Congratulations to our fantastic volunteer Cath Wilkins for receiving a special award from the High Sheriff of Powys.

This award is to recognise Cath’s great and valuable service to the guiding movement.

“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication to Girlguiding Cymru and we would like to thank the High Sheriff of Powys for shining a light on your fantastic contribution to guiding.” - Bev Martin, Chief Commissioner.

We caught up with Cath after she received the award to find out what she had to say!

How did you feel when you found out you were selected to receive the high sheriff award?

I was absolutely stunned! I have to confess that I didn't know we had a High Sheriff and the award came out of the blue. I've read about High Sheriffs now and they clearly do a great job and it was so nice to meet ours. What pleased me most about the award is that I was initially nominated locally for my work at unit level, and then my contributions to Girlguiding in my county were also noted by my commissioner.

How did you become a volunteer and how does it feel to be a part of the guiding movement?

I started volunteering when my daughter became 10 and wanted to become a Guide. Montgomery Guides was closed so I reopened the unit. I was a Brownie, Guide and Ranger when I was younger and it's wonderful to come back to guiding. I did this originally for my daughter but I get just as much out of it as she does, if not more! I really love feeling part of a team of volunteers who are all doing their best to support girls and young women. This has been particularly beneficial and important over the last year, because of the pandemic.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering with Girlguiding?

I would say just go for it! Go online and register your interest. There's something for everyone; you can commit as little or as much as you like, doing any one (or more!) of a variety of roles. Being a volunteer with Girlguiding is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.