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Fifteen years ago when
Liz Burnham became Assistant Cub Scout Leader in All Saints Scout Group
it was because she wanted to see more of her Scout mad family. She had
no idea that one day she would land the top job in Luton’s Lea Valley
District an area that includes the villages of Slip End and Caddington.
Now, at the age of 47, she has agreed to be their District Commissioner
responsible for almost 300 youngsters and their leaders
She says, “After years
of male control you may expect the motherly instinct to kick in but I’ll
be no soft touch. What makes Scouting so important is the fun, adventure
and challenge we give to young people. And I’m a firm believer in all
that.
“While
local councils and schools are sanitising healthy outdoor pursuits to
avoid the legalised wrath of parents, the Scouts have continued to
promote the thrilling programme they are known for. We just accept the
risks and make sure that sensible safeguards are in place whenever they
are needed.”
And Liz should know. She
has been a school teacher at Stopsley Primary School for 18 years
responsible for the education of youngsters from the age of four to11.
She says firmly, “With Scouts you get to know each individual and treat
them as friends. At camp, you chat with maybe six or seven youngsters
and learn about them as people. You can’t do that with a class of 30 or
more.”
She went on, “I now have
over 100 adults to manage as well as 200 youngsters. It’s a daunting
task but I’ll just get stuck in.” She added, “Over half my leaders are
female and we thrive in what used to be a man’s world. It’s good to be a
girl because you have a choice between joining the Guides or becoming a
Scout. Not all girls enjoy the rough and tumble of Scouts and we respect
that.”
Liz’s varied career
somehow set her up for her new job. When she left school she joined
Portsmouth Newspapers and learned from the reporters at first hand some
of the habits of what at the time was a male dominated profession. She
then became a nursery nurse, married husband Alan and had three
children, Glenn (22), Debbie (24) and Chris (26).
At the age of 30 she
switched careers to become a teacher which gave her many of the skills
she will now use. Her children think she’s mad but are secretly very
proud of her. Husband Alan is another quiet supporter but he has good
reason to be. Until September last year he was Lea Valley’s District
Commissioner, a post that is wife now occupies. It could all make for
interesting meal time conversations. |