Historian’s Corner

In this section, I hope to give detailed and dated information, drawn from official sources. I have put it in a separate section because I wanted to separate out the sort of information which is really only of interest to the historian, from the sort of general information the casual reader seeks. So this is the zone for ‘us geeks’!

IN SOME CASES I WILL QUOTE DIRECTLY FROM OLD DOCUMENTS. THIS MAY INVOLVE USING TERMINOLOGY, PARTICULARLY IN REFERENCE TO DISABILITY AND ETHNICITY, WHICH WOULD BE CONSIDERED UNACCEPTABLE IN MODERN TIMES. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO BOTH RETAIN ACCURACY, AND HONESTLY REFLECT THE TERMINOLOGY OF THE DAY, RATHER THAN SWEEP ANYTHING UNDER THE CARPET, QUOTES ARE RECORDED UNALTERED/UNCENSORED.

Extracts from The Scout/Home Notes/Girl Guide Gazette/The Guider/The Guide/Senior Branch News/The Ranger/The Council Fire

16 October 1909 – “SAGA, Edgware Road, London, W., have just issued a new and revised illustrated list of Scout supplies for Boy and Girl Scouts. The list, sent free on application, also contains particulars of athletic requisites of reliable quality, sold at moderate prices by this well-known house for sportsmen’s supplies.”
16 October 1909 – “Sir Francis Vane, Commissioner for London, recently inspected the Hampstead and Finchley divisions of Boy Scouts in the grounds of Christ’s College, Finchley, the strength of the parade being about 250, including thirty girl members.” “The review was followed by displays of first aid by boys and girls”
23 October 1909 – “A Scoutmistress is wanted for a troop of Girl Scouts in Erdington. Any lady residing in that district who would care to teach the girls should apply to Over Bury, Six Ways, Erdington.”
23 October 1909 – The Scoutmistress of the 8th and 42nd Glasgow Troop of Girl Scouts will welcome any girls residing in the districts of Partick and Anniesland. Applications should be made to S.M. Jackson, 16 Fulton Street, Anniesland; or to S.M. Turnbull, Alexandra Halls, Partick.”
30 October 1909 – “The Boy Scouts’ Headquarters Gazette has been instituted in order to give Scoutmasters a means of communication”
30 October 1909 – Erdington Baptist Troop – “A troop of Girl Scouts is being formed in connection with the same church, and all girls in that district who would care to join should communicate with Miss Wildblood, 84 Kingsbury Road”
November 1909 Headquarters Gazette – “The Scheme for Girl Guides, A Suggestion for Character Training for Girls” published.
20 November 1909 – “Basingstoke – The Peewit Patrol of Girl Scouts, which has just recently been formed in Basingstoke, held last week, under the direction of their Scoutmistress, a Tea Stall in the local Market Place.”
27 November 1909 – “Brave Oxford Girl Scout – An act showing great presence of mind and pluck was performed by Doris Turner, Patrol Leader of the Rattlesnake Patrol, on November 10th. A small boy, it appears, was crossing the road when a motor-car swooped along. The girl, who saw what undoubtedly have ended in a terrible accident, rushed forward, and dragged the boy out of danger. A number of people who witnessed the incident showed their appreciation of the brave act by cheering the young heroine.”
4 December 1909 – “Leicestershire – A big rally was held at Syston on Saturday November 6th. It was attended by the Syston, Loughborough, Leicester, and other Troops, and also a Patrol of Girl Scouts from Leicester.”

1910

8 January 1910 – “Girl Guides – Presumably, girls all read their brothers’ papers, and if this should meet the eye of any Girl Guides, we can tell them that Miss Baden-Powell takes so much interest in their progress that she would be very glad to see photos of them at their work – such as cooking in the open, doing ambulance or first-aid work – if they will be so kind as to send them to her, addressed to 32, Prince’s Gate, London S.W.”
8 January 1910 – “Girl Guides – Girls who admire the Boy Scouts’ work from a distance, and others who have tried it themselves, are now eager to have a corps of their own, in which they can do equally good service for the country – and they can be very useful if they like. For instance, suppose that an enemy had landed in England, and a battle had taken place in and round your town, the women and girls could not do much but sit still and cry, or run about trying to help their wounded brothers and friends, but not knowing in the least how to do it, and, therefore, probably doing more harm than good. The Guides are a corps who will have learnt how to find wounded men by tracking them, and how to bind them up, carry them, and make them comfortable in hospitals. Also, they will, by such training, be ready to go and live on a colonial frontier farm, or to go eploring with their brothers or husbands. They are called “Guides” after the celebrated frontier troops in India, named “The Guides”, who are famous for their braery, and for being able to turn their hand to any kind of campaigning work. So the Girl Guides have to be plucky, and ready to face dangers and distress boldly, in order to carry out duties which require them to turn their hand to tracking, signalling, woodcraft, camp work, and campaigning, first-aid, cooking, hospital-nursing, store-keeping, and other such varied things. They wear uniform, and are divided into patrols and troops like Boy Scouts and can win badges and medals in very much the same way. But all the time they will be doing useful jobs. I hope, therefore, that all troops and patrols of girls who have so far been training as Boy Scouts will now take up their duties as “Guides”, by which they will be of real value to their country in time of need, instead of merely imitating the boys and amusing themselves at scouting.”
26 March 1910 – “Manchester Girl Guides – Will all those interested in the above, residing in Manchester and district, communicate with Aubrey A.G. Toone, 228 Plymouth Grove, C on M, Manchester, with a view to forming a Manchester Association.”

1914

January 1914 – first issue of Girl Guides Gazette.
May 1914 – announcement of founding of Rosebuds
June 1914 – “a Rosebud may not wear a Girl Guides uniform hat. Neither may she wear any Guide’s badges. A Rosebud has her own brooch badge. She may not salute with three fingers, for a Rosebud only has two Promises to make, therefore her sign is the holding up of two fingers. A Rosebud cannot have the sky-blue neckerchief, but she may tie her hair back with sky-blue ribbon. When a Rosebud is to be enrolled she has to make two promises, and says: On my honour I promise that I will do my best: 1. To do my duty to God and the King; and 2. To do a good turn to somebody every day.”

1915

January 1915 – Should Rosebuds be given a different name? Suggestions of “Skylarks, Bantams, Wrens, or what?” Answers on a postcard by Feb 6, 1915
March 1915 – Red cross must not be worn on haversacks
April 1915 – Bands should play only within company premises, not in parades. Recommendation that string bands are more womanly and useful for concerts.
April 1915 – War service badge introduced – 21 days’ suitable service or 15 garments made (to include specified items)
May 1915 – Guides are not to take part in recruitment parades, or street collections.
June 1915 – New constitution – no longer require to use BP initials to distinguish from other, similar groups.
June 1915 – “Rosebuds or Brownies” – leaflet to issue. For girls under 11, with eight to form a unit under a leader, the head of two units to be company leader, and to be aged 17 or over. Brownie brooch to be a metal acorn brooch bearing the letter B. Uniform to be brown overall, skirt & jersey or Holland blouse, brown belt, brown shoes and stockings, brown hair ribbon, hat trimmed with brown. Testwork being drafted.
July 1915 – Creation of headquarters committee, per charter.
August 1915 – Officers’ Training Camp near Boxmoor, Herts. Topics to be covered include hay-box cookery, laundrywork, signalling, night marching, pathfinding, tracking, map sketching, invalid camp cookery, herbs, rifle/airgun shooting, campfire yarns, bridge building.
August 1915 – “At recent rallies there were several noticeable discrepancies in uniform marring the effect. We have to remind Captains that only the official uniform is admissable for Girl Guides, and any departure from the regulation navy hat, navy blouse and sky-blue tie is not permitted”.
October 1915 – A training school has been founded by Mrs Blyth. £9 for 3 months’ live-in training, six weeks in town and six weeks in country.
October 1915 – The Commissioner’s uniform (optional) consists of shirt blouse, pale blue tie, regulation skirt with 2 pockets, regulation coat with 4 pockets, whistle cord on right shoulder to pocket, ordinary officer’s brown belt, commissioner’s silver cords on left lapel and shoulder with badge, soft leather gauntlet gloves.
November 1915 – Launch of Nurse Cavell Badge
December 1915 – Brownie scheme announced. Uniform: brown overall and belt, brown hair ribbon, rush or felt cap or hat trimmed with brown, with green leaf of Patrol on left side of hat, or – dark blue Guide blouse, dark blue skirt or tunic overblouse, brown belt or brown braid sash. Brown tie & hair ribbon. Badge: Acorn badge on tape. Tests: Entrance, 2nd class (acorn badge on tape with leaves), 1st class (acorn badge on tape with leaves and motto).
December 1915 – Brownies are 11 years and under. Six or eight Brownies to form a Patrol and assume the name of a British tree, under the Patrol leadership of a head girl, who should, where possible, be a selected and efficient Girl Guide. The head of a company consisting of not less than two Patrols shall be called a Company Leader and shall be at least 17 years of age. The company must be registered at Headquarters. A Brownie shall not pay for her own badge, she must return it to her company leader on leaving the Company.

1916

January 1916 – Appointment of first County Commissioners.
January 1916 – New Proficiency badges – Astronomer, Handywoman, Geologist, Surveyor, Friend to Animals, Knitter, Basket-Worker, Beefarmer
February 1916 – Hut Fund Appeal, to buy a rest hut for soldiers on the Western Front in France/Belgium
February 1916 – Badge positions for Guides – Tenderfoot on loose ends of tie only, 1st and 2nd class on left arm halfway between elbow and shoulder strap so as not to be covered by shoulder knot, Ambulance, Sick Nurse, Child Nurse just below, and Red Cross armlet below that. All other proficiency badges on Right sleeve, cuff upwards. War service badge above right pocket, Service Stars on left pocket flap, in a row.
March 1916 – Competition for a unit to be known as “Heather’s Own” after the young daughter of Robert and Olave Baden-Powell. The honour to go to the Company showing the greatest percentage of badges (First/Second Class, Proficiency, and War Service), by Heather’s 1st birthday on 1 June 1916. Companies must have no fewer than 18 Guides on 1 January. Each member of the Company to receive the family crest as a badge and wear sprig of heather in hat.
April 1916 – First membership census published.
April 1916 – Officers Training School East End branch starts.
May 1916 – Rest Hut presented.
May 1916 – Officers’ dress confirmed as: Girl Guide hat turned up on left side. Blue Norfolk jacket, black horn buttons, pockets, Girl Guide ordinary blue uniform and blue tie with officers rank badge. Brown leather belt, white shoulder knot, gauntlet gloves (brass buttons forbidden).
June 1916 – 3rd Bath Company given the title “Heather’s Own/” after the newly-born child of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, for having the best achievement record submitted.
July 1916 – Official book of rules for Girl Guides goes on sale.
July 1916 – a second rest hut bought.
July 1916 – New syllabuses for 2nd and 1st Class
August 1916 – Guiding structure diagram published
September 1916 – First Girl Guide movie filmed.
October 1916 – Commissioners Conference held in Matlock
November 1916 – fire at headquarters, significant damage to stocks of Guide uniforms/equipment.
November 1916 – first annual report of the Girl Guide Association
November 1916 – Lady Baden-Powell appointed Chief Commissioner
November 1916 – Thrift badge adopted.
November 1916 – First Annual Report of the Officers’ Training School. 142 members in 15 Patrols.
December 1916 – Due to the fire, “the Headquarters of the Girl Guides has removed to 76 Victoria Street, London S.W.” Salvage sale for goods damaged and soiled by the fire held 19-22 December, including uniform items and literature.

1917

January 1917 – The following badges of rank agreed: Chief Commissioner – Gold cockade & cords. County Commissioner – gold/silver cords, silver hat cord. District Commissioner – Silver cord & badge, Assistant District Commissioner – saxe blue cockade & cords. Staff or District Captain – red cockade. Badge of rank for Captain – dark blue cockade at side of hat. Lieutenant – Tenderfoot badge at side of hat. Instructor – Instructor badge. Patrol Leader – Tenderfoot badge on front of hat and two vertical stripes on left pocket instead of chevrons. Corporal – one stripe on pocket.
January 1917 – Guide uniform – smock authorised as alternative to uniform, termed ‘Drill Uniform’. Parade uniform as at present, with extra length to body so as to go outside skirt, when desired, for physical exercise, etc.
February 1917 – Corporal now to be Second.
February 1917 – Officer’s brooch to be worn on knot of tie, and tenderfoot to keep ends down neatly (no longer worn on hat as superceded by cockade for Captains. Cocks feathers not worn on hats.
February 1917 – District Commissioner to now be known as Division Commissioner, and Assistant District Commissioner to be known as District Commissioner.
February 1917 – Headquarters to sell a strong washable dark blue overall for Guides due to the prohibitive price of serge.
March 1917 – New badges – Poultry Farming, Musician, Thrift, Motorist, Textile Worker syllabuses released.
March 1917 – War Service Badge now covers voluntary service only, and to be 100 hours’ service not 63.
March 1917 – Announcement of Senior Guides for girls aged 16+, same badge tests as Guide but Senior proficiency badges grouped according to professions. Suggestions sought . . .
March 1917 – Headquarters Committees established, consisting of Chairman Robert Baden-Powell, President Miss Baden-Powell (has not executive duties but is ex-officio member of Headquarters committee), 9 committee members each with specific responsibilities.
March 1917 – District Captains to wear white cockade. Clarification that Lieutenant to wear tenderfoot badge at side of hat and Lieutenant badge on tie, Patrol Leader to wear one Tenderfoot badge on front of hat and one to fasten tie, two stripes on left pocket, not chevrons.
April 1917 – New Badges – Domestic Service, Cook, First Class Cook (Latter is present Cook’s badge but with red border).
April 1917 – Suggestion of “Guiders”, rather than “Officers”
April 1917 – Officer’s training corps now Cadet Corps, for age 16+
June 1917 – changes to Brownie terminology – now “Sixes”, not Patrols, and Six names to be Fairy folk, not trees, whilst bird Patrol names being introduced alongside flowers. In each case, it was suggested that trees and flowers were static, whereas Brownies and Guides were lively, active creatures, and the names should reflect this.
August 1917 – white book of rules supersedes pink book of 1915

