At the end of last year Charlotte Hewlett, who has been a member of WGUK units Pride of Bristol, Pegasus and most recently Kidsgrove Scouts, auditioned for membership of the 2022 Blessed Sacrament Colorguard from Cambridge, MA, USA and was offered a position in their Open Class unit.

Whilst a number of full UK units have travelled to take part at the Winter Guard International World Championships very few individuals have made the trip across the Atlantic be part of a US organisation so we asked Charlotte if she could give us a little insight into the process and her experience.

This is her story and on behalf of us all at WGUK we wish Charlotte every success in this adventure.

CHARLOTTES STORY

Since I can remember, I’ve been dreaming of the opportunity to perform in the U.S, and during my gap year I thought it would be the perfect time to audition! 

I reached out to the wonderful team at Blessed Sacrament and proposed the idea of being a part of the 2022 competing season. They were thrilled at the idea and asked me to put together an audition! 

After being offered a position in the Open colourguard, I sorted the logistics with travel, and I was able to go and meet everyone before getting to the flow of the competition season! When I arrived at Boston airport, I was picked up by Peg Gallagher and I immediately felt at home The day after, I attended my first practice in Forestdale High School, and everyone made me feel extremely welcome. I knew Blessed Sac were one of the oldest and most respected guards in America, so it was a thrill and an honour to be rehearsing with these people. It was such a surreal feeling and I already feel a part of the Sac family despite only having met the guard members in one weekend. 

My return to the UK was delayed because of a brush with COVID, but after isolating and a negative test, I was soon on the plane to Bristol. Now after the Christmas break I’m getting ready to head back to Massachusetts. 

Even though I have only just started on this crazy journey, it is something that I would strongly encourage any individual competing in a colourguard circuit! I am so honoured to be a part of this family, and it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

Charlotte