Kennet Vale Rainbow wins Anne Eldred award

A 3rd Kennet Vale Rainbow has won the Anne Eldred Dodo Award.

Yvaine Martin, six, had been nominated last year but just missed out.

But through proving her hard work and care for others at Rainbows had been consistent helped the judges decide she was this year’s winner.

The award is in memory of Rainbow Guider Anne Eldred – better known in Guiding as Dodo.

Tracey Gillingham said: “Anne had many wonderful qualities and these are reflected in this award.

“Anne had been a Rainbow Guider with 1st Kennet Vale Rainbows for 20 years.

“And during that time she had endured a battle with cancer on several occasions, always staying strong and fighting her way back to good health.

“Anne finally lost that battle in October 2016 but not before ensuring she had left no stone unturned and everything organised for all left behind including this award.”

She added: “Anne’s memory will go on through this award and the many wonderful Rainbows and leaders we are lucky enough to have in the Thatcham area.

“Thank you, all of you, Anne would be very proud.”

Anne’s husband Martin Eldred congratulated Yvaine and said she had demonstrated many of his late wife’s qualities which is what the Guides were looking for in the award.

He presented her with a certificate and an engraved shield which Yvaine can keep for a year.

Yvaine was congratulated by her Rainbow friends and leaders and her very proud parents and big sister.

Rachel Millard said: “Yvaine can always be relied upon to contribute to any of our meetings.

“She is like a mini leader, always ready to help other girls that need some help or just some encouragement.

“We really hope she will continue through guiding and maybe one day become a leader.

“We all feel she would make a great one!

“Well done Yvaine, we are all very proud of you.”