By Shelby Brooks
A Beaconsfield woman has been honoured with one of the country’s highest awards for her role in imparting the love of Scouting to thousands of children.
Margaret Turner has received an Medal of the Order (OAM) for her over 60 years of service to youth through Scouting.
“I didn’t expect it but I have been in Scouting for a long while,” she said.
“That’s all exciting, you to go to Government house. As long as I don’t have to make a speech!”
Margaret took a leap of faith when she set up the first ever Cub group (ages eight to 11) in Beaconsfield in February 1957.
“On moving to Beaconsfield, a long-time friend suggested getting involved in Scouting,” Margaret said.
“I knew nothing when I started, I had to go to training courses.
“I knew nothing about tying knots, first aid or reading a compass. They are all the things that cubs do so I had to learn fast.”
But Margaret picked it up quickly and went on to thrive in the role.
“I enjoyed teaching them,” she said.
“I probably learnt at the same time as I was telling them.”
She was Cub leader for 41 years.
“We used to hold our weekly meetings in our local lodge hall,” Margaret said.
“I recall after having some bad weather, the hall was partially blown off its stumps at a peculiar angle!
“My father was the president of the committee of parents and anyone else who wanted to join and they worked very hard raising money to build their own new hall.
“I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the new hall in May 1969.”
Along with Margaret’s 41 years of warranted service as the Cub leader of Beaconsfield, she was also the assistant region commissioner for Eastern region and a trainer to new leaders.
“You’re supposed to know everything and they think you do. I suppose after 41 years I did know a bit!” she said.
“[Training new leaders] involved considerable travelling, preparation and weekends away from home.
“I attended a number of interstate club jamborees which are not a holiday because you had certain things to do there.”
In 2012, Margaret received the National President’s Award and in 2017 received a long service award for 60 years’ service.
Margaret has also dedicated many hours to volunteer work with the Pakenham Probus Club.
“I retired in 1993 and I joined the Pakenham Probus Club- I enjoyed the company of the members at monthly meetings with some very interesting speakers and when we could, the yearly weeklong trip,” she said.
She was the treasurer for 12 years and has been a life member since 2006.
“See what you can do when you can retire!” she said.