1918

January 1918 – Joint Guide/Scout activities may be permitted on application to Local Association provided their Committee is satisfied re supervision.
January 1918 – Cadet Leaving Certificates to be awarded by Cadet Captains.
January 1918 – Brownies allowed to wear metal service stars on a brown ground, and Senior Guides on red. No Senior badges to be worn by juniors.
January 1918 – Girl Guide motor-ambulance presented.
January 1918 – New handbook “Girl Guiding”.
February 1918 – suggestion made that, as proficiency badges get dirty, there may be a preference for them to be made on a ‘drab ground’ – opinions sought.
February 1918 – new book of rules – alterations listed. This included:
Secretaries’ distinguishing marks: County Secretary, red cockade in hat, and badge with red pens. Division Secretary, white cockade in hat and badge with white pens. District Secretary, no cockade, badge with white pens.
Guider’s Uniform: skirt – navy blue, not less than 8 ins. off the ground. Shirt – navy blue. Knickers – navy blue. Coat – navy blue Norfolk with patch pockets and black bone buttons. Tie – light blue or Company colour. Hat – navy blue felt, turned up on the left side with badge according to rank. (long or fancy hatpins should not be worn). Belt – worn over coat. Shoulder Knot – white on left shoulder. Whistle – on white lanyard, worn around the neck and attached to belt on right side.
Undress Uniform: in hot weather a navy blue tunic is authorised uniform for all Guiders.
Guiders Distinguishing Marks: Captain – navy blue cockade, and green badge brooch worn just below the knot of the tie. Lieutenant – Tenderfoot brooch on left of hat and gilt badge brooch worn just below the knot of the tie. Brown Owl – brown cockade, brown tie, Lieutenant’s badge.
March 1918 – Senior Guide Test (2nd Class equivalent) published.
March 1918 – Chief Commissioner now to be known as Chief Guide.
April 1918 – The Imperial War Museum has asked for “full particulars, with photographs if possible of Girl Guides’ War Work”.
April 1918 – “Attendance Badges. The Attendance Badge on a red ground are for all officers and Senior Guides. The Attendance Badge on a green ground is for Guides. The Attendance Badge on a brown ground is for Brownies.”
May 1918 – What British Guides have been doing in World War 1 – Messengers at War Office, Foreign Office etc, typists/secretaries, spinning, weaving, and preparing khaki cloth, winding for aviators and other aeroplane work, and making glass tubes. Submarine and bomb net making, electric gauging, making fuses for switchboards for warships, assembling parts for electric railway equipment etc, undertaking leather work and making sheepskin coats, employed in factories involved in mica-splitting for respirators, making glass ampoules for anti-tetanus serum, printing army and navy literature, post office telegraphists and censors, serving in VAD and other hospitals as orderlies, pantry maids, ward maids, scullery maids, messengers, laundresses, assistant quartermasters, cooks and secretaries, picking sphagnum moss for dressings, collecting eggs for hospitals, making surgical dressings and bandages, preparing and serving teas at hospitals, splint making, making sandbags, making clothes for the forces, collecting newspapers and making scrapbooks for rest huts, entertaining, making munitions and munition boxes.
May 1918 – Silver Fish altered – no longer based on proficiency badges.
May 1918 – War Service Badge – “The Badge may also now be gained by the making of over 200 Treasure Bags made with the aid of a machine, and of 150 made by hand.”
May 1918 – “The Brownie Entrance and Patrol Emblem are worn side by side on the left breast. It is the Entrance Badge which is the really important one, and it is on this that the additional bar and hand for the 1st and 2nd Class is placed.”
May 1918 – “The white haversack is still the official uniform; they wash well, and the keeping of them clean is part of the Guide training.”
May 1918 – The Cavell Badge is to replace the Silver Fish as the highest award for Guides.
June 1918 – dark blue drill hats permitted (owing to felt shortage).
July 1918 – new uniform jumper (i.e. overshirt) in navy blue jean, worn over skirt.
July 1918 – Hat ribbon for Officers who have gained diplomas – red ribbon with brown OTS badge to be worn round hat.
September 1918 – Two new pamphlets in production – ‘Twelve Programmes’, and ‘Senior Guides’.
September 1918 – “To gain the Service Star 75 per cent of the possible attendances must be made.”
October 1918 – Golden Fish awarded to Olave Baden-Powell
October 1918 – “Assistant County Commissioners may in exceptional cases be appointed by County Commissioners.”
October 1918 “no lady (may) be invited to be District Commissioner by any Division Commissioner without first consulting with the County Commissioner.”
October 1918 – “A five years’ Service Star is being introduced, to replace five single stars for those who prefer to wear it.”
October 1918 – “Commissioners do not wear Service Stars or Proficiency Badges. In the case of a commissioner who is also a Captain she should have her stars if required on a tape and wear them when acting as Captain, but not when acting as Commissioner.
October 1918 – Deputy Chief Commissioners have been appointed to support Counties – Lady Helen Whittaker for the southern counties, Mrs Mark Kerr for the home counties, Mrs Fitzherbert Wright for the midland counties, Miss Olivia Burges for the western counties, Miss Alice Behrens for the north of England counties, Miss Buchan-Hepburn for Scotland, and Miss Olive Nicholl for Wales.
October 1918 – Mrs Blyth resigns as GOTS Commandant.
October 1918 – GOTS closed down, “it is assumed that its members will like to continue to wear its badge, and this will therefore still be officially recognised.” New Guiders Training School set up under Miss Maynard.
November 1918 – Gold Cord test introduced. “The Gold Cord supercedes the wearing of All Round Cords.”
November 1918 – Metal Brown Owl badges produced.

1919

January 1919 – Existing Chief’s Diploma to become Distinction Diploma. A further award called the Chief’s Diploma to be given by the Chief herself at her discretion to Distinction Diploma holders for special work done for the movement.
January 1919 – New Senior Guide tenderfoot badge available. (Original ones may be worn if preferred).
January 1919 – suggestion that every Brownie pack should have a totem (toadstool) – can be made from an umbrella.
February 1919 – Distinguising marks – Distinction Diploma-red cord round hat. First Class Diploma-blue cord round hat.
February 1919 – new Senior Guide proficiency badges – Bookbinder, Booklover, Botanist, Leatherworker. Clerk to be a Junior badge.
March 1919 – 1919 edition of POR has just been published.
March 1919 – an International Council is being formed.
April 1919 – The following badges to move from annual re-testing to biennial – Ambulance, Sick Nurse, Signaller, Interpreter, Pathfinder, First Aider, Probationer, 1st Class Signaller.
April 1919 – 1918 Annual Report published.
April 1919 – Lone Guides reorganisation with Branch A now for ages 11-20, Branch B for ages 20+
April 1919 – Guiders Indemnity Insurance announced.
July 1919 – New badges – County Examiners-red crossed pens, Division/District-white pens, Brownie Secretaries-brown crossed pens.
July 1919 – name ideas for Senior Guides sought.
August 1919 – Cloth Brownie recruit badge is withdrawn. Metal badge to be worn on tie.
November 1919 – “Captains, Lieutenants and Brown Owls should wear the Service Star on a red ground”. “If desired, Brownie and Guide Stars gained before becoming a Guider, may still be worn with their original brown or green grounds.”
November 1919 – “Neckerchiefs must now be worn folded into a narrow bandage, under the collar, and not under the shoulder straps. Thus no point can be shown.”
November 1919 – Guide Victory Rally held at the Albert Hall, London, at 2pm on Tuesday November 4th 1919. Attended by representatives from the UK and other countries.
December 1919 – “The ends of the Guide neckerchief should hang down (if she has done her good turn for the day and can undo the second knot) and are kept in place by the Tenderfoot badge.”
December 1919 – “Guides may not enter for the Advanced Tests until they are over the age of 16. Senior Guides may enter for the Guide Tests as well as for the Advanced.”
December 1919 – “It has been suggested that the colour of Girl Guide company flags should be changed in order to make them look a little brighter. After due consideration and discussion it has, however, been decided not to alter them but to keep to the original Girl Guide colour of dark blue with the official copyright crest.”
December 1919 – “Brownie Caps. We now have woollen Brownie caps in stock to match the jerseys, price 3s.”

1920

January 1920 – a Scottish edition of the Girl Guides’ Gazette will be issued from February 1920.
February 1920 – Miss Margaret MacDonald, first Headquarters Secretary, leaves the Girl Guide Association, she is replaced as General Secretary by Miss Anson.
March 1920 – a “post box” secretary, Miss A Kindersley, has been appointed to manage requests for pen friends.
March 1920 – Book Lover’s Badge (Senior Guides) – Books for 1920 – Essay on Clive – Macaulay, Sir Roger de Coverley Essays – Addison, The Ancient Mariner – Coleridge, Enid and Geraint – Tennyson, Westward Ho! – Kingsley, The Talisman – Scott, David Copperfield – Dickens, Eothen – Kingslake.
March 1920 – a building has been bought to house Scottish Headquarters – 12 Melville Street, Edinburgh – work now begins to clean and convert it.
April 1920 – “For the Distinction Diploma it is now necessary to have acted as Assistant Commandant at a training week under any one of a panel or selected body of Red Cord Trainers. All trainers wishing to qualify for the Red Cords, and having passed the test for the blue, should therefore apply with as little delay as possible to Mrs Janson Potts”.
April 1920 – Brownie badges – “The Recruit Cloth badge is worn on the left breast, but this badge is no longer being issued, and only the metal brooch on the tie will be worn in future. Those, however, who have the cloth badge can continue to wear them.” “The Brownie emblem is worn on the left breast, side by side with the Second Class and First Class badges.”
May 1920 – Swanwick Conference decisions – Proficiency badges to have dark background, not white. Haversacks to be navy, not white. 5 year star to be small, and bronze.
June 1920 – first suggestions of “Ranger” name.
June 1920 – merging of Scribe and Clerk badges, with Scribe abolished and the following clauses added to Clerk: 1) A letter to the Captain on a definite subject such as absence from parade. 2) Sumarise a statement or narrative in less than one-third of the words used.
June 1920 – “The Girl Guide Headquarters’ Office, at 76 Victoria Street, and the shop, at 84 Victoria Street, will move into the new premises at 25 Buckingham Palace Road, towards the end of the month, commencing on June 14th.”
June 1920 – “At the Annual Meeting of the Council of the Girl Guides’ Association, the following were elected or re-elected to office:- Miss Baden-Powell to be Honorary Vice President, in recognition of her work as President in the early days of the Movement.”
June 1920 – “The Brownie Howl or Grand Salute – Form circle, squat on heels, with two hands on the ground between the feet. When the Brown Owl or other Officer whom the Brownies want to welcome comes in, they start howling very gently together, ‘tu-whit-tu-whoo!’, ‘tu-shit-tu-whoo!’ The second time raising the voice and gradually rising to a standing position. ‘Tu-whit-tu-whoo!’ The third time it is louder, and the forefinger of the right hand is placed between the lips and made to revolve, the noise getting louder and louder until it ends in a shriek, a leap in the air, and a clap of the hands; the clap comes as the feet reach the ground, this is followed by absolute silence, the Brownies raising their right hands to the full salute.”
June 1920 – “There are many ways of camping. The following are suggested as being most suitable for Brownies: 1) Camping in a large house; 2) Camping under canvas.”
July 1920 – Introduction of a badge for Senior Guides, equivalent to the Second Class in the Guide Section, to be called the Senior Guide Star.
July 1920 – Introduction of a Promise Ceremony for Guides who join Senior Guides. “Captain: do you realise your special responsibility as a Senior Guide? answer: I do. Captain: Are you willing to undertake them, and will you try to serve your country as a true and loyal citizen? Answer: I will.2
August 1920 – proposals for Sea Guides. Membership to be limited to Senior Guide age, of 16 and over. Sea Guides will pass the ordinary Guide Tenderfoot and the Senior Guide Test, after which she will specialise as a Sea Guide. The Sea Service Badge will correspond to the King’s Scout in Sea Scout, consisting of a Crown and Anchor, in bright blue. Distinctive uniforms will be worn by Sean Guide Captains, Lieutenants, and Guides. “A few new Patrol Emblems will be admissible, such as Sea Gull, Albatross, Tern, Stormy Petrel, Swan, Dolphin, etc.”
August 1920 – “A Senior Guide, who has passed her Senior Guide Test and the Guide First Class, wears a red trefoil in the centre of her First Class.”
September 1920 – “It has been decided that Guides’ neckerchiefs may, in future, be made of any plain colour, and that where there are a large number of Companies in one district, parti-coloured ties may be used after all the plain colours have been exhausted. School Companies are, of course, permitted to wear their school ties, if desired.”
October 1920 – “The County Commissioners attending the Oxford Conference in July last, voted in favour of the adoption of the name “Rangers” to supersede that of “Senior Guides”. In future, therefore, Guides over sixteen who enter the senior branch will be known by this title.”
October 1920 – “The Guide hut at Calais having been closed since the commencement of the year, the Hut Fund has been closed down and the balance, by permission of the Charity Commissioners, applied to the Girl Guide Development Fund.”
December 1920 – “In future, Guiders holding the rank of Staff Captain will be known as District Captain”.

