Tessa Bryson who lives in the Carisbrooke area has gained her Queen’s Guide Award. Tessa who joined Girlguiding as a young member and progressed to become a Guide, Ranger and Young Leader is now a Leader and as such has gained a number of qualifications.

As well as gaining leadership qualifications she has been working towards the Queen’s Guide Award, one of the highest awards within Girlguiding.

This award comprises five sections: Personal development; Guiding challenge: Community action: Lead the way challenge and Social experience challenge.

Tessa completed her challenges whilst running or helping to run local units. One challenge included a residential stay at Pax Lodge, a Girlguiding Centre in London where she undertook exploration of London whilst meeting and working with other Girlguiding members from across the UK.

Other challenges included gathering information and hosting a presentation on mental health services available on the Island, undertaking qualifications to enable her to take other members of Girlguding for stays and camps, learning Italian and planning an international event and working with others to update the national scheme for Girlguiding’s Young Leaders.

Wendy Macklin, Girlguiding’s IW Commissioner presented Tessa with her Queen’s Guide certificate and badge at a Girlguiding IW county event held at Blackgang Chine where Tessa was also presented with her “Going Away With” certificate by County President Susan Biss.

2026 celebrates 80 years of the Queen’s Guide Award. Since 1946 the Island has seen a number of girls and young women achieving this top award. Are you one of those who gained a Queen’s Guide Award on the Island or are a Girguiding IW leader now who gained the award whilst living elsewhere? If so, the Island Commissioner would like you to contact her with a view to celebrating the 80 years.

Please email: iwcommissioner.ggiow@gmail.com if you are interested in attending this celebration event.