Su Madurasinghe from Girlguiding Gwent was presented with the Girlguiding Silver Fish award by Helen Murdoch at the Girlguiding Gwent Awards evening.
Girlguiding Gwent celebrated Su Madurasinghe's extraordinary contributions at their Awards evening on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Helen Murdoch presented Su with the prestigious Silver Fish award, the highest adult honour within Girlguiding.
Marking a truly historic occasion, Su Madurasinghe's Silver Fish Award is the first to be bestowed in Gwent in nearly a century, following The Hon. Fflorens Roch's recognition in 1922.
Su's dedication to guiding is truly remarkable. She currently serves as the Country/Region Duke of Edinburgh Award adviser, County Duke of Edinburgh assessor, County leadership development Programme (LDP) Mentor, County going away with licence mentor, and a Ranger leader.
Her influence stretches far beyond Gwent, as she previously held significant roles including Association International Commissioner, Association Adviser, Cymru Trainer, and County adviser in Buckinghamshire.
Those who know Su describe her as 'amazing,' noting her ability to inspire and impress everyone she encounters. She played a pivotal role as a GOLD coordinator for Cymru and as an International Commissioner within the Chief Guide’s Team for many years. Notably, while in Johannesburg, she was instrumental in securing the World Conference for the UK.
Su's commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Cymru has been equally impactful. As the Cymru DofE advisor, she is considered essential to the success of countless members achieving their awards. Her leadership and the effective County DofE team she supports have created a strong and successful program.
The Silver Fish Award recognises Su's exceptional service and profound impact on Girlguiding and Girlguiding Cymru.
Below are a few quotes from the letters received in support of the Silver Fish award for Su.
“Su was a trustee through a very challenging period for the board , she was influential partly because of her knowledge, but also because of the way she made her points – thoughtfully, constructively and with her usual pleasant and considerate manner.”
“Su led the UK bid to host the World Conference in Edinburgh. She was determined to do that in an innovative way and managed to put together both a team and approach that undoubtedly “wowed” the delegations from all the other WAGGGS member organisations, who had to vote for us during the World Conference in Johannesburg. I will never forget the audible gasp in the hall as a young female (and South African!) piper started up the bagpipes and led the bid team into the hall!
Su worked non-stop to make the bid successful and provide another way for so many more girls in the UK to experience an international event, right on their own doorstep.”
“Su is an inspirational leader of young people and adults alike. The work in her career which involved dealing with young people with challenging behaviour was a bonus to guiding as she was able to deal with so many difficult situations with ease. She was a delight to have at any meeting as she brought and encouraged enthusiasm in any team and always had a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. She continually displayed sound reasoning skills and a common sense approach in all matters. Her enthusiasm was infectious and she strongly believes in the ethos of guiding and has been instrumental in promoting the organisation””
“Su has vast experience across Girl Guiding, in a wide range of significant roles, at local district county and national level. Yet whether you are, like me, a new adult leader, a Ranger with additional needs new to Girl Guiding or a parent whose daughter has been in Girl Guiding since Rainbows, Su’s welcoming and non- judgemental approach encourages everyone who works with her to feel equally valued by the Girl Guiding family.”
“The impact she has, reaches far and wide, as the impression Su made on me has now transferred to my own units,
and is transforming the young lives of those she hasn’t even met.””