Girlguiding Cheshire Forest celebrated volunteers for years of service, including leaders from Warrington and Thelwall.
The ceremony was in Upton, at the Royal British Legion. Leaders with many years of service were there. Some leaders had five years, others had sixty! The leaders from Cheshire volunteered a lot of time.
Combined, they totaled 1250 years of service. That is a whole lot of dedication. Claire Welsby and Melanie Cumberland got awards. They lead 1st Stockton Heath Rainbows. They received recognition for 20 years of service on Feb 2.
Claire is called ‘Tinkerbelle’ by the kids. She said she and Mel were very happy. It showed years of love for the girls. Claire explained it means planning and taking risks safely. They also do accounting too.
These leaders support young women with their volunteer work. Claire said that it makes a real difference. It also happens while working and raising a family! Claire also talked about what Rainbows does.
She said they guide women to find their voice. Rainbows builds their skills and confidence. It inspires them to find the best in themselves. It lets them help their community.
Claire feels honored to help the Rainbows. She loves leading and supporting the girls early on. Claire Donlan and Heather Passey also received awards. These sisters are from Thelwall. They were honored for giving 30 years. They helped begin the Rainbows Unit in Thelwall. Since 1995, they led 2nd Thelwall Rainbows.