Taylor recognized for helping ‘Guide’ the way for 65 years

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lillian Taylor’s 65 years of history with Girl Guides in Conception Bay South started with a small act of defiance.

Taylor was curious about the program after hearing good things from her friends, but her mom at first said she couldn’t go because she was too old to start.

She joined anyway.

“It was the only time I went against her. I was drawn in many ways,” Taylor said during an interview at the Heritage Square Retirement Home in Long Pond.

Taylor’s milestone and ongoing volunteer work with Guides was recently commemorated with a ceremony at Heritage Square attended by family, friends and dignitaries. Her 65 years has seen her play many roles in the organization, including later on as a Guide leader, as well as within the Ladies Auxiliary and currently with the Trefoil Guild.

“There are lots of fond memories,” Taylor said, reminiscing about plays and camps over the years.

She was grateful for the 65-year pin and the acknowledgement of her commitment.

“It meant a lot,” she said.

A letter signed by Heather Brown and Mackenzie Furey, Newfoundland co-commissioners for Girl Guides of Canada, invited Taylor to remember all the girls mentored and friendships made over the years.

“We are grateful to your dedication to building a better world, by girls,” read the letter.

There are currently four generations of Taylors involved with the Girl Guides. Taylor’s daughter, Wendy is a leader and she said the foundation of the organization remains the same, with changes to things like terminology and uniforms that reflect larger societal changes.

“The world has changed over the years, so Guides has changed in some ways along with it, but the goals haven’t changed,” Wendy Taylor said.