A popular Colne resident who is in her 42nd year as a Brownie Guider has been recognised at a special Westminster Abbey service.
Sandra Tetley, of Standroyd Drive, was invited to “A National Scout and Guide Service and Celebration of Thanksgiving” for her dedication to the Guiding community.
The 64-year-old, who runs weekly Brownie sessions at Colne’s Christ Church, sat through a 45-minute service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster.
Talking of her experience, she said: “It was superb – it really was nice.
“I came back to the invite from my holiday, and I was shocked.
“It was an absolute privilege and an honour to be there – I think there were only three of us from Lancashire East.
“One of the things that sticks in my mind was the fact the Abbey was full of Scouters and Guiders, who have done so many years service.”
Former teacher Mrs Tetley started her Guiding life as a Burnley Brownie, making her way through the Guides and Rangers, before becoming an assistant leader at Burnley’s St Cuthbert Church.
She moved to Colne when she got married in 1973.
She heard that Christ Church were in need of a new leader and so she decided to put her expereience to use and offered her services. She has not looked back since.
She added: “I think my love of it really does come down to meeting people.
“I have been able to go to Switzerland, Mexico and India, meeting people from all walks of life, from all over the world.
“I would never have been able to do that had I not been in Guiding.
“It is also lovely to see the girls develop.”