1921

January 1921 – Girl Guide Gazette becomes the magazine for Leaders, with content for Guides/Brownies to be moved to “The Guide” when it launches.
January 1921 – Swanwick Conference recommendation “That Commissioners should appoint Camp Advisers to be responsible for the campcraft of the Division or District.”
January 1921 – “That no Guider should gain any badge until she has taught that subject to two Guides, and in exceptional cases, where this is not possible, as in the case of a new Company, she should prove herself qualified to teach it.”
January 1921 “Guiders wear Proficiency badges on the shirt sleeves, if they wish to do so. It is not compulsory.”
January 1921 – new branch of Guiding for factory and welfare Companies, with Mrs Fryer as head.
February 1921 – “Guiders and Rangers qualifying for the Gold Cord Award will be required to take as from March 1 1921: (a) the Senior Star Test, in lieu of the junior First Class, and (b) the senior grade of any chosen Proficiency test, in which there is a junior and senior standard.”
February 1921 – “Ranger Patrols attached to a Guide Company must be registered at Headquarters and pay the fee of 1s. They take the same name and number as the Guide Company to which they are attached, until they become a separate Company, when they rank as a Unit, and take the next number in sequence in the District, in the usual way.”
February 1921 – “Cadet Corps – it should be noted that Cadet Corps Patrols attached to a Guide Company take the same name and number as the Company to which they are attached. If, however, the Cadets are an entirely separate and independent Corps from the Guide Company, they will take the next number in sequence in the District as would an ordinary Guide Company.”
February 1921 – Patrol Leaders’ Hatbands are no longer official. Patrol Leaders should wear the ordinary Guide or Ranger Hatband, with the Tenderfoot Badge above the centre.”
February 1921 – The new Five Years’ Service Star, a gilt start on a blue cloth ground, is now issued, but the old star may be worn until Secretaries’ stocks are exhausted.”
February 1921 – “The following badges may not be worn as junior (blue-bordered) badges – Citizen, Motorist, Textile Worker. The following badges may not be worn as Ranger (red-bordered) badges: Air Mechanic, Astronomer, Athlete, Basket Worker, Boatswain, Beefarmer, Carpenter, Clerk, Cobbler, Cyclist, Dancer, Domestic Service, Entertainer, Fireman, Friend to Animals, Geologist, Gymnast, Horsewoman, Handywoman, Knitter, Lacemaker, Naturalist, Pathfinder, Photographer, Pioneer, Poultry Farmer, Printer, Rifle Shot, Sportswoman, Surveyor, Swimmer, Telegraphist and Toymaker. Secretaries are asked to return any of these unofficial badges which they have in stock, when they will be credited with them.”
February 1921 – District Secretary distinguishing marks – navy blue cockade with two horizontal white stripes.
February 1921 – “If a Captain is over 18, though not yet 21, she can hold an Acting Captain’s Warrant. She wears the Captain’s Cockade, but not the Warrant Brooch. She can have the warrant changed to Full Captain on reaching the age of 21, and with the consent of her Commissioner.”
February 1921 – “A Ranger may wear either the Red Ranger Tenderfoot Brooch (price 1s) or, if this is too expensive, their ordinary Gilt Tenderfoot on a red ground (price 3d).
March 1921 – Suggestions sought for a name to replace Lieutenant, as it is an army term. Ideas included Pilot Company Guider, Leader, Sub-Captain, Skaker.
March 1921 – Girl Guides Headquarters Camp to be held at Wisley in Surrey for Companies on dates between July and September.
March 1921 – “The Guide” magazine to be launched on 23rd April.
March 1921 – New application form to hold a camp introduced. To be sent to the Commissioner for signature, then forwarded to the Host Adviser. Captains must hold the Camper Badge. Camp Adviser Test published.
March 1921 – Campers’ Test for 1921 published.
March 1921 – Navy haversacks will gradually be introduced to replace the white ones.
March 1921 “Tunics are, in future, to be worn outside the skirt.”
March 1921 – song “Guides of All the World”, to the same tune as “Scouts of All the World” published.
April 1921 – Lone Guides to register at HQ. Uniform as for Guides, but Lone Guide badge rather than Tenderfoot. Lone Patrols can be registered, but they wear Tenderfoot, not Lone Badge.
April 1921 – “It has been noticed that considerable latitude has been allowed to creep in, in regard to the wearing of undress uniform by Guiders at training weeks and camps. Official undress uniform consists of a navy blue jumper or shirt, worn with a short navy skirt; sweaters or woolen coats, if worn, should be navy blue. In future Commandants of weeks and camps are requested to hold inspections of undress – as well as of full dress uniform – and to see that Guiders comply with the above regulations.”
April 1921 – County and Division Commissioners are requested to urgently select County/Division Badges to allow Standards (flags) in their area to incorporate the badge in designs.
April 1921 – Cadet enrolment ceremony published. “Cadets advance to within two paces of the Commissioner, salute and stand at attention. Q: Are you willing to renew your three promises as Guides, and to make the fourth promise as Cadets? A: I am. Q: Will you first renew your promise as a Guide? A: (recites Guide promise). Q: Will you also promise, on your honour, to do your best to extend the Guide Movement? A: I promise, on my honour, to to my best to extend the Guide Movement. Investiture (For the adjustment of the hatband, the Cadet kneels on one knee, if necessary): This hatband is the distinguishing mark of your rank as a Cadet. (Cadet stands at attention). You are trusted, on your honour, to keep your new promise and I welcome you to your new responsibilities. New Cadets salute the Cadet Corps and return to Patrols.”
May 1921 – “The Red Dragon for our hats is ready at last! Hi is just a tiny Du Goch in red enamel, and only costs 1s. 8d. Write direct tothe Guide Shop, or, if you prefer, wait for the Welsh Conference, as a good supply of them will be on sale there.”
May 1921 – “If desired, Proficiency Badges may be worn in pairs on the right arm, commencing from the top of the sleeve. Where preferred, however, they may still be worn as before, commencing at the bottom of the sleeve.”
May 1921 – It is suggested that Guiders should use their discretion over the continued wearing of War Service badges. The feeling at conferences was that the time has come to remove these.
May 1921 – “The Standard of a Company that has done unbroken service for five years may, with the Commissioner’s approval, bear the five year star in the top hoist corner (two should be placed back to back). Further five year stars can be added similarly at the completion of each five years.”
May 1921 – Standards – “Where a Company is a GFS or other Kindred Society Company, the badge of the Society should be placed between the bands which bear either the Motto or the Company name.”
May 1921 – “The Brownie Conference, after a short but decisive discussion, unanimously agreed that under no circumstances should Brownies be taken to camp under canvas or in unoccupied buildings, either alone or with Guides. It was suggested that Brownie camping experience should be gained by days spent in the open.”
June 1921 – New pattern Guide serge skirts, made with 2″ hem for letting down.
June 1921 – Brownie Camps – conference opinion not yet a rule, so any camps already booked may proceed.
June 1921 – “At a recent Conference a question in regard to Guide belts, and it was stated that belts were sold without the leather slides. This point has been carefully looked into by the Equipment Department, and it should be noted that all Guide and Brownie belts sold at the Guide Shop are supplied with leather slides, and evidently those without slides have been obtained elsewhere.”
July 1921 – Diploma Test for Brownie Section devised – Diploma name to be “Eagle Owl”.
July 1921 – Sea Guide Decoder’s Badge introduced.
July 1921 – Hostess Badge introduced (as a Patrol badge).
July 1921 – “It has been decided that drill shall not be used in connection with the training of Brownies.”
July 1921 – “It has also been decided that Brownie Packs should not have colours. It is felt that the Totem is a far more suitable emblem for the Pack, and that in the case of church parade the Company Colours cover the Pack.”
July 1921 – “Official mourning for Brownies in uniform is a band of black braid, one inch wide, to be worn on the right arm, above the elbow.”
July 1921 – “Shop Notices. Bird Lover and Brownie Jester Badges are now registered, and in stock in the Shop. They can, therefore, be obtained through County Secretaries in the usual way.”
August 1921 – When Guides are attending places of entertainment in uniform “they should remove their hats if by any means they are impeding the view of the persons seated behind them.”
August 1921 – When a Pack Leader has qualified (i.e., 1st Class Brownie and two Brownie Proficiency Badges), she wears Brownie Wings above her Patrol emblem. A Pack Leader wears no other Brownie badge at all, any more than an Owl.”
October 1921 – “A sash 6 inches wide to be work over the left shoulder and tied below the waist on the right side has been approved as follows for Presidents:
County Presidents: gold and silver sash pinned down with white enamel Trefoil badge.
Divisional Presidents: silver sash with silver committee Trefoil badge.
District Presidents: saxe blue sash with silver committee Trefoil badge.
October 1921 – “The attention of Commissioners and Guiders is called to the fact that the official Girl Guide belt is a registered article and can only be obtained from Headquarters, County Secretaries and certain authorised agents. It has been noticed lately at Rallies and other Girl Guide gatherings that belts are frequently worn of designs other than the official one. In order to attain as great uniformity as pssible it is hoped that in the future only the official belt will be worn, particulars of which can always be obtained from Headquarters.”
November 1921 – First official Girl Guide movie launched – “Girl Guides to the Fore.”
December 1921 – Pack Leaders may wear a brown lanyard and whistle.
December 1921 – Campfire Ceremony published.
December 1921 – Suggestion of star formation of Ranger enrolments.

1922

January 1922 – In future no Brownies shall be taken to camp. Instead they may be taken on holidays to furnished houses. Maximum 18 Brownies, 1:6 ratio with minimum 2 adults, no under 8’s, leader must have Warrant, and Commissioner’s permission required.
January 1922 – Donations sought for Princess Mary’s wedding present.
January 1922 – 1923 Guide Moot advertised.
March 1922 – Princess Mary’s wedding presents pictures – a 1764 cheese tray in pierced silver, and a diamond and ruby Tenderfoot badge.
April 1922 – County Camp Adviser role created.
April 1922 – confirmation that white felt badges need not be removed and replaced with blue ones.
May 1922 – World Moot cancelled as Foxlease gifted to the movement, and the focus on the building and decorating work which has commenced.
June 1922 – Ranger Patrols attached to Guide Companies to be registered with the name/umber of the Guide Company. If they grow to be a Ranger Company the take the same number.
June 1922 – Extension Lones register in Lone Units, not in ordinary ones – but can be attached to ordinary units.
June 1922 – request for small furnishing donations for Foxlease.
July 1922 – Foxlease opens.
July 1922 – Nurse Cavell Badge – “Only members of registered extension Guide Companies, composed of physically defective girls, or registered extension Lone Guides, are now eligible for this badge.”
November 1922 – Princess Mary’s wedding present donations totalled £949, 13s, 11d. In addition to the cheese tray and brooch, three silver statuettes of a Guider, Patrol Leader and Brownies were presented, together with a cheque for £393, 17s 11d.
November 1922 – Camper Licence to replace Camper Badge for Guiders.
November 1922 – “The following Tree Emblems are now stocked by Headquarters for Ranger Patrols: Beech, Hazel, Hawthorn, Larch, Silver birch. There are also three new Emblems for Guides – Buttercup, Daisy, and Dandelion.”
December 1922 – Sea Guide Patrols or companies may now be formed in inland locations provided the conditions are suitable. Sea Guide Patrols may be formed within ordinary Ranger Companies. Sea Guide Companies should be permitted to take the names of well-known ships.

1923

February 1923 – Thanks Badges no longer to be worn in uniform.
March 1923 – suggested ceremony for investiture of Patrol Leaders.
April 1923 – Captains and Commissioners who hold the Campers Badge may exchange it for the Licence without any further test, subject to Camp Adviser approval. Final endorsement will be given following inspection at camps this year. Lieutenants holding the Camper’s Badge (pre-1923) may not exchange it as they are not authorised to hold a camp. Lieutenants may enter for the Camper’s Certificate (if aged over 21) – this Certificate is not exchangeable for the Camper’s Licence until the holder is a Warranted Captain.
May 1923 – Brownie leaving certificate to be introduced.
May 1923 – Brownie Thrift Badge to be introduced.
June 1923 – Guiders who don’t intend to camp under canvas may have their Licence endorsed for running indoor camps only, if Camp Adviser finds the camp satisfactory. The Licence would need a further endorsement for outdoor camping.
June 1923 – A flag for Foxlease presented to the house by participants, with the Foxlease badge in place of the First Class Badge, by permission.
August 1923 – revised suggestion for star formation for Ranger enrolments.
August 1923 – new bird Patrols – Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Kingfisher.
October 1923 – Agreement that Brownie Investiture test should be simplified.
October 1923 – Brownie Holiday – maximum numbers now 18.
October 1923 – Guide World Camp to be held at Foxlease, 16-23 July 1924, two Patrol Leaders from each County to be invited, with representatives “from all the Dominions and Colonies and from all foreign countries.”
November 1923 – Thrift Badge for Guides in Institution Companies approved.
November 1923 – Special Warrant Badge for Ranger Captains approved.
December 1923 – After Easter 1924, All-Round Cords and Guide Cords will no longer be worn by Guiders in uniform.

1924

January 1924 – “The following special badges may be worn by Guides who are members of an Extension Company:
In Charitable Institutions: Extension Thrift, Advanced Knitter.
Blind, Cripple or Invalid Guides: 1st Class Book Lover, Collector, Braille, Weaver, Advanced Knitter, Extension Thrift.
Companies in Mental Homes: Extension Thrift.
February 1924 – Extension Hostess Badge Approved.
April 1924 – HRH The Duchess of York appointed a Vice President.
April 1924 – New Camp Permission Forms available.
May 1924 – a new belt buckle registered and adopted. It bears registration number 696969, buckle number 610002.
June 1924 – “It was suggested that the name “Guide Associates” should be substituted for “Mothers’ Circles” and that the white metal Tenderfoot Badge should be worn by such members.
June 1924 – Ranger Promise altered to read “My special responsibility as a Ranger is to render service by taking this Promise out into a wider world.”
September 1924 – Extension Lones now called Post Guides.
October 1924 – World Camp Film released.
November 1924 – new Quartermaster test.
November 1924 – Green hat cord for Camp Advisers introduced.

1925

January 1925 – Sea Guide Companies should be registered under their Ship Name instead of by numbers.
February 1925 – An alternative first class to be introduced for those who, for reasons of heath or want of facilities, cannot learn to swim.
February 1925 – It was agreed that County Badges should be worn on the left shoulder instead of the right.
March 1925 – From mid-March name tapes will be available on navy ground with two rows of lettering.
March 1925 – List of County Badges lately adopted:
Cheshire (wheat sheaf), Cumberland (cross with 5 rosed), Derbyshire (rose and crown), Lancashire (red rose with barbs), Northumberland (St Oswald), Westmorland (Curlew’s head), Yorkshire (white rose with barbs), Carmarthen (Sir Rhys Ap Thomas), Denbigh (lion rampant holding key with crown), Dublin (castle), West Indies (two coconut palms), Trinidad (humming bird), Malta (Maltese Cross).
April 1925 – Confirmation of closure of Grey Towers as a training centre.
June 1925 – Brownie Promise altered – “On my honour” omitted. “Be loyal to the Law of the Brownie Pack” changed to “Keep the Law of the Brownie Pack.”
June 1925 – Lone Guiders Circles should be formed in Counties for Guiders who wish to do active Guiding but cannot undertake regular work. Circles should be under a Captain, who keeps in touch with all through correspondence.
July 1925 – Society of Ex-Guiders formed, run by the Head of Lones.
July 1925 – “In future Rangers will wear trade Badges similar to Sea Guide Trade Badges, but worked in red instead of Ranger Stripes.
September 1925 – New Extension Badges – Brushmaker, Netting, Potter, Weaver, Gardener, Language (for deaf), (all to be worked as required).
November 1925 – It was agreed that medal ribbons should be issued by Headquarters to be worn in uniform on the right breast, if desired, in place of the Bronze and Silver crosses, and Medal of Merit.
December 1925 – Tenderfoot Badge with ‘L’ agreed for Lone Rangers.
December 1925 – Cadet Company registration forms issued.

1926

January 1926 – “Badges for Extension Guides who are not able to fulfil all the qualifications owing to some physical disability, should be marked with a mauve line inside the green circle.
January 1926 – “Guides over 16 in mentally defective institutions should be allowed to pass Ranger tests on condition that the Extension mauve circle is embroidered on the badge.”
January 1926 – “It was agreed that the name of the Nurse Cavell Badge be altered to “The Badge of Fortitude”.
January 1926 – “It was agreed that a special award be instituted for Extension Guides and Guides in open Companies who, through physical disability, are granted any alternative in the First class Test and that the badge be called the Mauve Cord Award.”
January 1926 – Olave Baden-Powell resigns the office of UK Chief Commissioner, her nominee Lady Delia Peel is unanimously agreed to.
February 1926 – Imperial Camp to be held at Foxlease in July 1926.
February 1926 – “Both Guider and Guides’ hats have deeper crowns that heretofore.”
February 1926 – further County Badge designs:
Bedfordshire (silver penny of Edward the Elder), Berkshire (oak stump with stag), Birmingham (crown and arm with hammer), Devonshire (Exeter castle surrounded by rays), Essex (seaxe), Gloucestershire (red lion with sword and trowel), Hampshire (blue rose and crown), Herefordshire (lion with sword held in paw), Huntingdon (Robin Hood), Kent (white horse on blue), Nottingham (hunting horn), Norfolk (Britannia), Northampton (rose red with yellow, barbed), Surrey (red lion), Suffolk (key), Stafford (knot), Warwickshire (bear and staff), Wiltshire (Maltese cross)
March 1925 – Minstrel Badge design approved.
Jun 1926 – Further County Badges:
Buckingham (swan), Cambridgeshire (lillies and crown), Cornwall (fifteen bezants on shield), Dorset (castle with triple towers), Hertfordshire (hart on water), Isle of Wight (castle with Vectis motto), Leicestershire (lion rampant), Middlesex (3 seaxe), Oxfordshire (ox over water), Sussex (6 martlets), Shropshire (3 leopards), Somerset (dragon with mace), Worcestershire (pear tree).
June 1926 – All flags are to be dipped in the presence of any member of the Royal family.
June 1926 – special Lone unit for over 16’s founded.
July 1926 – Foxlease book published.
July 1926 – “on or after October 1st 1926, white shirts be worn by Guiders on official occasions.”
August 1926 – Design for Language badge for Extension Guides to be torch crossed by a key.
August 1926 – White shirts will not be worn in Scotland.
November 1926 – Companies in homes and orphanages no longer part of the Extension branch.
December 1926 – BBC (radio) offering a programme, 15 minutes per month, 6.45pm on 3rd Thursday per month from 20 January.
December 1926 – International Knowledge badge approved.
December 1926 – Proposal from International Conference re marking Thinking Day accepted.
December 1926 – “Ranger Companies will be glad to learn that in future they may have the badge on their Company Colours embroidered in red.”
December 1926 – Post Ranger units may be formed.

