
Girlguiding unveils 72 new badges including 'fandoms' and 'laughter'
Different badges are available for the different age-related groups within Girlguiding.Among the new badges the youngest, the Rainbows (aged four to seven), can earn are ones for laughter, grooving, courage and being a "bee rescuer".One young girl told BBC Newsround that, as part of earning the laughter badge, another girl had made animal noises that the rest of the group then had to copy.Brownies (aged seven to 10) will now be recognised for showing a keen interest in folklore or birdwatching, as well as discovering ways to make their voice heard.Guides (aged 10-14) will be able to earn the "thrift" badge when they demonstrate the ability to "create something new" through repurposing and upcycling old items.Badges can also be rewarded for strong interests. Rangers (aged 14 to 18) can earn a "fandoms" badge for sharing their enthusiasm for things like Taylor Swift or Harry Potter.They can also become a "booktivist" by learn how reading can empower them.Other badges across the new set are for activities such as codebreaking, engineering, friendship, history and interior design.
More than 20,000 girls and volunteers helped design the new badges and 11,000 girls tested out the activities that need to be completed to earn them.Girlguiding ambassador and TV presenter Angellica Bell said trying the new badges had been "a real blast".She said the organisation helped build girls' confidence "whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny"."I know firsthand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun," she added.The last time Girlguiding introduced new badges was in 2019 - 110 years after its founding.Originally called the Girl Guide Association, the organisation was founded in 1909 by Agnes Baden-Powell to give girls the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities like the Scouts had for boys (which was incidentally set up by her brother).Famous members include the late Queen Elizabeth II, who became a Guide in 1937 at the age of 11.Fatima, a member of Girlguiding's youth steering group, said the new badges showed how the programme was "always evolving with us".The 18-year-old added: "It's empowering to know our voices help shape what guiding looks like for the future."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
26 minutes ago
- Metro
Inside England captain Leah Williamson's romance with Miss USA winner Elle Smith
England captain Leah Williamson will be leading the Lionesses to hopeful victory in the Women's Euro 2025 finals tonight. Leah's England will take on former rivals Spain in St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, two years after losing out on their World Cup attempt. All eyes will be on the England team, including 29-year-old team captain Leah, who was permanently appointed to the post by England manager Sarina Wiegman in 2022. But what do we know about Leah's life away from the pitch? Does she have a girlfriend or partner? When not leading her team to victory, Leah has made headlines for her rumoured romance with former Miss USA Elle Smith. Here's all we know about Leah Williamson's relationship with the 27-year-old beauty pageant winner. American journalist and beauty pageant contestant Elle Smith was crowned Miss USA in 2021. In the run-up to the competition, she was named Miss Kentucky USA that same year, making her only the second woman from Kentucky to win Miss USA. She went on to represent the United States at Miss Universe, ultimately finishing in the Top 10, losing out to India's Harnaaz Sandhu. Although they became romantically linked in 2024, Leah and Elle have not officially confirmed whether they are in a relationship. Speculation that the pair were 'soft-launching' a relationship began in March, when Elle posted a video of her and Leah floating in the ocean together on a paddleboard. This came accompanied by the caption 'happy birthday my love x,' to which Leah responded with a series of emojis. Since then, they have continued to pop up all over each other's social media, including a picture of them celebrating England's 6-0 win against Portugal, back in May. In the black-and-white picture, Leah sits on Elle's lap, with the former Miss USA titleholder's arms around her. In response to the picture, Leah commented: 'We did it🥹🥹🥹' Last month, Elle shared a series of snapshots from their holiday to Majorca together – many of which saw the pair looking very loved-up indeed. These images included a snap of Elle and Leah on a paddleboard together, as well as shots of them all dressed up and headed out for dinner. Leah shared her own carousel of images on her Instagram page, too, which included a number of grabs of Elle smiling and contented. Leah also showed her appreciation when Elle shared a series of snaps posing in her Skims bikini while on holiday in Jamaica for her birthday last month. 'I have no words,' Leah wrote in the comments to the post – to which Elle responded: 'all yours.' More Trending She then commented again soon afterwards, writing: 'Just come for a second viewing.' Elle has shared a message of support ahead of tonight's final, posting a snap of herself in a t-shirt to her Instagram Stories. This wasn't any old England t-shirt either. The message emblazoned on the white tee's front in red writing? 'Live, Laugh, Leah.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: How much do women footballers get paid? England player salaries revealed MORE: Why are Mary Earps and Millie Bright not playing for England at Euro 2025? MORE: Who is commentating on England's Euro 2025 final vs Spain? BBC and ITV line-ups


Telegraph
27 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Jess Phillips recreates Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights dance
Jess Phillips, the Labour MP, has recreated Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights dance. The safeguarding minister joined a crowd of hundreds at The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in Birmingham on Saturday. The global event sees participants recreate the music video for Bush's 1978 song while wearing red dresses. Photographs showed the MP for Birmingham Yardley performing a series of poses as she followed along with the routine. Events have previously taken place in locations such as Sydney, Copenhagen, Berlin and Folkestone. They typically take place in late July to coincide with Kate Bush's birthday on July 30. Wuthering Heights was Bush's debut single with lyrics inspired by the 1847 novel by Emily Brontë.


