I have pondered for some time over what I should write for the final blog of the year, there is much I could say. I have reflected on this past year and how it has created many challenges, opportunities, and adventure within the region. We have faced our challenges with true guiding spirit and looked at the possibilities of what we could achieve within the current restrictions. At our recent region day held, with county commissioners and lead volunteers, we looked back at the highlights of 2020. It was great to reflect on how much we had actually achieved as a region with our virtual challenges, commissioner day, training days, Safe Space training and Facebook Interactive sessions. I’m confident that the virtual offer will now be embedded as part of the programme and will continue to be an option for us all going forward.
I have certainly missed seeing our members and although I have met many of you virtually, unfortunately it is not the same as our face to face guiding. We currently have different areas across the region in different tier restrictions and I’m sure this will continue for many months to come. I want to remind you all that we are very adaptable and flexible in what we offer, and we will continue to support our girls and members through 2021.
You have seen from the introduction; I want to emphasise the importance of prioritising yourself and doing what’s best for you. It is okay to ‘just be’ and do whatever you feel is right for you at this time. When you are ready, we will be here to welcome you back.
2021 will be the Region’s 50th birthday and I am looking forward to sharing with you in January our new challenge, we want to create a ‘buzz about Anglia’ and give you the opportunity to join us in celebrating our birthday throughout the year. On the 24 January we will host our next Facebook Interactive session which will link to our first 50th birthday challenge theme ‘Be an International Explorer’. Throughout the year we will be giving you lots of ideas with activities to take part in with your unit or as members. We will also be spotlighting each county in our Signpost newsletter, so look out for yours and perhaps discover something new.
As we are now on the countdown to the festive season, we have our Festive Fun virtual event on Saturday with two hours of crafts, activities, and competitions to mark the end of the year. I would like to take this opportunity to say once again a huge thank you to all our members. Please take care and I wish you season’s greetings and best wishes for 2021.
Stay safe and keep smiling
Tracy