Not everyone was able to join us at our recent County Awards Evening, but that didn’t mean their incredible dedication went unrecognised.
Over the past few weeks, Marian, Assistant County Commissioner (Volunteer Experience) has been visiting Ann (left), Lynn (middle) and Sheila (right) who are celebrating their 50 and 60 year long service awards to present their Long Service Awards in person.
These visits have been a wonderful opportunity to say thank you, get involved in local celebrations and unit meetings and hear about the lasting impact these volunteers have had on generations of young members and volunteers.
60 year Award – Ealing Division
Sheila Thompson
On 23rd May 1966, Sheila Thompson received her Girl Guides Warrant and was officially authorised as Tawny Owl of the 9th Greenford Methodist Pack. Although she would later become the Leader, she was always known simply as Tawny Owl—a name remembered fondly by generations of Brownies and still is today. Over the years, hundreds of girls have benefited from Sheila’s kindness, encouragement and dedication. Through meetings, outings, pack holidays, special events and countless adventures, she helped create memories that have lasted a lifetime.
Those who know Sheila will know that she always preferred to work quietly in the background as an assistant leader. However, when circumstances required, she stepped forward to become Pack Leader and continued in that role until the age of 65, when the regulations of the time required her to step down and hand over the role to her niece Laura Verma. Even then, Sheila’s commitment to guiding did not end. She has continued to support the unit and remains involved to this day only stopping briefly when her health did not allow.
Back in 2010, Sheila was recognised on her retirement as Brownie Leader after 46 years of service due to the regulations at the time. When the regulations changed a few weeks after, she came back as assistant leader. Today, we celebrate an even more remarkable achievement—60 years of service to Girlguiding.
Laura Verma, Leader 9th Greenford Methodist Brownies and Ealing North District Commissioner
Marian was joined by Carole Newstead, Ealing Division Commissioner, as well as Sophie Charles, Ealing North District Commissioner along with Laura.
50 Year Award
Harrow Weald and Stanmore Division
Lynn Clifford
Marian went along to a unit meeting under the pretence of “just visiting” to surprise Lynn Clifford with her 50 year award. She was joined by Emma Calderbank, Harrow Weald and Stanmore Division, who is also a leader of 7th Stanmore Guides with Lynn. Emma had also invited Lynn’s daughter Elizabeth to attend.
50 Year Award
Hillingdon North Division
Ann Kilshaw
Marian attended a local celebration, where she very nearly succeeded in sneaking past Ann at the entrance. She was joined by other leaders from Ruislip Victoria District including the District Commissioner Lizzie Brennand.
Marian says “Many congratulations to Sheila, Lynn and Ann on their 60 and 50 year long service awards. What an amazing achievement. It was so lovely to spend time with you all at your local celebrations”.