Westminster Thank You for Exceptional Volunteers

Carol Morwood, Girlguiding Edinburgh Volunteer, recently attended the annual Guiding and Scouting Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

“After being presented with the Laurel Award in June 2015 [a Girlguiding award for exceptional service], I was delighted to receive an invitation to the annual Guiding and Scouting Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 05 November 2016.

After an early start, we arrived at Westminster Abbey and joined the long queue waiting to get into the Abbey – it was lovely to see lots of other familiar faces also being recognised for their service to guiding. The service was conducted by The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster.

The service started with two young members thanking volunteers for everything they do and for all the time they give to Guiding and Scouting.

The Address was led by The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Westminster who was also a lifelong volunteer in scouting. The theme of his address was ‘If you can’t beat them, join them’.

It was a really special moment when we renewed our Guide Promise led by Valerie Le Vaillant, Chief Guide.

After lots of photos outside the Abbey we set off to explore London. We finished off the day with an amazing afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. It was a lovely weekend and it as a privilege to attend the service in such a special place.”