President, Mrs. Kathleen Phillips welcomed a large audience, including Mrs. Cathryn Brooker, Chief Commissioner, Girlguiding Cymru, to the annual general meeting of Girlguiding Pembrokeshire last week.

County Commissioner, Mrs. Ruth Best gave a comprehensive report of another wonderful, action-packed year. Once again, international travel had featured heavily, both for units, and for individuals, some travelling as far as New Zealand, and the USA.

Highlights of the year included a large-scale Olympic themed Fun Day at Scolton Manor, for all sections, and the presentation of the Queen's Guide Award and High Sheriff of Dyfed Award to Beverley Wilson, of the North Division.

Congratulations were also given to Carley Jones, new chairman of Llais Y Ddraig, the Welsh Junior Council, and Natasha Culley, chosen to chair Innovate, Girlguiding UK's Youth Forum. The young women of Pembrokeshire are making their voices heard.

Many awards were presented by the Chief Commissioner, who thanked Pembrokeshire for the warm welcome, and praised the effort of guiders and helpers, all volunteers, who keep the movement vibrant and growing within the county, including one for 40 years service to Mrs. Wendy Barnett, of Milford Haven.

She also congratulated the winners of this year's County Guide Trophy, Tenby Guides.

Mrs. Best reminded everyone of the approaching centenary of Girlguiding, and a short presentation was given by Mrs. Nicole Evans, and Mrs. Julie Drinkwater, outlining many of the events already planned for 2010.

International travellers, Eleri Jones, Bethan Mason, Bethan Rogers and Estelle May gave presentations on their trips abroad, and this was followed by guest speaker, Angharad Thomas, of Cardiff, who had participated in a Water Aid project in Tanzania, after winning a national competition.

Her fascinating talk, excellent slide show, and thought-provoking film were much appreciated by the audience, who were impressed by the confidence and maturity of one so young, and she was warmly thanked by Sian Barnett, of Milford Haven.

An excellent tea was then served by St. David's District.