1927

January 1927 – “The scheme for starting a permanent West of England training school had been abandoned due to lack of support.
February 1927 – First marking of Thinking day
February 1927 – Ideas sought for a second Scottish Six Emblem besides Kelpie
February 1927 – announcement of first official Guide annual – “The First Trail of the Girl Guides”.
March 1927 – Lantern slides “Guides at Work and Play” available to hire.
March 1927 – In Scotland, in uniform “the wearing of kilts or tartan skirts is incorrect” – only navy skirts to be worn.
April 1927 – Announcement of new Mauve First Class for Extension Guides
May 1927 – Announcement of negotiations into a permanent North of England training centre at Waddow Hall, Clitheroe (opened September 1927)
May 1927 – Mauve 1st Class holders may qualify for Mauve Cords
June 1927 – Opening of Foxlease swimming pool
June 1927 – Ranger Instructor Badge should be worn on he centre of the left-hand breast pocket.
June 1927 – the ‘Official Badge’ logo cannot be used by members on notepaper, posters etc – only Imperial Headquarters may use it.
July 1927 – Ranger Electrical Engineer badge to be omitted from the list of Ranger Badges.
July 1927 – West of England training school opened at Hillhouse, 1 mile from Sapperton in the Cotswolds.
August 1927 – Badge of Fortitude (Extension Guides) – it has been recommended that this badge should be abolished.
October 1927 – discussion of whether to alter the Six emblems.
October 1927 – decision to merge Sea Guides and Cadets into the Ranger branch, and have them pass the Ranger Tenderfoot Test. Ranger units who wished could become Cadet Ranger Companies, or Sea Ranger Crews. Cadet Ranger Test and Sea Ranger Test introduced, also Ranger Star, Cadet Star and Sea Service Star..
October 1927 – new Spinner badge design – distaff/spindle.
October 1927 – Ranger Ash and Pine emblems introduced.
December 1927 – Entertainer test deleted

1928

January 1928 – Sea Guide tally band to now be embroidered with a blue trefoil, likewise the Ranger, red.
January 1928 – “Girl Guide Gazette” to become “The Guider”
January 1928 – Chorister badge to be renamed Singer.
March 1928 – new design for Badge of Fortitude.
March 1928 – Guide annual “The Second Trail of the Girl Guides” to be published.
June 1928 – Girl Guide Badges and How to Win Them renamed Hints on Girl Guide Badges.
July 1928 – Cadets have become Cadet Rangers, And Sea Guides have become Sea Rangers. Narrower hat bands have introduced for Sea Rangers so all Ranger hat bands will be of the same width, but with differing trefoils – red for Rangers, blue for Sea Rangers, currently plain white for Cadet Rangers.
August 1928 – Shoes, brown stockings or socks added to Brownie uniform.
August 1928 – Brownie 3rd year star introduced which can be transferred to Guide uniform.
August 1928 – Old design for Sea Service Badge to be retained, for Sea Ranger Star, and when stocks of Leading Sea Guide badges are exhausted, Ranger Instructor Badge to be used in it’s place.
August 1928 – Brownie Signaller Badge to show semaphore flags rather than Morse, when current stocks used up.
August 1928 – Ranger Toymaker badge and Public Health badge introduced.
October 1928 – Final paperwork for purchase of Waddow Hall completed.

1929

January 1929 – County Treasurers to wear same uniform as Assistant County Secretaries.
January 1929 – It was agreed that a silver tenderfoot badge should be worn by secretaries.
January 1929 – Life-Saver badge introduced.
January 1929 – Ranger Milliner and Folk Dancer Badges introduced.
January 1929 – Recruit badges without pins available for hospital Brownies, which can be sewn on fabric or worn as bracelets.
February 1929 – New smaller Guide hats in stock, of a softer felt which can be rolled – the stiff flat brims having been done away with.
February 1929 – New-style Guide overall available with lower neck and two inverted pleats from the waistline.
February 1929 – Death of Mrs Lumley Holland, founder member of headquarters committee
March 1929 – Design of the new Scottish ‘Ghillie Dhu’ emblem agreed.
March 1929 – Language Badge test for Deaf Guides approved
March 1929 – ‘The Blue Bird’, quarterly magazine for Extension Guides available
June 1929 – blue blazer badges introduced for Sea Rangers.
June 1929 – “It was agreed that the Society of Ex-Guiders . . . be allowed to lapse.”
June 1929 – design of Public Health badge agreed as Florence Nightingale lamp.
June 1929 – new drill book “Girl Guides On The Move” replaces old yellow drill book.
June 1929 – Guides provide the hospital and staff at the Scout Jamboree, Arrowe Park.
July 1929 – London Training School closed as no longer needed.
July 1929 – “the Brownie Promise to be made twofold – the Law being omitted from the Promise and included in the Enrollment Ceremony. The Promise to read as follows: ‘I Promise to do my best (1) to do my duty to God and the King, (2) to help other people every day, especially those at home.”
August 1929 – “It was agreed that when the present stock of Mauve Tenderfoot Badges is exhausted ordinary brass Tenderfoot Badges be issued to Post Guides.”
August 1929 – Ranger World Citizen badge introduced.
August 1929 – County Post Owls introduced.
November 1929 – “It was agreed that Assistant Divisional Commissioners should wear a silver cockade with saxe-blue cords and tie.”
November 1929 – “it was agreed that Sea Rangers should in future wear Tally bands with the words “Sea Rangers” instead of the present hat band embroidered in blue.”
December 1929 – resignation of Lady Delia Peel as Chief Commissioner received. Mrs Percy Birley, County Commissioner for North West Lancashire, nominated.
December 1929 – Hiker Badge introduced.

1930

January 1930 – Mrs Percy Birley (Mary Emily Birley) appointed Chief Commissioner, succeeding The Lady Delia Peel.
January 1930 – Request for pre-1912 Companies to contact HQ to complete records.
March 1930 – Campfire Songs Leaflets issued.
April 1930 – Hat badges embroidered in white for Cadets, similar to those worn by Rangers and Guides, approved.
23 May 1930 – Headquarters Foundation Stone unveiled by Princess Mary
May 1930 – “It was agreed that a ‘history of Girl Guiding’ be compiled.”
June 1930 – Mrs Percy Birley elected Chief Commissioner.
July 1930 – announcement that Guide Coming-Of-Age should be celebrated in 1932, “1911 being the year in which the Association officially started”. “Headquarters wishes to emphasise the fact that no celebrations of this kind should be contemplated before the year 1932. The official date when the association started is to be regarded as 1911.”
July 1930 – Olave Baden-Powell appointed World Chief Guide, motion proposed by the United States of America and accepted unanimously.
6th World Conference, July 1930 – Mrs Storrow’s offer of a Chalet and 3 years’ upkeep accepted.
6th World Conference, July 1930 – World Flag adopted, but it was decided that no World Badge should be adopted at present..
August 1930 – “It was agreed that the Ranger Instructor Badge be worn on the right instead of the left pocket.
November 1930 – Optional uniform for County Presidents – Guider uniform with dark blue tie, hat not turned up, with silver cord round the brim, ends tied in a bow at the side. Where there is a County Badge it should be pinned on the hat cord by the knot.
December 1930 – World Flag adopted as the UK design for Company Colours.
December 1930 – it was agreed that in future the Brownie Emblem would be worn over the right pocket, not beside 1st and 2nd class.
December 1930 – “It was agreed that a new pamphlet, entitled “Drill for Girl Guides” should take the place of “Girl Guides on the Move”, also that a pamphlet on ‘colour Ceremonial’ be published.”

1931

20 March 1931 – official opening of Imperial Headquarters.
April 1931 – Airwoman badge introduced
October 1931 – “The new woven badges are guaranteed fadeless and washable. Therefore, if they are carefully buttonholed on to the overall sleeve when new they need not be removed when the garment is washed. There should then be no difficulty with regard to the badges fraying.
November 1931 – ‘Postponement of the Coming-Of-Age celebrations’ – planned international rally cancelled, suggestion of local rallies instead.
December 1931 – Senior and Junior Milliner badges to be withdrawn. World Knowledge (Guide) to replace International Knowledge, World Knowledge (Ranger) introduced. World Interpreter (Guide) to replace Interpreter.

1932

January 1932 – Badge of Fortitude to be for ages 16 and under only, Certificate of Merit will replace Badge of Fortitude for those aged 16 and over.
March 1932 – New Brownie badges – Booklover, Writer, Toymaker. First Class – now Brownie Wings will only be awarded if First Class is gained before the age of 11.
March 1932 – Patrols of Guides over 14 can be registered as Sea Guides and wear that tally band – these Patrols preferably to be attached to Ranger or Sea Ranger Companies.
March 1932 – Cords and Lanyards rules changed. The wearing of Gold Lanyards by Guiders to be abolished, but they may continue to wear Gold Cords if they have won them as Guides. All Round Lanyards may be awarded as at present on a teaching basis. Only Cords won as Guides may be worn as Guiders. Warranted Guiders may not enter for Gold Cords or All Round Cords.
April 1932 – Sportswoman badge design changed to a netball. World Citizen design now to be a key between two hemispheres.
23-29 May 1932 to be “Guide Week”. 29 May 1932 – “Guide Sunday” to celebrate Coming-Of-Age
22-29 June 1932 – ‘Veterans Camp’ held in Staffordshire, open to all pre-1920 Guiders.
August 1932 – Official blue camp overall for Guiders, Rangers and Guides, with short or long sleeve, now available from HQ; also a camp hat. ‘In the case of Guiders, Rangers and Guides of Ranger age and size, skirts should cover the knee, and as a general rule, stockings should be worn when going through a village or town, except in exceptional circumstances such as going to the beach. Guiders need not take full uniform (tunic and skirt) to camp provide that they have a really tidy, clean, camp overall, hat, blazer and mackintosh (navy blue)’.

1933

January 1933 – launch of fundraising on Thinking Day
February 1933 – New Guide mackintosh and overcoat, and Brownie coat, now available.
June 1933 – Confirmation that the blue cotton overall can be worn throughout summer, not just at camp. It can be worn with the collar closed by the tie or open-neck – in which case the Tenderfoot Badge is worn in the ‘V’ of the neck. Camp hat can also be considered uniform.
August 1933 – Brown gloves removed from Guide uniform rules – now optional

1934

January 1934 – a cruise will be held on S.S. Adriatic, for Guiders and Scouters, attended by the Chiefs. The 17 day cruise will cost from 19 guineas.
April 1934 – new Brownie summer uniform – short sleeve with V-neck which can be worn with or without tie for pack holiday or summer wear, also brown camp hat in casement cloth to join the rush hat or knitted cap.
May 1934 – subject to Commissioner permission, stockings need not be worn by Guides attending Company meetings during the hot weather.
June 1934 – The shop is now stocking a new camp overall, with short sleeves, for Guiders. This is in light blue casement cloth, the same material and colour as the Guide summer overall. The shop also stocks an overall for Guiders in light blue repp. It is also stocked in navy blue.
July 1934 – “The wearing of shoulder straps on Guiders’ coats should be discouraged.”
July 1934 – “It was agreed that the badge for the Cadet Ranger Test should be a Trefoil embroidered in white on a buff ground.”
July 1934 – “Physically defective” to be replaced by “physically disabled” in all books.”
November 1934 – Lone Tenderfoot Badge to be abolished when existing stocks are exhausted. Ordinary Tenderfoot will be worn by all.
December 1934 – Dairymaid badge renamed Dairyworker, Ranger Milkmaid renamed Dairymaid. Landworker to be renamed Farmworker. New badge introduced for Guide and Ranger sections – Interpreter To The Deaf.

1935

January 1935 – “It was agreed that the Leading Sea Ranger badge be restored.”
January 1935 – Proficiency Badge changes – Sea Lore badge introduced, Senior Astronomer badge instituted, Dressmaker badge (senior) renamed Needlewoman, Guide Printer badge moved to be senior badge, Homemaker badge to be abolished.
February 1935 – Designs for Explorer badge, Decorative Needlecraft badge and Quartermaster Certificate approved.
February 1935 – Proficiency Badge changes – Brownie Knitter badge introduced, Ranger Explorer badge instituted, Ranger International Knowledge badge deleted.
March 1935 – Athlete and Sportswoman badges merged and named Athlete. Nursing Handmaid badge abolished. Guide Decorative Needlecraft badge instituted.
April 1935 – Proposals for a ‘fourth branch’ for former and current leaders.
June 1935 – New style of Ranger hat approved, on sale from July 1st.
June 1935 – New pre-enrollment test for Rangers approved, to be published in September.
June 1935 – Rangers may wear either Guide-style tie or regular tie provided all in the unit wear the same.
June 1935 – Units may opt to wear brown stockings and shoes rather than black provided all in the unit wear the same.
July 1935 – Rangers may wear striped ties.
August 1935 – Welsh Folk badge instituted.
October 1935 – “Guidons” suggested as name for the 4th section.
December 1935 – “The design for a new lightweight belt was submitted and approved.

1936

January 1936 – leaflet on the new Guidon scheme to be published soon.
January 1936 – “It was agreed that a camp first aid test be instituted.
March 1936 – Test for Extension Instructor approved.
March 1936 – “An enamel hat badge, with a thistle device has now been designed for wear by Scottish Guiders.”
April 1936 – Choral Patrol badge to become company Camp Fire Singing badge.
April 1936 – New ‘Flower Lover’ badge for Guides
June 1936 – Miniature Tenderfoot badge to be stocked, to be worn out of uniform.
June 1936 – “Shorts may be worn by Guides in camp with the approval of the Commissioner in whose area the camp is held.” (dark blue)
July 1936 – “It was agreed that a Brownie who seems ready may be enrolled at 7 and a Guide at 10 years of age.”
August 1936 – “The restitution of the Lone Tenderfoot Badge was approved.”
August 1936 – Distinguishing marks for Assistant County Commissioner “as for Division Commissioner, with silver cord round hat.”
December 1936 – New style Ranger felt hat introduced.
December 1936 – Sea Ranger Captain Navy Warrant Badge introduced.
December 1936 – Sea Ranger Test becomes Able Sea Ranger Test.

