Here in Cornwall we are celebrating 100 years of Guiding along with around 80,000 members and recognised volunteers in South West England and a worldwide Movement of approx 10 million girls and young women in 145 countries.

It was on September 4 1909 that a bunch of teenage girls gate-crashed the Scout rally being held at Crystal Palace, London.  When noticed by Lord Baden-Powell they demanded to be Girl Scouts and he agreed that they could join the parade at the back... and Guiding began.  Modern Guiding is a far cry from the young ladies in 1909 who wore long skirts and were not allowed to run, and the idea of camping, hiking and the like didn’t go down well with the general public!  

What can we offer you?  Girlguiding Cornwall now offers great opportunities for everyone from the age of 5yrs and upwards.   Each Section has a programme which ‘is modern and relevant to today’s girl’ and throughout the county our leaders provide ‘a safe girl-only space’ for our members.

Members aged from 18 plus undertake wide and diverse roles from running units to becoming advisers, trainers or administrators, etc.    Non members are also welcome to help in supporting roles such as Secretary, Treasurer, sharing a skill and helping at fund raising events.  We have a waiting list of girls wishing to join units – can you offer just 12 hours a year to help us?  Please contact us.

Here in Cornwall we have about 4500 members and on September 5 2009  Centenary Launch Parties were held all over the County, including beacons being lit from Land’s End to Kit Hill.  This is the start of a fantastic year full of challenges, activities and events, so why not come and join us now, have fun, make new friends and be part of these once in a lifetime celebrations.

Mary Eddy
County Commissioner