Leamington woman’s 40 years’ service to Girlguiding recognised

Brenda Ames, 73, was given a special brooch that was made by Warwickshire County Commissioner Jane Bennett at a surprise lunch.

Her daughter Helen Ames, who contacted the Courier about her mother’s achievement, said: “Over the past 40 years, Mum has been very dedicated and worked tirelessly, holding various appointments in Whitnash, Leamington and across the Midlands.

“Through her involvement, Mum has had lots of experiences and enjoyment and gained lifelong friends.”

Having first become involved in Guiding in the 1970s when asked to help out at the 2nd Whitnash Methodist Brownie Pack that a then nine-year-old Helen was attending, Brenda moved from being a Snowy Owl to a Brown Owl at Leamington’s parish church.

She later became district commissioner for Leamington and county commissioner for Warwickshire. Brenda, who has also been presented with 20 and 30 years’ service awards, remains active as vice president of the Midland Region Trefoil Guild.

Speaking after the presentation, she said: “It gives me great pleasure. To sum up in three words: friendship, fun and enjoyment.

“I am 73 and have no plans to stop my involvement.”

The Trefoil Guild is for women and men aged 18 and over. Members agree to support the Guiding ethos and can get involved in supporting Girlguiding units, take on personal challenges and meet other people. There are also guilds for people to chat online, for those in religious communities, for those who live abroad and for those who cannot join a local guild and have no access to the internet. To find out more, visit www.trefoilguild.co.uk