Graham Biss (IW High Sheriff) with Lynda (centre) and Donna.
Three long time volunteers have been recognised for service to Girlguiding/Trefoil Guild.
Lynda Allen from Bembridge was presented with a 40 years Service badge by Donna Sanders-Steel Assistant Island Commissioner with Graham Biss, the Island’s High Sheriff reading the citation and offering congratulations.
Lynda, now a member of the Trefoil Guild, came to Island Guiding some years ago following a time being a Brownie Leader in Germany. By the 1990s she was a District Guider in East Wight District as well as holding the Executive post of County Secretary to the Executive Committee for seven years. In 1997 Lynda was appointed Island (County ) Commissioner chairing the Executive Committee and leading a team of eight District Commissioners and a number of speciality advisors.
In 1998 Lynda was proud to attend The Founders Day Service at Westminster Abbey and in 2000 was honoured to attend a service at Westminster Abbey again,this time in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Across the years, under Lynda’s leadership Guiding on the Island thrived with camps, rallies and visits to attractions both on the Island and mainland, as well as the regular meetings and helping the community.
In 2003 Lynda was invited by South West England Region to extend her term of office and was presented with a Silver Oak Leaf Award by Region. For the first part of 2004 Lynda continued in the role of Island Commissioner commencing a 7th year in post. One highlight of 2004 was the Brownies 90 years celebrations and following Lynda, in 2004, Deborah Meadows was appointed to the post of Island Commissioner with Deborah arranging a special Thank-you event for Lynda where several gifts were presented.
However, Lynda was not without a Girlguiding post for long as in 2004 she was appointed the Community Action Advisor.
In 2007 Lynda was presented with the Island Award by Deborah.
2009 saw Lynda become the County Trefoil Guild Chairman and today Lynda continues her interest in Girlguiding as member of the Trefoil Guild.
Several members of Trefoil Guild attending this event had also volunteered for Girlguiding for decades including 20,30,40 and 50 years whilst others were very new to volunteering. Graham Biss congratulated those who had completed years of service but also welcomed the newcomers, saying that those who volunteer to help others really help in the Island’s communities.
Also receiving awards were Jenny Anscombe and Tina Lambourne who have entertained members of the Trefoil Guild at Garden Parties over a number of years. They received their awards in recognition of service to the Trefoil Guild from Carol Firth the present County Trefoil Chairman. (In picture seated Tina (L) and Jenny with Carol.)
The event was organised by Susan Horton (Sandown/Shanklin Trefoil Guild) and held in Sandown.