Laurel Award
at Waddow Hall
Doris Howarth, known as Alka to many people in the Girl Guide movement in Accrington and beyond. She was a Brown Owl, Guide leader, Ranger Guide leader and County Music Advisor. Her
lovely nickname came about as she offered one particular brand of medication to the girls, whatever their ailment!
As one of her Guides, then Rangers in the ‘70’s, I feel that it is important to write about her life and the things she did for those of us who had the privilege of being one of her “girls”. She taught many of us to play the Guitar, sing and encouraged others to further their skills with other
instruments. Always encouraging us to improve. As an early “Tuesday Gang” member we would perform music to any audience that would listen, mainly at charity functions. Our music was from many genres – pop, Lancashire folk, to John Denver and Simon and Garfunkel.
Alka was a leader with extra special qualities – she inspired all of us, taught us about independence, team work, the importance of our own voice/opinions, decision making, caring and listening to others, and many girls have gone on to be part of the caring professions – podiatrist, physiotherapist, nurse, teacher. She gave her time, energy and enthusiasm until she retired and as a result we learned and experienced many things such as camping skills, team games, first aid, entertainment activities – often giving performances and plays and entering competitions.
We had the most amazing programme each week at Canon Street Guides, with visitors, trips, games and experiences. We went on Guide Camp every year and Alka used her magical artistic and calligraphic talents to present the most mundane of information and lists (duties such as washing up and food preparation and emptying the latrines!). There was always much humour and laughter, with many of us remembering how we got the ‘bogart’ for any tiny misdemeanour – if we were caught! We attended a camp in Belgium when I was thirteen and she was supported by her husband Brian. Our site was amazing with hand made tables and benches and purpose made kitchen area, all made by Brian. He supported her in everything she did for the Guiding community in Accrington. Brian was a local hero too, he was the plaster man at Accrington Victoria Hospital, giving outstanding care to all he met, both young and old.
Alka was recognised nationally for her commitment to Guiding, receiving the Silver Fish award in the ‘70’s and the Laurel Leaf Award for outstanding service later in her career.
The death of both Alka and Brian will sadden many people locally and my family in particular as they were close family friends for all my teenage years and through my adult life. It has been a privilege and a delight to have known them both.
Michelle Goldsmith (nee Dunbar)