1937

January 1937 – Sea Ranger Test replaced by Able Sea Ranger Test.
January 1937 – New design of Guider/Ranger overall, made on the lines of a fitted dress, in ‘Headquarters Blue’ colour.
January 1937 – Meeting for Old Guides groups at County, Division, District and Unit level.
March 1937 – “Owing to the fact that the Government is buying up all hard metal for the making of armaments, the manufacturers are at present obliged to use the softer metal for the Tenderfoot and Brownie Recruit badges.”
April 1937 – New numbered Service Stars announced:
Brownie (brown background) – issued from 2-3 years
Guide (green background) – issued from 2-5 years
Ranger (red background) – issued from 2-10 years
Sea Ranger (blue background) – issued from 2-10 years
Guider (no background) – issued from 2-25 years.
(One year Service Stars as before, with no number, in order to use up existing stocks.)
May 1937 – Extension Ambulance and Sick Nurse badges introduced, and Sportswoman badge re-introduced. “Extension Proficiency badges are embroidered in royal blue instead of green.” (other Extension badges being Collector, Gardener, Handicraft, Hostess, Language (for the deaf), Observer, Thrift).
May 1937 – “A Brownie may be admitted to a pack at the age of seven; she may be enrolled before she is eight if she has passed the Recruit Test and the Brown Owl considers she is ready for enrolment.”
May 1937 – Interpreter to the Deaf to become Friend to the Deaf badge.
May 1937 – Coronation Camp held at Chigwell Row campsite.
August 1937 – “It was agreed that the Guide Life Saver badge be embroidered in blue for Sea Rangers.”
November 1937 – Guide Keep Fit and Woodman badge introduced.

1938

January 1938 – “It was agreed that Brownies may be permitted to wear gold ties provided the whole pack wear the same colour.”
January 1938 – Brownie Musician badge becomes Minstrel. Two new pack badges – ‘Handwork’ and ‘Player’.
January 1938 – Guide company badge ‘Player’ introduced.
June 1938 – Promise wording for foreign girls making Promise in UK agreed.
June 1938 – “That Guiders be allowed to wear short-sleeved overalls at summer Company and other meetings.”
August 1938 – “It was agreed that Rangers be permitted to wear ankle socks on unceremonial occasions. That Rangers need not necessarily wear hats to and from meetings. That the design for the Ranger lightweight hat be approved.”
August 1938 – “Hints on Girl Guide Badges” to be split into sections, one for Tenderfoot/2nd Class/1st Class, the other for Proficiency Badges.
August 1938 – “That when present stocks are exhausted, one design only to be retained for Trade Badges – that of the ship.”
September 1938 – Headquarters committee formed to consider national service help.
October 1938 – “New Ranger hats, in a smart pull-on shape with a stitched brim” made in a navy waterproof drill material, and can be rolled up when not in use.
December 1938 – an Old Guide who has been previously Warranted as Commissioner, Secretary or Guider may wear an Old Guide Cockade in uniform, which is navy blue with a green and a red stripe, like the ‘Old Guide’ tie.
December 1938 – ‘Old Guide’ Recorders will be Warranted and wear the appropriate level Secretary badge.
December 1938 – Guide History Lover badge launched
December 1938 – Miniature Tenderfoot badges for Ranger and Commissioner available.

1939

January 1939 – Friend to Animals Guide badge withdrawn.
January 1939 – Authoress badge and History Lover badge for Rangers introduced.
February 1939 – “When the present stock of Brownie Proficiency Badges is exhausted, these badges to be embroidered in gold on a brown background.”
February 1939 – new Guide Emergency Helper badge introduced. Friend to Animals badge reinstated.
February 1939 – Badge titles altered to reduce confusion in ordering. Thus Guide badges to be Aircraft, Athlete, Star Lover, Book Lover, Friend to the Blind, Cook, Stitchery, Gardener, Interpreter, Needlewoman, Scribe, History Lover, Writer, Knitter, Skater, Toymaker, Country Dancer, Signaller, Gymnast, Friend to the Deaf, Player, Thrift. Ranger Badges to be Airwoman, Senior Athlete, Astronomer, Reader, Braille, 1st Class Cook, Embroideress, Horticulturist, Linguist, Dressmaker, Secretary, History Student, Authoress, 1st Class Knitter, Figure Skater, Toycraft, Folk Dancer, Signalling Transmitter, Physical Training, Interpreter to the Deaf, Stagecraft, Economist.
February 1939 – Rangers wearing the new-style overall, and Sea Rangers wearing the new-style overall or jersey, may wear a strip of cord on the right shoulder instead of full All-Round Cords.
April 1939 – ‘Our Ark’ world centre in London now open.
May 1939 – Mrs St John Atkinson to replace Mrs Percy Birley (resigned) as Chief Commissioner in October, Mrs Birley has agreed to continue in post until then.
October 1939 – Scottish Guide Headquarters opened.
November 1939 – Guide uniform may be worn when doing National Service.
November 1939 – Use of Guide whistles for any other than ARP use forbidden in some parts of the country.
November 1939 – Girls Life Brigade members may attend Guide meetings as guests, in GLB uniform.
December 1939 – “Save All Supplies” suggestions published.
December 1939 – War Service badge added to Book of Rules
December 1939 – “Any enrolled Guide, Ranger, or Cadet, may qualify for the War Service Badge, but this will not be awarded until she has passed Second Class or Ranger Test.”

1940

January 1940 – War time alternative Ranger Test and shortened Guide Second Class Test published.
January 1940 – “Where it is quite impossible to find swimming facilities and all other clauses are complete, Green First Class may be awarded until such time as it is possible to access facilities again.”
January 1940 – Commissioners and Guiders are encouraged to set up a ‘fiery cross’ system of communication to members in their localities.
January 1940 – Assistant Commissioners for Extensions have been appointed to work on a regional basis, in addition to the existing technical experts for each category.
January 1940 – “A special 1939 War Service Badge will be awarded for a minimum of 24 hours’ voluntary service carried out between September 3rd and December 31st 1939. Future badges will be awarded on the completion of 96 hours’ voluntary war service within any 12 months. A separate crown and underneath a narrow strip of cloth with the date in red and gold has been approved as the design for this badge.”
February 1940 – War service badge to be worn over breast pocket on the right hand side of the overall. “The badge is not intended for Guiders.”
February 1940 – “Headquarters will shortly be stocking a supply of washable Brownie Emblems at 3d each.”
February 1940 – “A new badge to be instituted, to be called “Home Defence Badge”.
February 1940 – “Instructions with regard to Guide camping have been received from the Ministry of Home Security and these have been issued to all Camp Advisers.”
March 1940 – Time spend ‘on call’ for first aid posts etc can count towards War Service Badge, but in such cases, 144 such hours of service should be completed.
April 1940 – ‘Home Emergency Service’ scheme launched, open to Rangers aged 15 years and upwards. “Those qualifying for inclusion in the H.E.S. will have their names entered in a register, and they will be issued with an armlet which can be worn in uniform for the duration of the war, and which will show at a glance what their special qualifications are.”.
April 1940 – Wartime camping regulations published, including advice on managing food rationing in camp..
April 1940 – Guide Gift Week launched – to be held on May 19th – 25th, to buy a pair of air ambulances for £15,000, and a motor lifeboat, for £20,000, through adult members and salaried Guides and Rangers giving half a day’s salary, and younger members giving what they can..
April 1940 – “Permission was given for Ranger Companies to experiment with the formation of a Ranger Reserve among their older member. This reserve to be formed among Rangers of over 21 years old, who have had three years’ active membership of the Company. Once promoted to the Reserve they should be expected to hold themselves in readiness to assist the Company in any special activity. They must maintain connection to the Company by attending ordinary meetings at least six times a year, but must not attend more often than once a month, except when invited by the rest of the Company to assist in special activities.”
April 1940 – “The formation of a panel of Headquarters Instructors was approved. These Instructors would specialise in certain Guide subjects and would be able to assist Trainers.”
June 1940 – “White tops for Sea Ranger hats will not be worn this year.”
July 1940 – Presentation of the Air Ambulances funded by Guide Gift Week in May 1940. Current total £46,216, 19s, 10d.
July 1940 – “Ministry of Home Security Camping Restrictions Order, 1940. 1) With certain exceptions, no camps (juts are included as well as tents) are allowed within 10 miles of the East Coast of Scotland and England, and the South Coast of England lying East of Hengistbury Head (Hampshire), and the Isle of Wight. 2). Chief Officers of Police are empowered outside this area to prohibit camping within a mile of Naval, Military and Air Force Establishments, or of aerodromes, aircraft factories, explosive factories, or munitions factories. Before any camp so situated is erected the Chief Constable concerned should be consulted.”
August 1940 – steps taken to open a World Bureau in the USA, to work in conjunction with the base in the UK.
August 1940 – 20 Ambulances presented to the Royal Navy following Guide Gift Week
August 1940 – “It was decided that owing to shortage of metal, brass miniature Tenderfoot badges will be discontinued.”
August 1940 – “The Ministry of Home Security states that there is no necessity for Scouts and Guides to remove name-tapes from their uniform.”
September 1940 – opening of Our Home/Notre Foyer – rooms in the World Bureau for Guides from abroad temporarily resident in the UK.
September 1940 – “Mrs Leigh-White has arrived in America and is planning to establish a Bureau in the United States, working in conjunction with the World Bureau in Britain. During her absence Mrs Mark Kerr is acting as Deputy Director of the World Bureau.”
December 1940 – the “Guide Mobile Team” was established in October 1940, their converted horsebox serving as a canteen staffed by Guiding volunteers who slept within the horsebox to provide a self-contained service unit.
December 1940 – Little House Emblem announced.
December 1940 – “Headquarters blue” is now the official colour for all Guiders’, Rangers’ and Guides’ uniforms.
December 1940 – “The Domestic Service badge has been amalgamated with the Homemaker badge, which has a new syllabus.
December 1940 – “The Civil Defence Armlet may be worn with Guide uniform.”
December 1940 – Alterations to rules:- Rule 33 page 41, uniform. “Stockings – black or brown (leaf mould), or for summer uniform, ankle socks (light blue or white)” should read – “Stockings – black or brown (uniform shade), or socks may be Headquarters blue.”

1941

January 1941 – suggestion that pennies could be donated on Thinking Day, towards a fund to rebuild Guiding in invaded countries when peace came.
January 1941 – “Scarves worn with uniform coats shall be navy blue.”
January 1941 – Memorial service in Westminster Abbey held 27th January 1941
March 1941 – “It has been decided by the Executive Committee to award the Hostess Badge to individual Guides and it is one of the badges which it is necessary to have to gain the Little House Emblem. The Guide must retake the badge individually even if her Patrol already holds it”
March 1941 – French Guide Companies in the UK to be given every assistance.
March 1941 – due to paper rationing, The Guider now to be further reduced, to 40% of it’s pre-war pages, 20 pages – and the paper quality reduced.
March 1941 – Brownie Team Player badge withdrawn.
March 1941 – “Owing to evacuation, black-out, etc., it has been difficult in many cases for Guides and Rangers to gain the 75 per cent possible attendance necessary to win a Service Star. The Executive consider that where such cases arise it must be left to the District Commissioners to decide whether or not the star shall be awarded.”
March 1941 – “The signalling requirement for the Ranger Home Emergency Service shall be the Signaller’s Badge (Guide) and not the Signaller Transmitter’s Badge (Ranger).
April 1941 – “As gold and silver metal ribbons are now unobtainable, Presidents’ sashes made of this material will not be stocked during the war.”
April 1941 – “The sale of navy serge and melton cloth overalls will be discontinued when the present stock is exhausted.”
April 1941 – “In view of recent enquiries it does not appear to be generally known that the uniform dress or overall is official wear for all occasions for Commissioners and Guiders.”
May 1941 – it has been decided that the Youth Service Corps badge or armlet may be worn by Guides in uniform.
June 1941 – Due to bombing action, a warehouse used by the Guiding publishers has been damaged, and stocks of Guiding books destroyed – owing to paper rationing they cannot be replaced presently.
June 1941 – “Owing to war restrictions on cotton, our supplies of Guide and Brownie overalls have been considerably cut down, so it is suggested that if the size you require is not available, as an alternative, the summer overall with short sleeves be worn. The other alternative is the emergency uniform, which is the triangular tie, worn Scout fashion, with the Tenderfoot Badge to fasten it in front, and Guide hat and belt.”
July 1941 – presentation of ‘Quiet Rooms’ funded by Guide Gift Week.
July 1941 – Request for 11,000 cotton reels from the RAF – within a week 42,000 collected.
July 1941 – “Readers should bear in mind that, after this month, The Guider will, of necessity, be smaller, being reduced to 16 pages without cover.”
July 1941 – Patrol Leader’s Camp Permit details published.
July 1941 – Death reported of Miss MacDonald, first General Secretary.
July 1941 – Details of clothes rationing ‘Points’ for Guiding uniform garments.
July 1941 – New Gilt Cross Award instituted. Medal of Merit will cease to be a gallantry award but will continue as an award for Good Service in the movement.
August 1941 – Guiders may wear ankle socks at Company meetings only, with Division Commissioner permission, but stockings should continue to be worn on all ceremonial occasions..
August 1941 – Patrol Leaders who have gained Camp Permit should wear a piece of green cord at the base of the right shoulder strap.
September 1941 – The Executive Committee has approved a new syllabus for both the Gold Cords, and the All-round Cords Tests. The new tests should be used, if possible, at once; In Great Britain, entries from January 1942 should be made on the new syllabus.
October 1941 – Wartime new-design Brownie recruit badge.
December 1941 – Revised syllabus for the Aircraft Badge issued.
December 1941 – “We greatly regret that owing to the difficulty in obtaining adequate supplies of Brownie Recruit, Ranger Tenderfoot and Guide Hat Badges, we cannot take any more orders until further notice.”

