Audrey Cameron (52) joined the 2nd Ellon Brownies aged seven, then moved into 1st Guides for three years, she then became a Ranger – with finally achieving the role of Guider for 1st Ellon Brownies unit at the age of 17.

From then on she never looked back on her role and with more than three decades of voluntary work, Audrey maintains that "friendship" is definitely an integral part of Guiding.

As part of the District celebration on Saturday (February 27) at the Guide Hut – Audrey shared her many memories with her Brownies, family members, colleagues, fellow guiders, and friends.

The day was for Audrey to reminisce with friends and members of the girl guiding – but she also got to listen to what her colleagues had to say about her long service and contribution to the unit.
A heartfelt presentation was made to Audrey by her daughter Lindsay Cameron, the new Guider of 1st Ellon Brownies and District Commissioner, Helen Simpson – in which a bouquet of flowers along with other gifts were presented.

Speaking to the Times about her retirement, Audrey explained: "I imagine I will miss the chit chat of the seven year olds the most – they would tell me what they got up to at school during the day and would chat about events such as birthday parties."
The reason for Audrey's retirement after all these years is the commitment to her work, as a support teacher at Ellon Academy. She explained: "I've always been told – leave when you are on a high."
With the celebrations of the Centenary year and Thinking Day surrounding Audrey's departure from the unit – has made it all the more special for her.

A trophy was donated by the longstanding Guider, she said: "I donated the 'Cameron Cup' for endeavour, which is linked to thinking day. I wanted to give something for thinking day in particular because that was my founder's day."

"We've got various attendance shields, trophies for attainment and achievement but nothing really for endeavour - for a girl or group of girls that goes the extra mile for something. This was given to 1st Ellon Brownies Choir."
Audrey also donated money for a television and DVD player for the district.
She explained her journey and changes over the years: "The uniform has changed a considerable bit – today's is very practical for active Brownies with their joggers and sweatshirt – compared to the brown dress I used to wear."

"Different handbooks with different badges – now you can achieve a computer IT badge, back in the day we were handwriting thank you letters, so it has certainly progressed from that aspect."

"The overall programme however – there has not been change, the main purpose of guiding is to have fun, achieve and build on skills for life, and it always has been," she said.

It is a proud moment for Audrey as she watches her daughter, Lindsay (29) take on the same role as a Guider along with Alison and Gillian.
Audrey told the Times her favourite memories: "Being able to see my own daughter enrolled as a Brownie and knowing how far she has come today, getting to see the young girls of today as Guiders – also their achievements."

"Having our own headquarters is also something to be proud of as part of the Ellon district. My mum was on the original committee of the headquarters and a lot of fundraising has been done for that hall – it has a lot of meaning behind it as a lot of people use it. We also have our own garden which is great to pitch tents and have camp fires."
Audrey enjoyed the camping most of all but recalled on the first ever trip to Haddo: "It was our first canvas camp at Brownies in July and we got flooded with torrential rain– everything was drenched."
A comical moment happened on the way home after a trip from Haughton Park in Alford. Audrey phoned three or four weeks in advance to order 150 bags of chips – the chip shop in Inverurie thought it was a hoax and didn't make the order ready. So when the girls arrived, hungry and ready for chips they were disappointed: "We stayed and waited until they made up the 150 bags of chips, we arrived back in Ellon an hour and a bit late with some furious parents – Norma and I thought we 'had our chips' then. It is funny looking back though."

Audrey has had to balance a family life, work and guiding – and explained that she won't miss running round the tea table at night after school, making sure everyone is fed – to get out to Brownies in Ellon for 6pm.

Audrey is now ready to enjoy retirement but will be joining the Trefoil Guild which a non-uniformed part of the Guide Movement which brings together people with an interest in Guiding for fun and friendship.
The following poem was written by Lindsay Cameron, Guider in Charge 1st Ellon Brownies and was read at the presentation on Saturday by Brownie, Ailsa Westamacott;

We have shared guiding memories throughout the years
Some filled with laughter, some others with tears.
Brown Owl you have achieved so much
With your loving caring human touch.
Lots of girls have come under your wing,
To make their promise, complete crafts and sing.
We thank you in our own special way
To hope you celebrate lots today.
You will always be welcome in the unit
Now you have your pink tunic.
Enjoy your safari and your campfire
Treasure this day and remember
All of girls of whom you have inspired.
Congratulations Audrey on 35 years
Toast and celebrate with a great big cheers!!!

District Commissioner of Girl Guiding, Helen Simpson told the Times: "It is very sad that Audrey has decided to retire from Girl Guiding as she has been a valuable member of the district and has made such a big difference to a lot of girls in her time as a Guider with 1st Ellon Brownies and been a great influence."

"It is a fantastic achievement with what she has done over the years but we understand that she now needs time for herself."
"As her daughter Lindsay is taking over the role, she is a fantastically enthusiast Guider – she has lots of brilliant ideas and has learnt a lot from her mum and I am sure she will take the unit forward."

Helen is also on the lookout to re-open the 3rd Ellon Brownies on a Tuesday afternoon. Please contact her on 01358 761464 (evenings and weekends only) for more information.