AN "inspirational" Lichfield Girlguiding volunteer has been celebrated at a special event.
Pauline Cox was among the guests of honour at Girlguiding Celebrates in London.
The 80-year-old has been involved with the organisation for 73 years after joining as a Brownie in 1953.
She started volunteering as an adult leader over 60 years ago and later set up 7th Lichfield Guides.
Pauline said:
"Girlguiding has been a huge part of my life non-stop since I joined at the age of seven.
"It runs through me like the lettering in a stick of rock. It’s in my DNA –and I love that it has helped me to make a positive difference with my life."
The celebration event in Lichfield honoured those volunteers nominated by members, parents and carers.
Despite stepping down as leader of the 7th Lichfield Guides in 2010, Pauline still attends as a unit helper and is Lichfield Division President.
She said:
"I work closely with the girls. They are so enthusiastic. I love seeing all the friendships they make, the experiences they get to have, and challenging them to have a go and do things they don’t think they can do.
"I have seen the movement evolve over the years. My first experience of camp was riding in the back of a removal van with the tailgate down waving to the drivers.
"While health and safety has definitely changed for the better, many things have remained the same. Girlguiding still gives girls access to a wide range of opportunities and activities. It plays such an important part in their lives."
As well as supporting the girls, Pauline says she gets a lot out of volunteering on a personal level too.
"Girlguiding has given me so many friendships and brought so much enjoyment to my life.
"It has inspired me to take opportunities and gain life skills, all of which I can share with the next generation. It certainly keeps me young at heart."
Pauline was nominated to attend the celebration event by Emma Douglas-Boisson-Smith, the current leader of 7th Lichfield Guides.
Emma said:
"Pauline remains fit, young at heart, on trend and up to date. She is an enthusiastic leader who still happily leads activities and crafts – and loves to teach the Guides campfire songs.
"Her energy puts the younger leaders to shame.
"I cannot succinctly put into words how much support she has given me and the rest of the leadership team, and I am proud to volunteer alongside her."