1942

January 1942 – “Brownie Tests and Rationing – Make a milk pudding or prepare and stew fruit. Though this part pf the First Class Test is still possible for some Brownies, it may be out of the question for others to use the ingredients necessary for practising and passing their Test in either of these alternatives. Therefore for the present conditions, this clause is altered to ‘Cook a useful dish such as a milk pudding, stewed fruit, porridge, potatoes or other vegetable or prepare a mixed salad.’”
January 1942 – International Knowledge badge renamed Traveller’s Badge, and new syllabus introduced.
January 1942 – “Application should be made through Headquarters for exemption from compulsory service for Guiders in the 30-40 age group who are doing 44 hours’ Guiding a week. All cases will be considered by the Ministry of Labour individually, and the recommendations should be sent to the General Secretary at Headquarters as soon as possible through the County Commissioners.”
January 1942 – Following the Government’s decision to register all 16-18 year olds for training and service, those not attending school full time and not already connected with a youth organisation will be invited for interviews. “County Commissioners are asked to act immediately on the letter they have received from the Commissioner for Rangers and to encourage the formation of new Companies for young Ranger wherever possible. Ranger Captains should make ready immediately to receive as many recruits as they can take into their Companies, and to endeavour to get in touch with those in this age group who have left.”
February 1942 – “B-P Memorial Fund – In agreement with the Boy Scouts, the opening date for the fund has been put forward to St George’s Day, the 23rd April.”
March 1942 – “War-Time Ranger Uniform: A new alternative uniform for Rangers has been approved, as follows: Beret: navy blue, with Ranger hat badge at right side. Triangular Tie: navy blue, worn Scoutwise with woggle. Pullover: plain and of any self-colour chosen by the company, except navy blue, which will be worn by Sea Rangers only. Regulation patterns for knitted pullovers are obtainable from Headquarters. In summer a short-sleeved shirt of the Company colour may be substituted for the pullover. Each Company must choose the colour of their pullover and all members of the company must wear the same. Skirt: Navy blue or other dark colour if possible. Shoes and Stockings: regulation as at present. Brown shoes and stockings (leaf mould) are recommended. Sea Rangers: As above but with navy blue pullover or white shirt, lanyard and black triangular tie. The hat badge embroidered in blue instead of red. Rangers already posessing the old uniform may either continue to wear it or change into the new one, as desired. The beret may be worn with the old uniform instead of the hat, if preferred, and so may the navy triangular tie and woggle. Rangers should make their own woggles of any material they choose, such as leather, wood or cord.” “Note – County badges, name tapes, shoulder knots, patrol emblems, service stars, Second Class, First Class and Proficiency Badges, All Round and Gold cords, Patrol Second and Patrol Leaders’ stripes will not be worn.”
March 1942 – “Owing to the shortage of supplies the shoulder strip only should be worn for all types of Cord.”
March 1942 – “It has been decided that Sea Guide Companies should be discontinued, as owing to the lowering of the Ranger age, they will now automatically become Sea Ranger Crews.”
March 1942 – “Owing to the small supply of Ranger Tenderfoot Badges, Rangers who have been Guides may wear a piece of red felt behind their Guide Badges, and Sea Rangers blue felt, as a temporary measure.”
March 1942 – “A fourth special section to be added to the Home Emergency Service syllabus, to be called ‘Coast and River Service’.”
April 1942 – “It was agreed that Guides shall not be allowed to wear berets, but that a navy blue knitted skull-cap, with the Guide hat badge in front, may be worn when hats are not procureable. (Knitting instructions will appear in The Guide of April 2nd.)”
April 1942 – “When the Company cannot procure hats, Guides are considered to be in full uniform without them, or when wearing the skull-cap. It was agreed that the full uniform should be used in uniform with or without a hat.”
April 1942 – “As Cords of all types are unobtainable, it was decided that Cords should not be worn by Commissioners for the duration of the war.
May 1942 – “Ranger Uniform. a) Ranger Guiders may wear the new Ranger alternative uniform. b) Berets may not be worn with coat and skirt uniform. c) Rangers should be encouraged to wear the navy blue tie Scout fashion with old uniform as well as with new. d) Sea Rangers should wear the tie Scout fashion when beret and plan jersey are worn. e) Ranger Guiders should wear the Ranger hat badge on the beret with Warrant Badge immediately above it, and woven County Badge on point of tie at the back. f) Guiders may wear hard hats with the new uniform. g) County badges (woven) can be worn on point of tie at the back by Rangers. h) Leaders and Sceconds acting as such should wear lanyards, as insignia of office. (This ruling does not apply to Sea Rangers). In ordinary companies ex-leaders hould not wear lanyards. i) Name tapes should not be worn. j) If Rangers wear socks in the summer, they should be leaf mould or colour of jersey. k) Present Rangers wearing the old uniform should be urged to discontinue wearing proficiency badges. l) Non-members taking six months graining in Ranger Companies are allowed to wear beret, scarf, and pullover, but no official belt or badges. m) Gas Masks. Guiders and Rangers in uniform should, if possible, carry their gas masks in a navy blue haversack. The supply of navy blue haversacks is limited, and Guiders ording by post are asked tostate the name of their company. This will ensure that all available supplies go to members of the movement.”
May 1942 – “Patrol Efficiency Badges. These may now be worn by individual members of the Patrol as well as being sewn on the Patrol flag.”
June 1942 – The ‘army of goodwill’ idea which has been discussed in the magazine is going to be established. It will be known as the “Guide International Service”.
June 1942 – Cadet Tests: “The Pre-Investiture Test, if still retained, shall be short and simple. If a Company so desires, there need be no Pre-Investiture Test, but the Cadet may be invested at the invitation of the Court of Honour after three months’ service in the Company. Scheme of Training: The Cadet shall take part in a course of training which shall include:- 1) The teaching of the fundemental importance of the Promise and Law. 2) The carrying out of the Patrol System. 3) Woodcraft. 4) Methods of teaching and of handling people. Each Cadet shall prove her ability to teach her own special subject. 5) Test work, to include First Class. 6) Drill and Ceremonial (Patrol drill, drill in threes, enrolment with Colours). 7) The playing of Scouting games through the reading of Scouting for Boys. 8) Practical work in Company or Pack.”
June 1942 – “Lone Circle Leaders’ Uniform – Cockade and tie of a District Secretary without the crossed pens lapel badge.”
June 1942 – “First Class in New Ranger Uniform: The First Class Badge should be worn immediately above the County Badge on the point of the scarf.”
June 1942 – “Proficiency Badges in the war-time emergency uniform for Brownies and Guides should be worn on an armlet or should be pinned on by means of safety pins fastened in the backs of the badges and worn in the usual place.”
July 1942 – “As a war-time measure, the Executive Committee has decided that when Commissioners consider it advisable, Captains and Brown Owls may obtain Warrants at any time after the age of 18, and Lieutenants and Tawnies from 16 years.”
July 1942 – “Ranger Guiders may wear new uniform with beret or a hard hat. Berets should not be worn with a coat and skirt. Metal County Badge should be worn on left side of beret without cloth Ranger Badge. Navy scarf worn Scout fashion with new uniform or overall. Woven County Badge is not worn on the point of scarf. Warrant Brooch is worn immediately below woggle. Lanyards may be worn. “
July 1942 – Ranger uniform: “Navy beret with cloth Ranger Badge on left-hand side. Navy scarf worn Scout fashion with either new or old uniform. Woven County Badge may be worn on the point of the tie. Guide First Class Badge may be worn above the County Badge on the point of the tie. Lanyards are worn by Leaders and Seconds, acting as such, as insignia of office. Proficiency badges are not worn with the new uniform, and should not be encouraged with the old uniform. Name tapes are not worn with the new uniform. Ranger Tenderfoot Badges, if unobtainable, may be made by enamelling Guide Tenderfoot Badges, or wearing them on a red background. Jersey – The whole Company should wear the same self-coloured (not navy) knitted jumpers or short-sleeved shirts. Skirt – Navy, or dark colour. Socks – if worn, should be leaf mould or colour of jersey.”
July 1942 – Sea Ranger uniform: “Beret with blue cloth badge. Ties, black, must be worn Scout fashion with either old or new uniform, with royal blue woggles. Lanyards should be worn by all Sea Rangers. Jersey – Navy, or white short-sleeved shirt.”
July 1942 – Ranger Recruit wear: “Guides joining a Ranger Company continue to wear their Guide Tenderfoot, and do not wear a Ranger Badge on beret until enrolled as Rangers. Non-members taking six months’ training in Ranger Companies should wear beret, scarf and jersey, but no official belt or badges.”
July 1942 – HES Armlet: “The Coast and River Service stripe will be pale grey . . . The special service stripes will be worn on the armlet each side of the badge and will be the size of medal ribbons.”
August 1942 – The Chief Guide advised in an Airgraph letter dated May 18th 1942: “I plan to sail for England from Cape Town about mid-July as I feel that I must come and be with you all and be of use if I can. So you can expect me when you see me!”
August 1942 – GIS proposed ‘Application Form for Volunteers’ published, along with indications of the expected qualifications: “1) A week spent working at a land-work, forestry camp or hop-picking camp, or where this is quite impossible, at one of the special training camps to be held in the late autumn or winter. 2) H.E.S. or Camper’s Licence, or Campcraft or Explorer Badge.” Minimum age for volunteers provisionally fixed at 21, and potential volunteers asked to apply for an application form on or after 10th August 1942.
August 1942 – “It was agreed that the following addition should be made to the syllabus of the War Service Badge:- “Hours spend in earning the War Service Badge should not be taken from the time used for training at Company Meetings.””
August 1942 – “Cadet Berets. Cadets may wear berets of Headquarters blue, with the Cadet metal badge.”
August 1942 – “To ensure smartness in uniform, Guiders and Rangers should wear their hair off their collars.”
September 1942 – “The fact that the Ranger Guider may now be Warranted at 21 years instead of 25 enables Commissioners to appoint younger Guiders when circumstances make it advisable.”
September 1942 – “The Executive Committee has authorised the wearing of Green Lanyards by holders of the Camper’s Licence. This only applies to Licence holders who are making use of their Licences and who have obtained their C.C.A.’s permission. Green Lanyards may be worn at all times and not only when in camp.”
September 1942 – new AB Test for Sea Rangers. “1) Intelligence. (i) Signal and read simple message in semaphore. (ii) Read a nautical book and Sea Ranger Handbook “Sea Sense”. (iii) Be familiar with the “History of Shipping” from the earliest time to the present day. (iv) Have a knowledge of the flags of the Merchant Service of the different nations. (v) Know and describe intelligently: (a) The rig of six ships or boats, (b) Six types of craft, (c) Six cargoes, and how they are stowed, from where they come, and for what they are used. (vi) Have knowledge of: (a) Six fish and their habits and how they are caught, or (b) Six birds and their nesting places, or (c) Six seaweeds and where they grow, or (d) Six constellations and how to find your direction by three of them. 2) Handcraft. Use seven knots useful for boatwork, splice a rope and make a lanyard using at least eight fancy knots (to include plaits and twists and a Turk’s head). 3) Health and Service. Know the common nautical terms used in connection with boats; row a boat with others and make a boat fast.
September 1942 – “Substitute Brownie Recruit Badge. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining badges, Brownie Packs may invent a substitute for the Recruit Badge for the Brownie to be enrolled and to wear until a metal one is available.”
September 1942 – “Proficiency Badges. It is hoped that we shall now be able to get Proficiency Badges, provided we revert in some cases to the embroidered cloth badge.”
October 1942 – “Patrol Leaders’ Camp Permit Green Shoulder Stripes. These will be issued by C.C.A.’s.”
October 1942 – “The Traveller’s Badge, which was passed in December 1941, has come in for some criticism as not being drawn up sufficiently on a world basis. One Examiner has sent in suggestions for a revision of the syllabus, and suggestions and criticisms are invited from Commissioners and Guiders.” The suggestions were published, with criticisms.
November 1942 – “The Board of Trade can no longer release supplies of leather for Girl Guide and Brownie belts, and at present no further orders can be taken. We are still hoping to secure material for a substitute, and as soon as possible further information will be published in The Guider.”
December 1942 – “Uniform – Ranger Notice. In order to make the Ranger Branch keep up a high standard of uniform smartness, in spite of war-time difficulties, it has been decided that the uniform colour for Rangers shall be grey for jerseys and shirts, and new Companies are advised to start with grey. It is realised that some Companies are already equipped with jerseys and shirts of other colours, and it is not intended that they should feel they have knitted in vain. These Companies may perhaps decide to change by degrees to the Ranger grey, in which case new recruits could start in grey and worn-out jerseys could be replaced by grey. For the same reason as above it has also been decided to have all Rangers wearing red woggles; these may still vary in design and texture, but all in one colour will add to the general smartness. Scarves will remain navy blue, folded Scout-wise. Berets are navy. Sea Rangers will continue to wear navy blue jerseys in the winter and white shirts in the summer, and only wear navy blue shirts when neither are available. Scarves are black with royal blue woggles.”
December 1942 – “Ranger Guiders wearing coats and skirts or overalls may wear dark blue open-ended ties.”
December 1942 – “Guiders Hats. A vertical strip of ribbon will be used on Guiders’ hats in the place of cockades (where these are not procurable) and the County Badge will be worn in the middle of the strip. Outstanding orders for cockades will be executed, but new orders will now receive strips of ribbon (obtainable from headquarters).”
December 1942 – “The following sea subjects were added to the Headquarters Instructor’s Certificates: Boat orders and procedure. Ships and shipping (history, types and rigs). Cargoes and trade routes. Elementary navigation. Care and repair of boats, Construction of boats. Sailing Charges. International Code and two of the following: Burgees, heraldry, flags. Nature lore for seas. Weather lore, winds and tides. Drill and Sea Ranger ceremonial. Compass and charts. Knots and cordage, including netting.
December 1942 – All Round Cords – “The candidate must have completed the syllabus for this Award before her 17th birthday.”

1943

January 1943 – Extension Branch launces the new Extension Ranger Service Scheme, consisting of a Pre-Enrolment Test, Preliminary Test, Intermediate Test and Advanced Test, in the same format as for the Ranger HES scheme.
January 1943 – “Extension Ranger Companies will continue to wear the old Ranger uniform, without top pockets, shoulder knots, emblems, etc. On passing each of the three tests, Rangers will be given a strip of royal blue cloth to be sewn vertically on the left sleeve.”
January 1943 – “The H.E.S. armlet is worn on the right arm, and the following badges on a plain armlet on the left arm; First Aider, R.L.S.S., Signalling Transmitter, and A.B.. Stripes will not in future be worn on the H.E.S. Armlet now that the scheme has been extended, and Certificates will take the place or Ranger Badges.”
January 1943 – “The following colours for strips for Guiders’ hats were approved: Captain: Navy blue strip edged with pale blue. Ranger Captain: Navy blue strip edged with red. (Navy blue cockades to be worn while still available, but red must not be added to the cockade.)”
January 1943 – “Commissioners who hold a Campers’ Licence may wear a green lanyard when in an overall.”
February 1943 – “Foxlease now belongs absolutely to the Girl Guides Association . . . Foxlease was given over to the Girl Guides Association for a period of twenty-one years, this arrangement being made in order that Mrs Archbold might be assured that good use was being made of the property and that there was no suggestion on the part of the Association of the sale of the estate.”
March 1943 – Pax Hill, the pre-war home of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, now belongs to the Girl Guides Association, having been donated by the Chief Guide.
May 1943 – “Ranger Home Emergency Service for Lones” published.
May 1943 – “Square Centres – These Youth Centres now have official recognition by Imperial Headquarters as a development of Guiding, and Centre Leaders are eligible for membership of the Headquarters Provident Fund.”
June 1943 – “Belts. We much regret to announce that no further orders can be accepted for belts either for Brownies, Guides, Rangers or Guiders. Advice as to the best way to meeting this latest uniform emergency will appear in next month’s ‘Guider’. Lanyards. Lanyards are optional for all Guiders (except for Sea Ranger Guiders).”
June 1943 – “It should be noted that the syllabus of the Guide Second Class is as published in the last issue of ‘The Guider’, and the Shortened War-time alternative test should not now be used.”
August 1943 – “It was agreed to form a Trefoil Guild. Details will appear in the September Guider.”
August 1943 – “‘Old Guides’ will now automatically become members of the Trefoil Guild. Existing Groups will become Branches of the Guild and be able to wear uniform as laid down for Guild members, but may continue to wear Old Guide ties if they cannot obtain them in wine colour.”
November 1943 – “It was agreed that until warranted, new Commissioners should wear the ordinary uniform with the exception of the cockade (in view of the fact that cords are not now available) which will be supplied when the warrant is issued. The hat may be turned up with a County badge.”
November 1943 – “Green lanyards may be worn by holders of the Campers’ Licence who are active campers. They may be worn at all times and not only when in camp. A Commissioner licence holder may wear one when in an overall.”
December 1943 – “As a result of the Scout and Guide Commission, a Standing Committee has been formed, to consider questions affecting both Associations.”
December 1943 – “It was agreed that where metal County badges are unobtainable, cloth County badges may be sewn at the base of the cockade on Guiders’ hats.”

