We are delighted to celebrate two outstanding members of Girlguiding Middlesex West who have been recognised with Girlguiding LaSER awards and presented these awards at County Day. Elizabeth Brennand from Hillingdon North Division has received the Region Diamond Award, while Alice Mulvenna, Harrow and Pinner Division has been presented with the Region Chief Commissioner’s Award. Both awards recognise exceptional contributions to guiding and the positive difference our volunteers make to the lives of young people.
Elizabeth Brennand (Lizzie) – Region Diamond Award
The Region Diamond Award recognises a young person up to the age of 30 who has done something exceptional as a committed member of Girlguiding.
Since becoming District Commissioner, Lizzie has brought energy, enthusiasm and warmth to her district, making a lasting difference to volunteers and young members alike. During the County merger, Lizzie played a key role in bringing two districts together, building relationships and ensuring volunteers felt supported. She has worked hard to ensure every unit in her district now has at least one Young Leader, and has created a supportive community where they can build confidence, work towards their qualifications and this has led to them getting more involved at County level.
Her commitment extends to supporting units in need and creating more opportunities for younger members, including opening a new Rainbow unit and making the decision to move away from a Guide unit she has been part of since her own time as a Guide, in order to support another unit that needed help to continue.
Congratulations, Lizzie! Your enthusiasm, supportive leadership and commitment to bringing people together have made a wonderful difference to guiding across your district.
Alice Mulvenna – Region Chief Commissioner’s Award
The Region Chief Commissioner’s Award recognises active adult members whose inspirational volunteering goes above and beyond.
Alice has made an exceptional contribution to Rangers and Young Leaders across the County. Through her warm and caring approach, she creates opportunities for young people to develop confidence, discover new interests and take on leadership roles.
As County Ranger Advisor, Alice organises two increasingly popular camps each year and runs transition days to help Guides discover the opportunities available in Rangers. She has also recently become Young Leader Advisor, encouraging more young people to work towards their Young Leader Qualification. From trips to Pax Lodge and theatre visits to wider guiding events, Alice continually finds ways to broaden young people’s experiences.
Alongside these roles, she runs a Brownie unit, supports the County Events Team, captures County memories as our photographer and has organised many division days for Harrow and Pinner Division.
Perhaps the greatest measure of Alice’s impact is the confidence she inspires in young people. One nominator shared how Alice helped her overcome her shyness and achieve things she never thought possible, including becoming a Seconder, Sixer, Peer Educator and eventually a Young Leader.
Congratulations, Alice! Your dedication and encouragement have opened doors for so many young people and helped them discover their potential.
Know someone worthy of an Award? Have a look at our awards page for information about local community awards and links to the Region awards.