HONOUR FOR INSPIRATIONAL TARBOLTON VOLUNTEER
Local Volunteer is recognised for her fifty years’ service in Girlguiding
A Montgomerie District Girlguiding volunteer has been recognised for her work supporting girls and young women with a Long Service Award.
Iris Richardson was awarded the honour at a celebration at her Unit Meeting place on Wednesday 10th September by County Commissioner, Elin Marsh.
Iris became the assistant leader of 1st Tarbolton Guides on 10th September 1975, having been a Brownie and a Guide in the village, and she then took over as Leader of the unit on 13th June 1978.
Iris learned from Mrs Todd, and she has continued to uphold the Girlguiding values & traditions, while also embracing change and progress within Girlguiding.
As well as leading her unit and countless trips camping to Netherurd or Gartaharn, or Youth Hostelling to Loch Lomond, Iris has also held many roles in the county from County Training Advisor from June 1989 to September 1997, and County Communications and PR Advisor in 2002 and 2003.
Iris became County Commissioner in September 1997 and held the post for 6 years – and we know she was perfect for the role as she is someone who everyone in Girlguiding Ayrshire South could look to for assistance, mentorship and who all could trust and rely on to support not only the girls but fellow leaders too.
One of Iris’ fellow leaders, Valerie, told us: ‘’Iris successfully balanced the demands of leading county-wide events, and maintaining her own unit. Her leadership during this time was exemplary, and she is highly respected for her ability to manage challenges without fuss..’’
If being County Commissioner wasn’t keeping her busy enough – in 1998, Iris and fellow leaders Claire, ilda and Julie, took on the organisation and distribution of the food at ‘Ceilidh 98’. This was an International Camp at Netherurd for 800 girls!
Iris, Claire, ilda and Julie set off for discussions with the cash and carry and they were assured all was well and nothing would be an issue.
Valerie shared a memory with us: ‘’Around comes the camp and they go to collect the order…and all was not as it seemed. The manager wasn’t long in getting the picture that they would be fulfilling the order and they stepped up and delivered the goods. Ceilidh 98 is a camp we often reminisce over- it was certainly memorable in more ways than one. To deliver the food to the subcamp the team had a van, I am led to believe Claire hogged driving the van all week… Until the site got muddy and then she wasn’t so keen to drive up the field! She was swiftly told by Iris ‘No no, its your van’ ‘
Over the years, many girls have been encouraged by Iris to participate in International Girlguiding opportunities. She helped members to apply and prepare for selection interviews, and supported our fundraising efforts, enabling us to embark on these amazing experiences.
Valerie said: ‘Personally, I would never have taken part in such opportunities if it hadn’t been for Iris’s encouragement and her belief in my abilities. These trips hold the most cherished memories.’
Today, Tarbolton Guides numbers remain very healthy and they now have a Ranger Unit too – the Tarbolton team would like to credit Iris and Ashleigh for keeping the girls engaged & enthusiastic about Guiding.
Iris’s service to Guiding has never wavered, even during times of personal difficulty. Since Claire became ill, Iris’ fellow leader and dear friend, Iris has visited Claire almost every day, and yet has remained present at every Guide meeting, camp and pack holiday. She has been a tremendous support to the district in Claire’s absence, and she keeps Claire updated in everything that is going on in Guiding in Tarbolton.
Last year Iris was asked to take on the role of County President. This is a role for our most experienced leaders – and she is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom for our county team, whenever they need advice or assistance. We are honoured that she accepted the role, and the whole team at Tarbolton are delighted to see her as County President.
County Commissioner, Elin said: ‘’We would like to say a huge thank you from Girlguiding Ayrshire South County to Iris, who is a wonderful friend, role model and leader. We congratulate you on your 50 Years Service!’’
