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Congratulations to Hilary Robinson who was awarded a 50-year-service pin at our General Council meeting on 5 September!
Hilary has taken on many roles in Irish Girl Guides over the past five decades, always with a cheerful ‘can do’ attitude. She was Brown Owl in Sandford and Taney, Coccinella of St Tiernan’s Ladybirds and has been a Trainer for over 25 years.
She also worked in National Office from 1991 to 2004, initially as the National Programme and Training Secretary and then as Education Officer.
Presenting Hilary with her 50-year-service pin, IGG President Maureen Murphy said, “Hilary is widely noted as an excellent Trainer, especially for her Promise and Law trainings, and for programme planning. More recently, she has been Regional Secretary for Eastern Region and, showing her Guiding spirit, she is always ready to offer herself as an extra pair of hands.”
Hilary said she was pleased and proud to receive the award (and also amazed as she did not feel 50 yet … in her head)!
When asked what she most enjoys about being involved in Guiding, she says, “The girls and Leaders I’ve met, had the pleasure to work and ‘play’ with, the opportunity to be myself and to share my enthusiasm with my fellow Leaders. The fun and the laughs play a big part too.”
Highlights from her 50 years include running a Brownie Unit with girls “who are still my BFFs”, the first time they took Brownies on a weekend Pack Holiday (there was no sleep involved!) and the girls she knew as Ladybirds and Brownies and who are still involved in Guiding.
She described the changes she has seen over the years as “great positive changes as IGG moves with the times”. She mentions in particular the progressive programme that is regularly reviewed and revised and the uniforms “that today’s girls like to wear”.
Hilary, whose mum, sister and daughter have all been involved in Guiding too, said, “IGG gives girls opportunities to develop and experience in a safe way a wide variety of challenges to grow in confidence, independence, resilience, teamwork and learn leadership skills – all while having FUN!”
What does she say to encourage other girls or women to get involved?
“You will have the opportunity to do things you never thought you could or would.
You will have a marvellous group of friends of all ages.
You will be supported by IGG every step of the way.
You too will have FUN!”