Girlguiding Centenary

We consulted some of the girls for their views on how we should celebrate such a special birthday and they all said "A really big party and lots of food". So in Surrey East there will be plenty of really big parties and no doubt lots of birthday cakes!

The Centenary year began on Saturday 5 September 2009 which is the anniversary of the first Crystal Palace Rally in 1909. Robert Baden-Powell found his Rally gatecrashed by girls who wanted their own organisation and so the Guide movement was born.

Our Launch Celebration was on 5 September 2009 at Lingfield Park Racecourse

The Rainbows had a very special day on 5 June 2010 with 100 different activities.

The Brownies were also able to enjoy a wonderful day out on Saturday 19 June 2010 with a day at Port Lympne Zoo in Kent.

We've took over most of Foxlease in the New Forest, where Guides and Senior Section camped from Sunday 25 July until Friday 30 July 2010. This is a wonderful site and there were lots of exciting and challenging activities from the ten decades of Guiding.

An event for Guiders and Unit Helpers has been arranged for Saturday 18 September 2010, when we shall be hiring a boat to take us on a four-hour trip on the Thames from St Katherine's Dock to Richmond and back. The event will include a buffet lunch and costs £30 excluding travel to London.

Surrey East Trefoil Guild will be holding a Centenary Celebratory Supper on Wednesday 20 October 2010. More details to follow.

The Centenary celebrations will come to an end on the evening of 20 October 2010, when we are all invited to renew our Promise at 20:10. Divisions have been asked to organise this event and there will be a special Promise badge for everyone who renews her Promise that night.

Finally, do get involved in celebrating the Centenary! It is hoped that nobody will be put off by the cost of an event; if anyone is unable to pay, a Commissioner should be consulted. We really do want everyone to get the most out of this opportunity.

Tessa Howell - Centenary Champion