Guide plays key role in prestigious abbey service

The nerve-wracking task was carried out by Katie Povey, from Meon Valley Girl Guides Senior Section, who was chosen to represent the region at a joint thanks and recognition service with the Scouts at the abbey.

Katie, 24, was one of only six members from the area chosen to represent the organisation at the event which recognised the contribution of adult volunteers to the organisations.

Many who attended have dedicated much of their lives to the Scouts and Guides.

The service included hymns, readings and the renewal of the promise, led by Chief Guide Valerie Le Vaillant.

During the service there was a procession of Guideguiding members, Scouts and the Union Jack flag.

Katie, who was presented with the Queens Guide Award earlier this year – the highest award attainable – was given the role of flag-bearer at the prestigious service. She said: ‘Arriving at Westminster on the Saturday morning I felt both excited and nervous. What if I dropped the flag?

‘After the morning’s rehearsal and the help of a Scout leader, I was confident in what I had to do and when.

‘All I needed to do was relax and enjoy it.’

More than 600 Girlguiding members were joined by more than 800 Scouting members at the service which included a choir performance.

Katie added: ‘Girlguiding plays a huge part in my everyday life and I hope to continue to represent Girlguiding for many years to come.’