I believe that the Local Guides programme has encouraged me to improve upon a number of skills I have. Being a keen amateur photographer, I was perhaps guilty of click and snap and accepting what the camera offered me. Now, since becoming a local guide, I take much more care in preparing my shots, trying to ensure there is nothing distracting in the picture. I have also noticed that I take more care in writing as I want to ensure that everything I say is accurate and will be understood by all those who use Google Maps. I get excited when I come across a new place and can then add it along with its details and photo to the map. Of course, meeting new people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds is a wonderful education and always will be so if I am able to continue to participate as a local guide. I try to encourage new local businesses to participate in the programme by telling them of the benefits they can derive from being a member. I enjoy receiving emails from Google Maps that detail my achievements in regard to the number of people who have seen my reviews and photographs as I feel proud to be a small part of a great organisation that helps so many people worldwide in different ways.
To summarise what the Local Guides programme means to me is quite simple really. It has enhanced the quality of my life because of the pleasure I get from participating in the programme and keeps me abreast of what is going on in today’s world.
Some of my activities from 2019
