Pip McKerrow, Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding London and South East England decided to have summer to remember with a difference. During the period of the Olympics, Pip decided to visit and spend a day in each of the 19 Counties that she is responsible for, meeting as many fellow Leaders as possible and camping one night in each County.

On Thursday 2nd August, it was her aim to spend the day in Greater London West which covers the boroughs of Merton, Kingston, Richmond and Sutton.

The Windmill on Wimbledon Common was her first stop where she met a number of other Leaders. The windmill is very significant since it is the location where Robert Baden Powell wrote part of his book ‘Scouting for Boys’ which became the blueprint that started Scouting. As a result of this book and the first Scouting events, girls wanted to do the things boys were doing, being adventurous, camping etc and hence by the girls’ determination, Guiding began. The windmill is also depicted on the County badge.

A specially arranged tour of the windmill was enjoyed by all and whilst there she presented new County Commissioner, Ros Townsend with her badge. With Pip’s enthusiasm to camp one night in each County, she requested permission to sleep in the garden of the windmill too.

An evening reception in Cheam completed her day trip to Greater London West before moving on to Sussex East the following day.

Based on information supplied by Steve Wicks.