Carol Firth, a Girlguiding Isle of Wight leader from Binstead has been presented with a ‘Compass Award’ one of the highest awards in the South-West England Region.
This award can be gained by any adult member of Girlguiding in recognition of their contributions and commitment to Guiding at unit level and for promoting Guiding in their local area or community. Awards are given to recognise the dedication of members at local level who give freely of their time on a regular basis and who provide good quality Guiding to the girls in their unit/s.
Carol’s nomination was proposed by a member of Girlguiding IW. This nomination was supported by other members and endorsed by the Island Commissioner Linda Stone who accompanied Carol to the presentation in Salisbury. Carol was presented with her Award by the Chief Commissioner for SWE Region Laura Cottey. ( Photo above)
Over the years (recently Carol was presented with her 30 Years -Service Badge) she has undertaken several County roles as well as being a leader for both Brownies and Rainbows. She has promoted Girlguiding within the community and undertaken several projects with the girls to help the community. Back in the 1990s Carol was first assistant and then leader of Wootton Brownies and at the same time leader of Wootton Rainbows. As well as being a unit leader she held the position of Rainbow Advisor and later District Commissioner- Newport/Fairlee. Carol was also assistant Island Commissioner supporting two Island Commissioners, representing the Island at Region events across the SW England Region.
When Girlguiding Isle of Wight changed from Districts to Sections Carol became one of the Rainbow Section Commissioners. In her position as Section Commissioner (Rainbows- Needles) she organised several large Rainbow events for both the Rainbow Sections on the Island with Needles joining with (Rainbows-Puckpool). She has also been the group leader for Island Rainbows/Brownies undertaking trips to the mainland- Paulton’s Park and Wonderland near Bournemouth to name but two.
Large events (prior Covid) included sleepovers for hundreds of girls in large school halls, outings to IW Steam Railway, visits to IW Planetarium, Teddy Bear Picnics, visits to The Needles Landmark Attraction and much, much more. Away from outings Carol was one of the first leaders on the Island to encourage the girls to participate in Parliament Week inviting the PA to the Island’s MP to a unit meeting.
Within the community Carol seems to specialise in getting the girls out and about particularly with litter- picks around the village of Wootton which have assisted all those living within the area. The recreation ground has been cleared of litter and other areas made more attractive with the effort of the leaders and girls of the Wootton units and Carol had also joined in other activities within the Wootton area as well as promoting Girlguiding on the Island by joining in IW Day in the past.
