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50 Years of Guiding: Friends Still Dedicated Volunteers
15 Mar
Summary
- Two lifelong friends celebrate over 50 years of volunteering for Girlguiding.
- They have led a local district for the past 40 years as adult volunteers.
- The pair estimate they have positively impacted over 1,000 young girls.
Ann Johnson and Sarah Goode, friends since childhood, are marking over five decades of volunteering with Girlguiding. Their journey began as seven-year-old Brownies in Hardingstone, Northamptonshire, in 1975. For the past 40 years, they have served as adult volunteers, leading the Wootton and Hardingstone Girlguiding district.
Reflecting on their extensive service, they describe Girlguiding as a crucial "girl-only space" that fostered empowerment and fun. They noted the significant impact they've had, estimating they've worked with over 1,000 young girls through their local programs. Many current leaders within the district were once their own Guides or Brownies.
Despite reaching their respective 40-year milestones as adult volunteers, Johnson and Goode have no plans to step down. They emphasize that their dedication is just a small part of a larger community of women who volunteer weekly to bring "fun and happiness" to the organisation. Both friends express a strong desire to continue their involvement with guiding indefinitely.