1944

January 1944 – “It was decided that Commissioners who hold the First Class Badge may wear their metal badge when in an overall.”
January 1944 – “It is permissable to use signalling flags that are smaller than the regulation size where there is difficulty in obtaining the correct size owing to the shortage of material. For the same reason the official colour of blue and white need not be adhered to at the present time.”
January 1944 – “Since the publication of the new edition of P.O.R. queries have arisen in connection with the International Knowledge Badge, which is now the only alternative to the Interpreter Badge in section 4 of the Gold Cord Test. In order that Guides who have already taken the Traveller Badge and have nearly completed the whole test should not be penalised, the following ruling has been approved for England, Wales, Scotland and Ulster; Until April 1st, 1944, The Traveller Badge will be accepted as an alternative to the Interpreter or International Knowledge Badge. Until 1st Octiber 1944, clause 3 of the International Knowledge Badge may be amended as follows: ‘correspond for six months with a Guide from a foreign country.’ as a qualification for Gold Cords only. Guiders are asked to note that this correspondence must be with a Guide from a foreign country, but not necessarily in a foreign country.”
March 1944 – “It was agreed to continue the use of Guide and Ranger Lone Badges, but not to adopt a special Sea Ranger Lone Badge.”
March 1944 “The Guide ruling that all tents must be camouflaged is now rescinded and in future County Camp Advisers, in consultation with their County Police, are responsible for the camouflage regulations in their counties.”
April 1944 – The new Junior Quartermaster Certificate “has been instituted for young Guiders, Cadets and Rangers who are keen on catering and cooking, but who lack the experience of quartermastership for the larger numbers of a Company camp.”
April 1944 – Amended boating rules were approved.
May 1944 – The Ulster Guides Training Centre was opened at Knocktarna, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, on 28 February 1944.
June 1944 – “The following recommendations regarding Cadets were approved: 1) Entry into a Cadet Company. That if a Guide or Ranger wishes to become a Cadet she should seek the advice of her Captain, who will consult the Cadet Captain and District Commissioner. If a non-Guide wishes to become a Cadet she should approach the Cadet Captain and Commissioner direct. 2) Age. That the age of entry should be 16. 3) Attendance. That it be represented to Commissioners that regular attendance at the Cadet Company meeting is of first importance to a Cadet if her training is to be carried through successfully, and that while experience of working with Brownies or Guides is an essential part of their training, opportunities for gaining such experience should be offered to the Cadet only at the discretion of the Cadet Captain. 4) International. That much more emphasis be put on international training, and that Cadet Companies be encouraged to visit other countries or entertain visitors from other countries. 5) Camping. That before completing her training a Cadet should hold some camping qualification, e.g. Campcraft, Quartermaster Certificate, Junior Quartermaster Certificate, Roving Camper, etc., and in the case of a school company should have camped at least once outside her college or school grounds. The following recommendation was approved in principle:- 6) Investiture. That there should be an Investiture Test to be taken after three months, but within a year of entry into the Company, and to include: – (i) A special challenge to each particular girl according to her needs, this to be decided upon by the candidate in consultation with the Court of Honour. (Note – It is suggested that an overnight hike in tent or barn will be a suitable test for an average Cadet. Any alternative should include equal opportunities for adventure and enoyment and should aim at developing initiative, self-reliance, endurance and a sense of responsibility.) (ii) A high personal standard of appearance, manners and reliability.”
June 1944 “The term “Guide Sign” supercedes that of “half salute” which as such is discontinued.”
June 1944 – “The Executive expressed their gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for honouring the Movement by allowing H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth to become the first Vice-Patron of the Association.”
June 1944 – Civil Defence Chevrons – “It was agreed that those entitled to chevrons should be permitted to wear them in Guide uniform.”
June 1944 – Traveller’s Badge – “This was withdrawn when the 1943 edition of P.O.R. was published. Its place has been taken by the International Knowledge Badge.”
June 1944 – “The new wristlet Trefoil badge, complete with leather strap, can now be obtained in bronze or silver. This badge can be used as an identity disc with the name and identity number engraved on the back.”
July 1944 – “That as a war-time measure and in exceptional circumstances, Commissioners have the power to recommend for warrants for Captains and Brown Owls of 18 years of age, and Lieutenants and Tawny Owls of 16 years of age.”
July 1944 – H.E.S. Armlets and Armlet Badges. “The present stock of H.E.S. Armlets is now exhausted and the new Armlet badge is available. It had been hoped to provide with this ana 3-in band, but the necessary material cannot be obtained, so winners of the Armlet are asked to make their own band in any navy blue material procurable.”
July 1944 – “It was agreed that the age limit for members of the Trefoil Guild should not be lowered, but that ex-Rangers under 21 should be advised either to train as Guiders or to become Lones.”
August 1944 – For her 18th birthday, the Girl Guides Association gave Princess Elizabeth a present of a camp kit, consisting of: “A tent – “Alaskan” from Camp and Sports co-operators. A ground sheet, sleeping bag, 2 blankets, small pillow. All in holdall made of tent material. Rucsac, 2 white cotton damp-proofed bags for clothes, 1 bag for hair brush etc., small looking glass, oil silk sponge and tooth brush cases, hussif – white linen worked with blue, shoe and badge cleaning outfit in a bag, soap box and tooth mug, mug and plates in a bag, spoons, forks and knife in case, aluminium egg cup, aluminium billy can in a bag, aluminium frying pan in a bag, 2 aluminium screw-top boxes for rations, canvas bucket and basin in a bag, small hatchet with leather sheath.”
August 1944 – “It has now been decided to experiment with Air Ranger crews with the idea of eventually forming an Air Section of the Ranger Branch. Crews will experiment for one year on a suggested scheme of training, reporting progress and experience.” “No special uniform or badge will be issued during the first year. New members will be enrolled as Rangers.”
August 1944 – “The first Ranger Supplement appeared in The Guide on June 30th. The next will appear on September 29th . . . Rangers should not now read The Guider.”
October 1944 – Gold Cords – “It was decided that the Empire Knowledge Badge should be an alternative to the International Knowledge and Interpreter Badge.”
October 1944 – “It was agreed to give permission to Cadets to wear the metal First Class badge. Cadets do not wear Proficiency Badges.”
October 1944 – “It was decided that, as a war-time emergency measure, which may be reconsidered at a future date, Sea Ranger Crews should be permitted to wear navy blue berets like the present-day W.R.N.S. hat, with Sea Ranger tally-bands. Guiders should continue to wear the present Sea Ranger hat and on no account should they wear the new style W.R.N.S. hat. The present Sea Ranger stitched hat to be correct uniform, but whichever hat is chosen the whole crew to wear the same style.”
December 1944 – Scheme for “International Friendship Companies” launched, encouraging Guide, Ranger or Cadet units in the British Empire to apply to be linked with a Company abroad, with the hope of exchange visits at some point in the future.
December 1944 – Initial ideas for post-war Ranger Programmes published.
December 1944 – “It has been obvious for some time that it is necessary that our uniform must be thoroughly examined and brought up-to-date. With this point in mind, the Executive have formed a sub-Committee to consider the whole question and make recommendations . . . they are asking several well-known dress designers to submit drawings.”

1945

January 1945 – Acquisition of Netherurd as Scottish Guider Training School
January 1945 – Post-War Ranger proposals published, consisting of a Pre-enrolment test, a Ranger Test, and Specialised Certificate Work.
January 1945 – as an alternative to the present shape of Guide standards, a small square banner, more comparable in size and shape to a regimental flag, will be permitted.
February 1945 – A Cadet Guiders’ Handbook is to be produced, following requests.
March 1945 – Homecraft Training Centre at Pax Hill announced, offering 5-6 month residential courses for Rangers, Cadets and Guiders.
March 1945 – Sea Rangers must cease carrying the Red Ensign out-of-doors or hoisting it in camp.
March 1945 – the Campcraft Certificate to be renamed the Camp Certificate, and certain alterations made to the syllabus. A new Guider’s Camp Permit to be introduced – “This Permit entitles a Guider to take a camp not exceeding 12 in number, on a site approved by her C.A., preferably in her own County. At least one other experienced camper over 18 to be included in the party.”
March 1945 – “County Cadets” scheme introduced “to help Commissioners train girls aged 16-18 for whom no local Cadet Company is available.”
March 1945 – “Waddow is being handed back to the Association by the Ministry of Health, and will open as a Training Centre early in May.”
April 1945 – Princess Elizabeth has been appointed Commodore of the Sea Ranger Section.
June 1945 – Ranger Post-War Programme published, comprising Pre-Enrolment Test, Specialised Training, and with the Ranger Service Star replacing the Home Emergency Service.
June 1945 – uniform questionnaire published, together with illustrations of suggested options.
July 1945 – Obituary of the founder, Miss Agnes Baden-Powell (listed as “Miss Baden-Powell, the Founder’s sister”
July 1945 – “the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty had been pleased to accord their recognition to the Sea Ranger Section. Conditions of recognition were considered and will be published as soon as approved.”
July 1945 – “Air Ranger Section – This section of the Ranger Branch has now been formed officially. The syllabus for Air Ranger Tests were approved in principle, and it was agreed that these should be circulated to Flights and reconsidered after an experimental period.”
July 1945 – It was agreed that the rule proposed in the 1943 edition of POR regarding having set durations for roles should come into force, with the first year’s resignations falling due in December 1945: “All Commissioners and Secretaries will be appointed for a tern not exceeding five years, such appointment to be extended if desired for a further term of three years, and again for a further two years, after which there should be a break of three years at least before the same appointment is held again. In the first year in which this is put into force, every Commissioner and Secretary who has served in one capacity for twenty years or over should resign, in the second year, those having served fifteen years or over, in the third year those having served twelve years or over, and in the fourth year those having served ten years or over. A resigning Commissioner or Secretary may be invited to serve in another locality or in some other capacity.”
August 1945 – “Cadet Guiders will welcome the publication of their first official handbook.”
August 1945 – “Air Ranger Section. This section of the Ranger Branch has been formed officially. Flights who have been ‘experimental’ should now register officially at Headquarters and new Flights should register at once. Air Ranger Flights are registered under a number followed by the name of the town or village where their headquarters are situated, e.g. No. 1 Brighton Air Ranger Flight. Air Ranger Flights may only be formed where opportunity exists for flying and gliding or practical work on aircraft or on an aerodrome is available.”
August 1945 – Air Ranger Guider Uniform: “As for other Ranger Guiders, except for the following: Hat – Felt, with black mohair band. Tie – black. Tenderfoot badge – Pale blue enamel. Captain’s warrant brooch – Pale blue enamel. Alternative Uniform – As for Air Rangers, with warrant brooch worn below woggle on the scarf, and metal county badge on beret. Undress Uniform – As for other Ranger Guiders, or, for air work, the same as for Air Rangers.
August 1945 – Air Ranger Uniform: “Skirt – Navy Blue. Jersey – Air Force Blue. Shirt – Air Force Blue cotton. Tie – Black triangular, worn scarf-wise, with point at back of neck. Woggle – Air Force Blue. Hat – Navy Blue beret. Tenderfoot Badge – Pale Blue enamel. Belt – Brown leather, with official buckle. Knife – Worn attached to right side without lanyard. Stockings or Socks – Brown – leafmould. Shoes – Brown. For Air work only – Navy blue slacks (not shorts) of woollen material may be worn, with jersey or shirt. For working rig, navy blue boiler suits with long sleeves may be worn.”
August 1945 – “An outdoor award for Guides has been instituted to be known as the ‘Woodcraft Emblem’. Syllabus: Hold the following badges a) Pioneer. b) Hiker. c) Two other Badges chosen by herself from the following list:- Astronomer, Birdwatcher, Naturalist, Stalker, Woodman.”
August 1945 – “Sea Ranger Crews who are intending to make a burgee should note that the design should first be submitted for approval to The Imperial Sea Ranger Heraldry Adviser . . . Scottish Crews should send their designs to The Scottish Heraldry Adviser”
August 1945 – “White Hat Covers. These should not be worn by Sea Rangers or Guiders until a notice is published in The Guider giving permission to do so.”
October 1945 – Announcement of the purposes to which the B.P. Memorial Fund, raised following the death of Lord Baden-Powell, would be put. £40,000 to be invested and the income to be used for the upkeep and overhead expenses of Pax Hill and it’s estate, for five years from January 1st, 1945, after which it would be reviewed. £10,000 set aside for the furnishings, re-decorations and beautification of Pax Hill and it’s estate. The remainder of the fund (approximately £50,000) to be invested and the income used annually on travelling bursaries to enable members of the Movement throughout the Empire to act as Guide emissaries and attend Guide gatherings, etc, in all parts of the world. This to be for a period of five years, after which it would be reviewed. “As Scotland, Wales and Ulster have already in hand certain projects (a Training School for Guiders in Scotland, a Camping Centre in Wales, a Training Centre and new Headquarters in Ulster) it was decided to refund them each £250 from the most generous gifts they have made to the Fund in order that they could furnish some special room as a Memorial to the Founder.”
November 1945 – “The Hostess Badge is now to be an individual badge instead of as at present an individual or patrol badge.”
November 1945 – The Brownie age range will now be seven and a half, to eleven years.
December 1945 – “It was decided that the following addition to Ranger Uniform should be made:- Battle blouses in navy blue waterproof cloth, without zipps, for the whole Branch. (Until Headquarters can supply them to a regular pattern, anything in a navy blue material may be worn.) In future jerseys are to be worn inside the skirt. Armlet – The wearing of armlets is to be discouraged and the wearing of the H.E.S. badge without an armlet encouraged.”

1946

February 1946 – The Queen’s Guide Award has been introduced as the highest award for Guides. “Her Majesty the Queen has given permission for the institution of a Queen’s Guide Award, the syllabus to be as follows: 1) Be a First Class Guide and hold either the Little House or Woodcraft Emblem. 2) Be recommended by the Court of Honour and known personally to the District Commissioner, whose responsibility it is to endorse the recommendation. 3) Be capable of a sustained effort of service, to groups or individuals, to consist of a) Regular service over a period of 12 weeks in the home, school, church or local community. b) At least 12 weeks’ work for an overseas community which could take the form of regular letter writing, or the making and collection of equipment, toys or scrap books for the benefit of the community. c) Finally, take a ‘Be Prepared’ test, the arrangements for which shall be the responsibility of a Diploma’d Guider or her nominee. Note – It is the responsibility of the District Court of Honour to consider annually whether the standard maintained by holders of the Queen’s Guide Award is such that the badge may continue to be worn. Conditions of the Award – 1) The candidate should still be a Guide when she gains the Award (being ready for the final test before her 17th birthday). 2) The badge will be the First Class Badge with a crown attached; after the Guide leaves the Company she should continue to wear the Queen’s Guide Badge in the same form as the First Class Badge is at present worn, i.e., cloth for Ranger, metal for Cadets and Guiders.”
February 1946 – “Extension Rangers may take the tests in the Ranger post-war programme subject to alternative tests for certain clauses being allowed. The Extension Ranger Service Test will continue as an alternative scheme of training for those unable to undertake the Ranger post-war programme.”
February 1946 – “The Gold Cord Test has been abolished. (Guides at present working on the Gold Cord Syllabus will be allowed to take the test up to the end of July.)”
February 1946 – “The Medal of Merit, in conformity with the other Good Service awards, will in future be worn round the neck on a navy blue cord, instead of on a bar as at present. The white ribbon will continue to be worn on unofficial occasions. Will any holders of the Medal of Merit who would like to exchange the silver bar for a navy cord kindly apply to the Secretary of the Awards Committee at Imperial Headquarters.”

