertfordshire, where her mother was Tawny Owl. 

Later, she gained a Queen’s Guide award and became a leader.

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She worked with guide units in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and with British Guides Overseas, before moving to the Isle of Wight in 1999.

A teacher on the Isle of Wight, Deborah also ran 2nd Ryde Brownies and later became leader of Bembridge Brownies.

She currently heads up Bembridge Rainbows.

Chief commissioner for south-west England, Laura Cottey, made the presentation.

Laura said: "I want to say a huge thank you to Deborah.

"She has helped hundreds of girls discover new things, make great friends and experience things for the first time. She has endless energy and enthusiasm and is committed to helping each girl to find her voice."

Deborah said: "This award presentation was all the more special, as it was in the company of so many of the Isle of Wight team who supported me whilst I was Island Commissioner. They have become friends over the
years."

There were also presentations of long service awards to Isle of Wight GirlGuiding's Lesley Clifford and Susan Horton and the Young Leader/Commonwealth award was handed to Tessa Bryson.

Meanwhile, the future looks bright for guiding on the Isle of Wight. Numbers are returning to pre Covid-19 levels and two new units are due to open.

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