Three dedicated volunteers from Girlguiding Anglia have been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours List.
Tracy Foster, Judith Ann Pickess, and Christine June Foy have been recognised for their exceptional service to girls and young women across the region.
Tracy Foster, former chief commissioner for Girlguiding Anglia, has been awarded an OBE.
Ms Foster said: "I am deeply honoured to receive an OBE for my service to Girlguiding, and humbled by the recognition, it fills me with immense joy and pride.
"Supporting girls and young women has been one of my greatest privilege of my life, and their energy, resilience, and spirit have inspired me every step of the way both at Girlguiding and in my professional career.
"This recognition shines on the entire Girlguiding community, who make the movement extraordinary.
"I’m thrilled to accept this award and excited to continue championing the next generation.”
Judith Ann Pickess and Christine June Foy have each been awarded the BEM.
Ms Pickess currently leads 1st Great Baddow Rainbows, 4th Great Baddow Brownies, and 5th Great Baddow Brownies, and has volunteered with Girlguiding for 48 years.
She described being "completely overwhelmed" when she received the letter informing her of the honour, saying she "burst into tears" and felt "totally humbled."
She said: "never done guiding for the praise."
She recalls supporting a young Brownie who overcame her fear to complete an abseil after many attempts, and ensuring a non-verbal girl who used a wheelchair and breathing apparatus could fully participate in meetings and attend a Brownie residential.
She describes guiding as allowing her to be a "real-life Peter Pan" and values seeing girls grow in confidence and often return as Duke of Edinburgh volunteers, young leaders, or even as adult leaders.
More information about Girlguiding Anglia and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk.
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