A guiding light for 47 years

Vivienne Dowson (centre) says farewell to the guides

A CHADDERTON guide leader is saying farewell after more than 40 years work in the movement.

But Vivienne Dowson, who is in her sixties, will not be too far away from her first love.

Having recently retired, she will return from time to time to St George’s and St Saviour’s guide groups at Chadderton as a member of the senior group for guiding.

Miss Dowson, a former garment worker, first qualified as a guide leader when she was 18.

She has also worked with rainbows, aged five to seven, Emmanuel Church guides and as a camp adviser for West Oldham, checking camp sites for local guides. She said: “I believe that guiding is still a very good thing for girls to do.

“The girls learn a lot of skills which are useful in their future careers and future life.

“I have enjoyed working in guiding very much and I am pleased there is a way for me to keep in touch.”