A special milestone was celebrated last month by members, former members and friends of guiding in Tempo, who met to celebrate 25 years of Tempo Rainbows, 50 years of Tempo Brownies and just over 70 years of Tempo Guides.
Tempo Guides
Lady Langham and Mrs. Effie Elliott started Tempo Guides on June 7, 1952 and brought together a group of girls to meet at her home at Tempo Manor.
Mrs. Elliott and Rita Armstrong were appointed as lieutenants and some of the first Patrol leaders and seconds were Doris West, Annabelle Doherty and Joan Wilson.
In the early 1960s, Yvonne Armstrong and Georgina Woods assisted Lady Langham. Guiding continued under the leadership of Lady Langham until 1967 when Rita McCutcheon and Annabelle Woods took over and the weekly meeting moved to the Parish Hall.
In 1979, Mrs. McCutcheon retired, and the late Shirley Phair (Foy) took over at the helm, assisted by Linda Foy and Carole Rutledge.
Shirley retired in 1995 and the leadership fell to Carole Graham and Rosemary Whiteman, assisted by Thelma Thompson and Claire Thompson and many other Young Leaders and helpers over the years.
Currently, Rosemary Whiteman and Karen McAlister are leaders in charge.
Former leaders and members Rita McCutcheon, Doris Campbell, Joan Rutledge and Annabelle Woods help to celebrate the 70th birthday of Tempo Guides.
Tempo Brownies
The first meeting was held on October 21, 1973, with Dorothy Armstrong and Ruth Elliott as Leaders.
The girls worked on many badges and enjoyed meeting on a Friday afternoon after school.
In 1976, Cynthia White took over as Brown Owl and was helped over the following years by Mandy White, Gaynor Campbell, Marlynne Hopper, Noreen West, Hazel Beattie, Sandra Trimble and Georgina Johnston.
Currently, Jayne Veitch with Young Leaders Molly McAlister and Sophie Moore are in charge.
Former leaders Noreen Stewart , Ruth Emerson and Dorothy Woods cut the Brownie birthday cake.
Tempo Rainbows
The Rainbows started in May, 1988, under the leadership of Caroline Clarke and Sharon Woods with assistance in the following years from Florence Crawford, Margaret Elliott, Daphne Kirkpatrick, Darcie Graham and Katie Graham.
Currently, Carole Graham is leader in charge, assisted by Young Leader Caitlyn Ellison.
Former leaders Caroline Clarke and Sharon Woods cut the Rainbow birthday cake.
At the special celebration event, ‘The Gathering Drum’ hosted a very enjoyable rhythm and drumming session for all the young members, which was followed by tea and birthday cake.
Some of the current leaders in Tempo Guiding: Karen McAlister, Rosemary Whiteman, Molly McAlister, Carole Graham and Jayne Veitch.
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