A packed year for Cotswold Guides (From Cotswold Journal)

A packed year for Cotswold Guides

10:33am Thursday 18th June 2009

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A MEETING held 30 years ago heard that despite the closure of one local group, Girl Guiding was alive and well in the Cotswolds.

The Journal’s report of 1979 said: “Seven units are now operating in the district, reported Miss Brenda Starley, district commissioner, at the meeting of the Stow Girl Guides’ Association. They had lost the unit at Rissington due to the closure of the Army camp – but a second Brownie pack had been started at Bourton.

“There had been a district camp by the sea in Sussex and despite appalling weather conditions, Guides were keen to camp again this year.

“As it was the International Year of the Child the Guides and Brownies were having a stall at the Cotswold Farm Park’s open day, the proceeds of which were for the purchase of equipment for the baby care unit at St Paul’s Hospital, Cheltenham.

“The Guides and Brownies had enjoyed another successful year and continued their service to the community by entertaining the Cherry Club, visiting local hospitals and old people’s homes to help or entertain.

“Plans were going ahead for a district Guide-Brownie get-together at Evenlode.

“The girls held ‘thinking day’ parties, attended parades, went on night walks, tracking, nature walks and camping, did map and compass work, outdoor cooking, keep fit, archery, and entered a carnival float.

“They held sponsored walks and “hush-ins” to raise money, decorated eggs at Easter, made calendars at Christmas, knitted, made peppermint creams, held craft displays, a ‘sausage sizzle’ and sing-songs.

“It was reported that a Ranger from Stow had been chosen to represent the county at Norway. The meeting felt this was a great honour and was wholly in favour of supporting her trip financially.”

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