Linton Girlguiding leader receives a national award

A Girlguiding leader in the Linton District has spoken of her surprise after receiving the prestigious Laurel Award from the organisation.

Toni-ann Hammond, 55, received the national award from Andrea Oughton, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding Anglia, during Supanova, a weekend residential event for Guides, which Toni-ann had helped to organise.

The award is given in recognition of outstanding service to guiding and exceptional leadership to members who have made a significant contribution to supporting and developing guiding for both girls and adults.

Toni-ann, the leader of Brinkley Guides and Rangers, said: "I was completely surprised to be presented with the Laurel award.

"It was great to have some of my own Guides present to see it awarded.

"I volunteer my time to Girlguiding because I believe it is very worthwhile and I love being able to give girls and adults additional opportunities and skills and watch them develop. The Laurel award was so unexpected."

As volunteer estate manager of the Jarman Centre in Newmarket, Toni-ann has transformed a largely neglected 18-acre woodland estate into a vibrant and busy residential and activity centre for guiding, as well as other youth and community groups, across Cambridgeshire.

Toni-ann, who lives in Red Lodge, started in the Brownies in Brinkley when seven, moved to the Guide unit aged 10, going on to become a leader. She is due to get her 40-year Long Service Award this year.

Toni-ann added that Grace Bristow, the leader of the Guide unit when she joined at 10 is still with the unit today.

All those who nominated Toni-ann for the award talked of the important difference she had made to guiding.

One member commented that: "Many girls from our unit have gone onto be leaders and I am sure she has played her part in influencing them."

Another said: "Without leaders like her, Girlguiding Anglia would not be able to offer such interesting, fun and adventurous events."