A volunteer, who has served as a Brown Owl in Girlguiding in Farnborough for 37 years, was honoured for her service when she received the first Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community recently.
Valerie Jenner received the award at a ceremony at Rushmoor Borough Council offices in Farnborough for supporting young women within Girlguiding Farnborough.
Valerie, who turned 80 years old this year, remains a Brown Owl at a local unit.
She was nominated for the award by Roz Chadd, who said: “Valerie embodies the core values of Girlguiding which are all about being caring, challenging, empowering, fun, and inclusive.
“Through her service, Valerie has demonstrated each of these values – she is caring, and she inspires independence and bravery, encouraging young girls to step out of their comfort zones and develop their skills.
“Valerie makes sure every girl feels heard, her meetings are infused with joy and adventure, and she goes above and beyond to welcome everyone, fostering a sense of belonging among girls from diverse backgrounds and abilities.”
The Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Calum Stewart, said: “We’ve heard a wonderful account of Valerie’s 37 years of service with Girlguiding — a record of commitment and care that speaks entirely for itself, but as Mayor, I want to reflect on what that service represents.
“It represents the very best of what makes Rushmoor special — people like Valerie who give quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly to others. People who make our towns stronger through the example they set, and through the lives they touch.
In every corner of our borough, there are those who give their time to help others learn, grow, and belong. But few have done so for as long, or as selflessly, as Valerie has. Your work as Brown Owl has been about so much more than badges and activities — it has been about building confidence, character, and community.”
The Mayor said leadership doesn’t always come with a title, and service doesn’t always happen in public view. He added: “It happens in the quiet, steady acts of kindness and commitment that people like you have shown for nearly four decades.
“Thank you for giving so much, for so long, and for reminding us all what true community service looks like.”
You can Nominate a person or group for the Mayor's Award.
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