Daily Mail
27 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BBC radio presenter hailed a 'true legend' in broadcasting dies aged 86 after a long illness as tributes pour in
BBC radio presenter Gerry Kersey hailed a broadcasting 'legend' has passed away aged 86. The BBC Sheffield journalist had reportedly been ill for some time and passed away on Friday morning with his wife Christine by his side. Gerry worked for both the BBC and independent radio over the years, as well as fulfilling his love of art with paintings featured in exhibitions and performing in the theatre. Announcing his death on Sunday, BBC Sheffield said: 'We have some sad news to share. Former BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Gerry Kersey has passed away. 'Gerry was an enduring voice on BBC Radio Sheffield for many years, and Radio Hallam before that. He was such a gifted presenter and a wonderfully kind and supportive colleague off-air. 'He was also a talented artist. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.' BBC radio presenter Gerry Kersey hailed a broadcasting 'legend' has passed away aged 86 after an illness Before radio, Gerry worked at a steelworks site, of which he told the Sheffield Star in 2018: 'It was hot, sticky, dark and dangerous and the air was full of chemicals. 'But it was also a magnificent stage featuring molten steel, sparks and tough fit men manipulating massive forgings and machinery.' But broadcasting was the goal, and he made that his career: 'I decided, with my wife's full approval, that although it was only earning £12 a week I would take it on and see what I could do.' A number of tributes poured in from the star from former to colleagues to fans. Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, said: 'Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield. 'Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show.' She continued: 'In later years he was known for request-based and nostalgia shows and he got loads of letters, emails and calls right up to his last show in 2020. 'Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show. 'Off-mic, Gerry was just as much of a gentleman as he was on it, always encouraging, always warm and proud to still be on the radio after 50 years. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.' His former co-star, football reporter Alan Biggs. said: 'Radio listeners in Sheffield will mourn the passing of Gerry Kersey. Gerry was a mainstay of both Radio Sheffield & Radio Hallam (where I was lucky to work with the nicest bloke). 'Super talented; actor & artist also. Thinking of Gerry's family & many friends.' He added: 'Not just in Sheffield. Would have said South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire if more characters allowed for the post. Some wonderful heartfelt replies that I am sure will be much appreciated by Gerry's family.' Sheffield Council executive director Kate Martin said: 'So sorry to read this news. Gerry was a true servant supporting our city and community. 'My sincere condolences go out to Gerry's family and friends at this difficult time.' Lib Dem Lord Shaffaq Mohammed: 'So sad to hear about the passing of Gerry, I recall both his time at Hallam FM & more recently @BBCSheffield particularly on a Sunday teatime show where our paths would cross. 'My Thoughts & Prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.' His former co-star, football reporter Alan Biggs. said: 'Radio listeners in Sheffield will mourn the passing of Gerry Kersey' Sheffield Council executive director Kate Martin said: 'So sorry to read this news. Gerry was a true servant supporting our city and community' Lib Dem Lord Shaffaq Mohammed: 'So sad to hear about the passing of Gerry, I recall both his time at Hallam FM & more recently @BBCSheffield particularly on a Sunday teatime show where our paths would cross' Others paid tribute to Gerry, writing: 'When I read this sad news I suddenly remembered Gerrys voice which was always there on the Radio as I was growing up. So sad my condolences to his family. Rip the Great Gerry Kersey. Your voice will always be remembered & never forgotten here in Sheffield !'; 'So sad, one of those voices that you grew up with as a kid as if he was in the house with you. RIP,'; 'This is sad news, always listened to his show,'; 'Sad news indeed he was an excellent radio presenter,'; 'I remember listening to Gerry Kersey both on radio Sheffield and before that on Hallam A great loss to broadcasting.'