An Athlone Guide leader has received a 50-year service award from Irish Girl Guides (IGG ).
Grace Grouden, a leader with St Ciaran’s Guides, received her 50-year service pin from IGG president Maureen Dillon at the organisation’s annual council meeting held in Airfield Estate, Dublin, on Saturday, April 1.
Ms Grouden started her career as Lieutenant of first Westmeath Guides and has been involved with several Brownie and Guide units throughout the years. She has been district commissioner and area commissioner many times during her long career.
Ms Dillon said: "It is through the example of women like Grace that Irish Girl Guides is the revered and respected organisation of high standing it is and we honour that valuable contribution today.”
Ms Grouden said she was delighted to receive the award.
“I never thought when I joined Guides and later became a leader that I would still be a leader 50 years later,” she said. “My pastime became a way of life for me and I got a lot of enjoyment out of it over the years. The highlight was a trip to Sangam, one of the five Guiding World Centres, in India last year.”
Irish Girl Guides welcomes youth members from age five and above and volunteer leaders from age 18. No previous Guiding experience is necessary. For further information see www.irishgirlguides.ie or call (01 ) 6683898.
