1970s PRIVATE LIFE

9988 Girl Guides

Although Miles started in both the Cubs and Boy Scouts, he soon gave them up. As always, he was not willing to put in the effort.

With her usual level of commitment, Sarah, on the other hand, went all the way through the girl guides. It was something of a chore for me. Once a week I had to take her across to the local guide hut -- which was not too bad since it was only a mile away. But then I had to pick her up, and this meant waiting in the cold and the rain, albeit inside my car, until the guides finished whatever they were doing; which could take half an hour or more. I was never very good at being bored!

Sarah used to enjoy the guides, and even the camps. I well remember her going to week-long camp with one of her French pen pals and spending the week absolutely soaking wet, because of the constant downpours.

 Sarah, in guide uniform, with her friends Linda & Sophia

Ultimately, though, she managed to become a Queen's guide.

Celebrating becoming a queen’s guide

I had always thought that this, and Queen’s Scout, were a great honour; which required great dedication. It did require dedication, but it was quite simply that they had to do a lot more badges than anyone else. Sarah was adept at a whole range of subjects and worked through the badges in no time at all. Once she'd become a Queen's guide, however, she left the guides. I guess even at that stage she was aware of what would look good on her CV.

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