District Commissioner retires

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 11, 16 August 1983, Page 2

District Commissioner retires

Girl Guide Association District Commissioner Carole Harford of Raetihi was farewelled at a private function in the home of Mrs Lyn Jones last week. Mrs Harford is retiring from the position of District Commissioner after nearly 7 years in that position. She became District Commissioner for the Waimarino soon after her arrival in Raetihi. "I was asked to be District Commissioner and was so surprised and flattered that I accepted!" she said. But it has been an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Despite the demands made, Carole and her leaders enjoy the commitment and get a lot out of it. Carole Harford, who first joined the Brownies in Wellington at the age of 9, spent eleven years in the Guiding movement before family commitments took over. When she became District Commissioner six-and-a-half years ago it was initially for the 5-year limited tenure period which operates for District Commissioners in the Scouting and Guiding movement. At the end of 5 years she decided to extend her commitment into the 3-year renewable-option period, but has now decided to step aside to allow someone else to take over. The position entails mainly liaison work between the various groups of Rangers, Guides and

Brownies in the District and between the . District and Region. Also in the picture with Carole is ( left ) Pat Olds from Ruatiti who is Lone Brownie Leader for all Brownies in remote outlyl^^ areas where no other facilities are available to cater for girls in the 7-10 age group. Pat is a former Brownie and Girl Guide herself and has been in the movement for a total of 23 years. Lyn Jones, also in picfure, is Guide Leader for the Raetihi company and has been in the movement for 2 years. The Waimarino District has about 70 Brownies, Guides and Rangers enrolled but would like to increase these numbers as well as the number of leaders. Carole Harford invites anyone who is genuinely interested in children volunteer their servic^^P They don't have to have had previous experience in the Guiding movement. Training is given and the programme has been constantly evolving since it was started 75 years ago. "Enthusiasm is the main ingredient", said Carole Harford. Most adults join the movement in order to - help the children but, in the end, get a lot out of it themselves. She also invites girls of between 7-10 to join the Brownies, between 10-14 to join the Guides and between 14-18 to join the Rangers.