Spotlight - Julia Hodgson

I was born in Southampton, in 1973, the youngest of four children, incidentally whilst my brother was on Scout Camp – I understand that a crate of Cola was taken to the camp so he could celebrate with his friends. I grew up in Shirley, with Mum, Dad, Grandma and my brother and two sisters. I followed my brother and sisters to Shirley First and Junior Schools and then on to St Anne’s in Southampton to take my GCSEs and A Levels. On leaving St Anne’s at eighteen, I decided not to leave home but to head to King Alfred’s College in Winchester to study English Literature with American Studies. After I completed my degree, I went to Bournemouth to study the Common Professional Exam and Legal Practice Course, having wanted to be a solicitor since I was about 10. In 1996, and after much searching, I gained a training contract to train as a Solicitor with a firm in Eastleigh. I was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in January 1999, and have continued in private practice, covering conveyancing, wills and probate, and elderly client work. I have since been accepted as a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners on passing the relevant exams. In April 2005, I opened my own practice in Eastleigh, following changes at the firm where I had trained. Despite it being very hard work, it is also satisfying to be able to look after my clients as I wish to and to see the business gaining strength. A flexibility to fit my Guiding commitments around my work is just one of the advantages of working for myself – assisted by a very understanding secretary!

My graduation present was a Springer spaniel – Rosie – who sadly we lost last November. Having an energetic Springer around fitted in rather well with our family’s love of walking. In 1991, we moved from Shirley to West Totton, where I still live – although for me Guiding will always be in Shirley. With the move came the opportunity to explore the New Forest where I had spent many happy caravan holidays as a child. With the arrival of Rosie, it was two huge walks a day at least and we saw parts of the forest we had not visited before and in all weathers – Springer’s don’t care if it is cold, wet or frosty – they are always ready for a walk. We also spent lots of time travelling around the UK, and with the advent of pet passports we also went back to visiting France. The Pyrenees, Dordogne and the Alps are particular favourites. I have also visited the western states of the USA and Canada several times and would love to return The National Parks are a particular fascination of mine – Yellowstone, Yosemite and Arches being my favourites – until I look through the photographs and decide that I actually love all of them!

Photography is another hobby – particularly when we are travelling. And now with a digital camera in my rucksack I am gradually filling my computers hard drive with photos. I am also now attempting to record my long distance walks by photograph. I enjoy walking with friends and my parents and we are working our way through several long distance paths – so far, we have completed the Test Way, the Staunton Way, the Hangers Way (that’s a hilly one!), the Kings Way, the Clarendon Way and are now working on the Solent Way.

In my free time, (such as it is) I also love reading, cooking and craft of all kinds. I am just starting patchwork classes and, in the past, have tried knitting, sewing and cross-stitch. A big passion at the moment is card making - of all sorts! As you can imagine though, still being a Brownie at heart, the more sparkles and glitter involved in a card the better as far as I am concerned! I also love sharing my hobbies, and our recent District Guiders weekend involved card making, sewing and walking – and a chocolate fountain of course!

Apparently, I first visited Brownies as a five year old – my elder sister had started going, and Mum was a Unit Helper. The story goes that I complained so much that I was being left out, I was taken along and I’ve been going ever since! After my unofficial time at Brownies before I was 7, I spent three very happy years (well nearly four – yes I was one of those Brownies that didn’t want to leave) at 6th Shirley Brownies. I eventually moved up to 9th Shirley Guides, and soon after my 12th birthday Captain told me that my Brown Owl was starting a new Brownie Unit and suggested I went along as Pack Leader. I went along to the first meeting of the 3rd Shirley Brownies – and 21 years later, I am still there but now as Unit Guider. Happily, my Brown Owl, Rosemary, is my assistant Guider and is still Unit Guider at the 6th Shirley Brownies and we run the two units side by side.

I have a rule that I don’t speak in front of large groups if I can possibly help it – partly because once your name and face is known, you can end up agreeing to all sorts of jobs! The first time I was asked to do something at a District Meeting it was to help with a Division Display at the library in Southampton – I said yes. Then in 2001, I was asked to be District Commissioner – I said yes – and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the role and it was a great opportunity to get to know the other Guiders in Shirley. In 2004, I was asked to be Division Commissioner for Southampton Central – and once more, I said yes. Again, it is a role I am enjoying, and has certainly meant that I have met a new circle of Guiding friends. In particular, this led to meeting Jennie Hogan, which led to an idea that we should hold a Division Camp – and in a weak moment on that camp (at about 1am) I agreed to be Jennie’s assistant at Flame. All I can say to that one is – WOW – I loved every part of Flame and can’t wait for further opportunities to be involved in similar events!

I can honestly say that I still enjoy Brownies now as much as I did when I was 7, possibly more! I am a Brownie Guider first, but also consider myself lucky for having been given other opportunities within Guiding and the County – well I think the word is lucky. And how else could I go on camp with over 1000 people, enjoy a weekend away with likeminded friends, and spend hours making, doing, talking, and enjoying myself whilst seeing the girls enjoy themselves and benefit from Guiding too.

Julia Hodgson
Southampton Central Division Commissioner