IT HAS been an association that spans 40 years, has provided mentorship for thousands of girls — and even led to Yvonne Holcroft meeting her future husband.
The Banksia mother of three grown-up children has been involved with the Girl Guides movement in one way or another for most of her childhood and adult life.
Her mother before her was a Guides leader, and Ms Holcroft began her own involvement when she was about eight years old.
Now marking her 40th year with the movement, Ms Holcroft has had time to reflect on what her part has been.
‘‘It is watching girls grow into wonderful young ladies,’’ she said.
‘‘They go from being shy to become very confident young ladies ready to take on the world and some of them go on to become Guide leaders themselves.
‘‘There is the joy of watching kids develop. It is a wonderful organisation and you get so much from people.’’
For her own part, she has travelled the world and forged many long friendships.
It was also through the movement that she met her Venturer leader husband Christopher Holcroft.
Her weekends have often been spent camping with Guides and other leaders and at other times joining in community activities such as Clean Up Australia or visiting nursing homes.
Ms Holcroft’s name in Guiding is Namara and outside Guiding she is a teacher/librarian and a religious education co-ordinator in her local parish church.
‘‘Girls are still coming to join Guides and bringing their friends,’’ she said.
Ms Holcroft said she might retire as a leader in two years’ time.