Irene takes on top county Guides role

Oct 29 2008 by Leona Milven, Rutherglen Reformer

THE County Commissioner for West Lanarkshire Guides has been named as Irene Laird of Rutherglen.

Mrs Laird, of Drumsargard Road, was officially appointed three weeks ago and will hold the post for the next five years after taking over from the retiring commissioner Tina Alexander.

The appointment is a first for a Rutherglen resident and Irene is delighted to be undertaking such an important role among Guides across the region.

The mum-of-two became involved in Girl Guides 34 years ago and has represented the organisation as arts adviser, team leader and pack holiday adviser among other roles.

She is also Division Commissioner for Rutherglen and runs the Brownie pack in West Parish Church every Tuesday night.

Her role as County Commissioner will see her take responsibility for all training and communication across the region as well as working tirelessly to promote the Guides and plan the celebrations for their centenary year in 2010.

Girlguiding West Lanarkshire covers the areas of Rutherglen, Cambuslang, East Kilbride and Strathaven and has five Divisions.

They have around 1500 members, and camping, pack holidays and sleepovers are among popular activities within the county.

Irene, a full time team leader with RM in Bellshill, said: “I am delighted to have taken up this post as County Commissioner and I’d like to thank Tina Alexander the retiring County Commissioner and all the other district commissioners for their support.

“We are soon going to embark on the planning for our centenary year in 2010 so it’s going to be extremely busy over the next few years and I’m looking forward to every minute of this wonderful role.”

Irene was voted into the position by members of the executive. Their nomination then went to Scottish Chief Commissioner Dinah Faulds who approved the recommendation.

Irene has two daughters with her youngest Karyn, 16, currently in training for her Girl Guide young leader certificate.

She added: “Karyn is very involved in Guiding and helps with the Rainbows at the West Parish Church. She’s working hard to gain her certificate.”

Meanwhile, the annual general meeting of the West Lanarkshire Guides is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 26, at 7.30pm at the Guide headquarters in Clincarthill.