Local volunteer receives the Queen’s Guide Award

Maria Dilkes, Queen’s Guide; Kathryn Mason, Queen’s Guide Co-Ordinator; Janet Taylor, Queen’s Guide mentor

A volunteer from Rochdale has been awarded with the highest Girlguiding honour available.

In front of 120 volunteer peers, Maria Dilkes, 26, received the award from Kathryn Mason, Girlguiding Lancashire South Queen’s Guide co-ordinator.

Maria runs Third Rochdale Senior Section, a group that she opened herself two years ago. Maria is also a Guide Leader at Third Rochdale Guides, runs 39th Rochdale St George’s Rainbows and assists with 39th Rochdale St George’s Brownies.

She is also a member of Friends of Waddow, Waddow Young Heritage and part of Waddow’s Service Team, these allows Maria to volunteer at national events and support the next generation of young women even more.

Janet Taylor, Maria’s Queen’s Guide mentor, said: “Maria is an enthusiastic, committed and reliable young Leader. She fully deserves to hold the special title of Queen’s Guide. She is a fantastic role model for anyone looking to get involved with Girlguiding.”

The Queen’s Guide Award gives you the chance to develop your skills, whilst contributing to guiding and local community at an impressive level.

It is a mark of excellent dedication, self-challenging and achievements across multiple disciplines.

The Queen’s Guide Award is based on concepts of personal challenge and participation across five sections:

• Service in Guiding
• Outdoor Challenge
• Personal Skill Development
• Communication Action
• Residential.