Jane McFarlane


 
Unit: Guider at Kingsley Holt Guides
 
District: Churnet Valley
 
Division: Threapwood
 
Other Guiding roles: Division international adviser, county web editor and leader of the county Switzerland 2011 group
 
What is your day job?
I'm a journalist at the Derby Telegraph
 
How long have you been in Guiding?
I was a Brownie (there weren't Rainbows in those days!), a Guide and a Young Leader in my youth. When I moved to Staffordshire in 2004, I decided to volunteer as a way of getting to know people and to give something back to the community. I never dreamed I would get this involved - but I love it!
 
What was it that made you join?
As a young girl, I seem to remember I read a book about Brownies and pestered my mum until she found a unit with space for me!
 
What is your favourite part of Guiding?
Everything! I especially love taking girls away for the weekend. My Brownie and Guide units didn't really do very many residentials so I'm probably making up for it now!
 
What has been your best moment in Guiding so far?
Watching the fireworks at the centenary launch party at Shugborough surrounded by all the girls from my unit was fantastic and taking a group of them to Pax Lodge during the centenary year was another really special moment. As a girl, I have really vivid memories of attending a county pack holiday at Pontins in Prestatyn.
 
Is there anything you would like to achieve within Guiding?
I would like to visit all four world centres
 
And briefly, sum up what Guiding means to you
It has turned into one of the most important parts of my life - after my husband and family of course! Watching girls learn, grow and develop in skills and confidence is the greatest reward you could ask for