AROUND 25 members of Girlguiding Hawick attended a celebration evening for June Paterson-Brown at Norwood to thank her for all the hard work and dedication she has given Guiding in Hawick as President of Friends of Guiding.
In June last year, she decided to step down as President, and as a thank you, Girlguiding Hawick presented her with a Guiding vase, flowers, tw
o Centenary roses and a Scocha CD.
It was an evening of reminiscing and catching up with old and new friends, as well as enjoying the special cake.
June has always been involved in Guiding, she was a Brownie and Guide and then after studying medicine and moving to Hawick, she became District Commissioner for Hawick North in 1963. In 1969 she become County Commissioner for Roxburghshire and held this post for eight years, she was then promoted to Scottish Chief Commissioner (1977-82) and in 1985 she became Chief Commissioner for U.K. and the Commonwealth.
She held this post until 1990 and during this time travelled all over the UK and had many trips to Commonwealth countries. In 1989 she was awarded the "Silver Fish" which is the highest award in Guiding, given for exceptional service over 30 years to the Girlguiding movement.
In 1991 June received a CBE in the New Year's Honours List. In 1990 June was appointed Hon. President of Hawick Ladies Association, now known as Friends of Guiding, and she continued in this role until June 2008. In 1994 after the death of Baroness Elliot of Harwood, she was appointed County President for Girlguiding in Roxburghshire and still holds this position.
Another great honour was bestowed upon June in 1998 when she became HM Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, and this was followed in 2007 when she became a Commander of the Victorian Order.
As well as working as a doctor and looking after a family of four, June was also involved in many other organisations, including Border TV, The Red Cross, Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Princes' Trust.
A spokesperson for Girlguiding Hawick said: "We have been so fortunate to have June involved in Girlguiding Hawick and she has given so much support over the years.
"We give our sincere thanks to an exceptional and special lady who has done so much for so many and has certainly put Hawick on the map."
