At our Region Weekend at the end of April, we were pleased to celebrate our region's members through the presentation of awards and thanks, acknowledging achievements and contributions to Girlguiding.
Laurel awards
The Laurel award is a nationwide Girlguiding award celebrating exceptional service. It's the second-highest award in Girlguiding and recognises an outstanding contribution to our work. The Laurel awards was presented by chief guide Tracey Foster to:
- Jooles Parkin, deputy region chief commissioner and leader in Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Her citation reads:
"Jooles is āan unwavering champion of the volunteer perspectiveā and across a wide range of roles has made a significant, sustained and highly valued contribution to everything she does. She embodies the very best of Girlguidingās values, using her time and talents to support others. The enthusiasm Jooles brings to her Guide unit is infectious and has seen many guides respond to a range of challenges and build their own confidence. She is always there as a listening ear, to provide support in challenging situations and to bring the warmth and good humor often needed." - Dawn Archer, county commissioner for Kent Weald, Brownie leader and region chief commissioner designate. Her citation reads:
"With a real passion for Girlguiding, Dawn has always been incredibly supportive, actively challenging and worked tirelessly for the benefit of all members. Dawn has been part of the national working group on the role of county commissioners alongside serving as a trustee, establishing a County award, international activities, overnight eventsā¦the list could go on and on. Dawn continues to demonstrate her drive, enthusiasm and positivity for all things Girlguiding, she is an exceptional leader and an inspirational example to all who have met her." - Amanda Teasel, region chief commissioner and Brownie leader. Her citation reads:
"At all levels from Brownies to chief commissioner, Amanda is known for her 'active, thoughtful, considered, inspirational, enthusiastic participation and leadership'. This from one of the nomination letters sums up Amanda Teasel and truly demonstrates why we are delighted to present the Laurel award. She is passionate about the views of the girls and is always a listening ear for anyone who needs it. Amanda continues to make a significant contribution to Girlguiding at all levels, inspiring all around her to join in with similar enthusiasm. This is also demonstrated in her role as āSnowyā building the confidence all the Brownies need to go on and do amazing things ā perhaps the greatest accolade!"
Region chief commissioners awards
The region chief commissioners award (RCCA) is a Girlguiding London and South East England region award. It's a brooch for inspirational volunteering. It is awarded to exceptional volunteers that go above and beyond within our region. The RCCA was presented by Amanda to:
- Tamsin Sargeant, lead volunteer for adventure, for her outstanding leadership of the region's May-hem event last year.
- Kate Fawell-Comley, assistant chief commissioner for volunteer experience, for her leadership in helping to ensure a high-quality volunteer experience within the region.
- Sian Bandurak, assistant chief commissioner for girl experience, for her leadership of this large and diverse team of volunteers.
- Hannah Roberts, assistant chief commissioner for inclusion and impact, for shaping and expanding this important team.
- Vicky Cunningham, peer education coordinator, for growing the region's peer education programme to become the largest and one of the most active within the UK.
Do you know someone in Girlguiding who deserves an award? Find out more about awards at all levels of guiding. The next round of nominations for region and national awards closes Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Region thanks
As she begins the end of her time as region chief commissioner, Amanda took the opportunity to personally thank region members, volunteers and staff for their support during her term. Recipients included Amanda's Brownie unit team, Jooles' Guide unit team, region international adviser Fie Rason, and region manager Amrita Sheldon.
This is Your Girlguiding Life
Finally, the evening would not be complete without a celebration of Amanda's time as our region chief commissioner. In the format of TV programme, 'This is Your Life', the region surprised Amanda with special guests and a look back at her time in guiding from a young age, her trip to Russia as young leader and her achievements in the region. She then received the iconic red book to keep.