1947

March 1947 – a house has been taken in Belgrave Square in London for “The Guide Club” – it now needs to be altered, adapted and cleaned, but it is hoped it will become a “centre where Overseas Guides can meet, and where bedrooms will be available. The clubrooms, restaurant and snack bar should be of real value to Guiders in Great Britain.”
March 1947 – suggested new Sea Ranger Ceremonial for ‘Divisions’, ‘Colours’, ‘Inspection’, ‘Prayers’, and ‘Sunset’, each based on the formats used by Sea Cadets.
March 1947 – the B.P. Memorial Tablet is to be unveiled on 23rd April at Westminster Abbey, admission by invitation.
March 1947 – Sea Ranger Burgees – “a design, approved by the Admiralty, was passed for use by crews, and it was agreed that all designs for burgees must be submitted to Headquarters for approval before being made.”
August 1947 – Extension Ranger Uniform – “Extension Ranger Companies should be allowed to wear either green or grey jerseys, according to the choice of the company, provided that the whole company wear the same colour.”
August 1947 – “It has been agreed that Commissioners shall wear a Lapel Badge, the design for which has been approved. (Badges are not yet in stock).”
August 1947 “In future holders of the Chief’s Diploma will wear gold and navy blue cords, and Ranger Diploma’d Guiders, one red strand and two navy strands.”

1948

February 1948 – a new booklet, “Colour Ceremonial” has been published giving guidance on ceremonial in Guiding.
March 1948 – “The Executive Committee has agreed that the ribbon of the Medal of Merit should be changed from white to navy blue with white edges. Holders of this award are asked to apply to the Awards Secretary at Imperial Headquarters for a new ribbon bar, enclosing an addressed envelope. Until supplies of ribbon are more plentiful, the Medal of Merit will be worn on a navy blue cord as at present.”

1949

January 1949 – Introduction of Commissioner Lapel Badges – Chief Commissioner: gold, County Commissioner: silver with gold enamel, Division Commissioner: silver-coloured metal with white enamel, District Commissioner: silver-coloured metal with blue enamel.

1950

January 1950 – Brownie Berets are now official wear for Brownies as an alternative to caps provided that the whole pack wear the same.
March 1950 – from January 1951 Pax Hill will become a training centre for the “National Institute of Houseworkers” and all of it’s students will sit for the Diploma Examination of the National Institute.
May 1950 – specially-designed scrolls have been created, which will travel across the UK before being presented to the delegations of each country attending this year’s World Conference in Oxford. Each vellum scroll will have a message of greeting, and will be accompanied by two log books – a ‘book of friendship’ written by Guiding members in each County, and one which travels with the individual scroll detailing the names of all who have carried the individual scroll as it is passed from hand to hand en route to Oxford.
May 1950 – the second All-England Ranger Rally will be held in London on 20-22 October.
May 1950 – “Sunday, July 16th, is to be kept as Guide Sunday, when thanksgivings may be offered for the 40th anniversary of Guiding.”
August 1950 – “Training for Flight” has been published to help Air Ranger Flights understand the Leading Air Ranger test.
September 1950 – There is no longer a Uniform Committee; the uniform chapter of POR has been simplified. “the keynote will be found to be ‘responsible freedom’.”
October 1950 – alterations to the Headquarters Music Training Qualifications. These will now be ‘Campfire Instructor’ (who may specialise in either music, or acting and storytelling), and ‘Music Instructor’.
October 1950 – “The correct ribbon for the Beaver (navy-blue with a light blue stripe) and for the Medal of Merit (navy blue with white edges) is now available and will be sent to Commissioners and Guiders, whose awards have the temporary dark blue ribbon or cord, on application to the Awards Secretary at Headquarters.”
November 1950 – “The Ranger Branch is arranging for the production of one experimental batch of woven Ranger Star Badges which will be considerably cheaper. When they become available the price will be announced.”
December 1950 – the ‘Chief Guide’s Patrol Challenge’ will launch on 8th December and the tests must be completed by the end of May 1951.

1951

February 1951 – Commissioner’s lapel badges: “County: Silver with gold enamel. Assistant county: Silver with gold enamel. Division: Silver coloured metal with white enamel. Assistant Division: Silver coloured metal with white enamel. District: Silver coloured metal with blue enamel.”
February 1951 – Local Presidents’ distinguishing marks: “Badge . . . Trefoil on ribbon bow worn, when not in uniform, on the left breast.” Delete ‘Sash’ and substitute “Ribbon Bow – County: Gold and silver. Division: Silver. District: Hyacinth blue.”
February 1951 “Ex-Ranger members of the Trefoil Guild under the age of 25 may, with the Commissioner’s permission, wear their Ranger uniform should they take part in any special Ranger activities.”
August 1951 – new Ranger Certificates – Guide Knowledge and Service To The Handicapped.
August 1951 – Boating Permit – royal blue enamel bar. “An ‘S’ may be painted on the bar by Sea Rangers holding a Sailing Permit.”
August 1951 – the new leaflet on Communism “should be distributed free to every Commissioner and to every Guide, Ranger and Cadet Captain in Great Britain because of the importance which Headquarters laid on this statement.”
September 1951 – the GIS will end it’s work on 31 December 1951.
November 1951 – “The Ranger Branch is instituting a new certificate entitled ‘Civil Defence’ for those Rangers who can obtain the services of a C.D. General Instructor to instruct and put them through an elementary test.”
November 1951 – “Approval was given to the syllabus for a new Gardener Pack Badge.”

1952

April 1952 – The last three GIS workers – Miss Hesketh, Miss Ryder and Miss Edmondson – returned from Germany in early April.
May 1952 – “The Brownie Pack Holiday House at Waddow will be opened on Saturday, June 28th, at 3 p.m., by Miss Christine Pilkington.”
June 1952 – Britain’s International Camp 1952 is being held at Hall Barn, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, from 8th to 18th August.
July 1952 – Replacement syllabus for Guide Gymnast Badge. New Syllabus for Ranger Coast and River Service ‘Signalling Transmitter’.” “For Sea Ranger Guiders the navy blue felt hat should be worn as a tricorne together with black mohair band and the Sea Ranger Guiders’ cap badge.” “As an alternative the navy blue tailored beret (official pattern) may be worn.”
September 1952 – A plaque was unveiled at Headquarters on July 21st, commemorating the work done by the GIS in Egypt, Greece, The Netherlands, Germany and Malaya.
September 1952 – “The A.B. and the Seamanship Certificate have been divided up and made into three tests, to be called the Ordinary Sea Ranger, the A.B., and the Leading Sea Ranger tests.”
November 1952 – A ‘Coronation Tribute’ has been agreed, which will involve each unit completing a record card of the special good turns they have done in their community from Thinking Day 1953 for three months. A selection of cards from each County or Country will be forwarded to Headquarters, from which a number will be forwarded to the Queen – details of which ones are forwarded to the Queen will not be revealed.
November 1952 – The intermediate ‘Golden Ladder’ test is to be introduced into the Brownie programme, as an option to bridge the gap between the Second and First Class test. The tests will be 1) Must know 15 letters of the alphabet in semaphore and be able to send and receive simple words. 2) Be able to set a compass and know 8 points. 3) Knit a small useful article. 4) Fold clothes neatly. 5) Skip thirty times without a break, turning the rope backwards. 6) Throw a ball overarm, to land over a line seven yards away, within two side lines three yards apart. 7) Clean shoes. 8) Carry a message of at least twelve words in her head for over five minutes and deliver it correctly.
November 1952 – It has agreed that Pax Hill and the properties on the estate should be offered for sale, and the resulting proceeds given back to Lady Baden-Powell, in order that she may carry on her Guiding work. This will mean the closure of the Homecraft Training Scheme on 28th April 1953, at the conclusion of the present course.

1953

January 1953 – Obituaries for Dame Katherine Furse, founder of Sea Guides and of the World Bureau, and for Mrs Agatha Blyth, founder of the Guide Officer Training School, and member of the Council for 35 years.
January 1953 – The Coronation badge, price 9d, is now available to order. “They should not be worn until February 22nd, when the Tribute Scheme starts, and will be worn as follow until the end of 1953. Brownies: On the flap of the right pocket. Guides: Above the right pocket. Rangers, Cadets, Guiders: Above the right pocket of the battle blouse. A second one may be worn in a corresponding position on the shirt. Commissioners and Secretaries: Above the right pocket when wearing a coat and skirt. When wearing a battle blouse, the same as for Rangers, Cadets and Guiders.” “It is understood that no-one will wear the emblem unless she has genuinely made her plans for the Tribute she is giving to the Queen in Coronation year.”
January 1953 – “The Executive Committee has now approved a new syllabus for Queen’s Guides and this will be printed in the 1953 edition of Policy, Organisation and Rules.”
March 1953 – Princess Margaret becomes Chief Ranger of the Empire, replacing her elder sister.
March 1953 – Holger Nielsen method to replace Schafer method of artificial respiration.
March 1953 – Suggested ceremony for making the “offering of the tribute” – announcing the unit good turns which the unit has undertaken as their ‘Tribute of Service’ and listed on their official record cards..
March 1953 – A suggestion by the Music Adviser that “Softly Falls The Close of Day” should be dropped from use because it’s lyrics are sentimental, and because it’s tune is shared with the anthem “The Red Flag” which is a Communist anthem.
July 1953 – “The Queen’s Guide leaflet, dealing with the new Queen’s Guide syllabus, is now available from I.H.Q.”
September 1953 – “Reports were also received on the ending of the Homecraft Training Course and the closing down sale of Pax Hill”.
September 1953 – obituary of Norah MacFarlane, the first “Eagle Owl” (Brownie section trainer).

1954

January 1954 – discussion of an instance of a Manchester Guider being asked to resign due to membership of the Communist political party.
January 1954 – a pack certificate is awarded to packs who complete the Gardener, Handwork or Player pack badges. Not less than two-thirds of the pack should take part, and a pack may re-enter for a Pack Badge after a lapse of two years.
February 1954 – “Hints on Girl Guide Badges: Because of the mounting cost of publishing this book as a whole it was recently decided to split it up into a series of booklets on single badges or groups of badges, with a selling price within the reach of Guides.”
March 1954 – advice on use of the Brownie Pennant – can be used at church parades, revels and perhaps at enrolments. “It should be carried upright and the child should hold it with both hands. It should not be carried with a holster”. Escorts are optional. “It should always be cased when carried in the street”. The pennant can be dedicated or blessed if units wish. “It is not equivalent to Colours. It is not a flag and there is no ceremonial attached to it.”
March 1954 – “The Sea Ranger Section will be interested to hear that the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty have generously given permission for the rope and crown surround to the ship’s badge to be incorporated in the Sea Ranger burgee.” “It is hoped that a transfer of the rope and crown surround will soon be available.”
March 1954 (“The Guide”) – the Recruit Test has been renamed the “Golden Badge”. “it has been changed so that new members of the pack will be reminded that they are working towards that shining golden enrolment badge.”
April 1954 – Girl Guide Biscuit Week is to be held on 31st May – 5th June. Half-pound packets of shortcake biscuits are being made by Wright’s Biscuits of South Shields, to be sold at 1s. 4d. per packet, of which 2d. will go to the “Endowment Fund”. Members asked to request that their grocers order in a supply, publicise the scheme, and shop early in the week.
April 1954 – G.I.S. Committee dissolved. Some work still ongoing – sponsorship of people in old folks home, and some children being educated in UK schools through the Education project, hence the G.I.S. Fund cannot yet be wound up yet.
July 1954 – Uniform amendment for Sea Ranger Guiders – “Sea Ranger Guiders, when wearing a tricorne, should wear the cloth county bade on the left shoulder of the battledress blouse. When wearing a beret they should wear the county badge on the diamond-shaped felt in the usual way.
September 1954 – announcement of a remembrance fund for Katharine Furse and Rose Kerr, the money to be invested and the interest used for the endowment of “Our Ark”.
September 1954 – Irene McKibbin Memorial Cabin opened, as a memorial to the Ulster trainer.

1955

February 1955 – “Suggestions are invited for ways in which all members of the Guide and Scout Movement all over the world could join together in commemorating in 1957 the centenary of the Founder’s birth and the inspiration of his leadership.”
February 1955 – A proposal from the Chief Commissioner’s Conference in July 1954 was that the warrant badge for all branches should be in the same style, rather than have the owl warrant badges in the Brownie section. In many parts of the Commonwealth the owl is not relevant – either they do not use the Brownie Story, or owls have a bad press, or are unknown. Opinions were sought on the proposal.
February 1955 – New Brownie Proficiency Badge introduced – Animal Lover.
March 1955 – New style Ranger Cap available, in navy blue rayon gaberdine, forage-cap style, for Land and Air Rangers.
May 1955 – A new Extension Proficiency Badge, Swimmer, has been introduced.
July 1995 – the Mobile Training Unit, paid for by the King George VI Memorial Fund, has been opened and is now at work in Wales.
July 1955 – Imperial Headquarters has been renamed as Commonwealth Headquarters.
October 1955 – “The Chief Commissioner’s Patrol Challenge” launched – a challenge for Guide Patrols with a set of tasks to complete, after which the Patrol would receive a letter from Lady Stratheden which could be framed for the Patrol Corner or displayed in the Patrol Log Book.
November 1955 – “Republic Pictures Inc. announced recently that they are to make a full-length feature film of the life of the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell, of Gilwell, in time for the centenary celebrations. The script will be written by Mr Warren Duff and it will be directed by Mr Frank Lloyd, who first met B-P when he was filming ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’.”

1956

November 1956 – The Founder’s centenary year in 1957 will be marked by a world good turn on the theme of ‘Homes of today and tomorrow’. A ‘World Good Turn Packet’ was produced including a leaflet, pictures of items to give ideas for good turns in the home, and a printed folder giving activity ideas. “Six special Good Turns is the target. Two must be chosen from each of the printed lists but the number may be made up as you like, either from the lists or from your own original ideas of how best to carry out the Founder’s wishes.”
November 1956 – Each member will be asked to put a light in a window of her house on the evening of Thinking Day.
November 1956 – “The Guide World Bureau and the Scout International Bureau have jointly agreed a design to be used all over the world by Scouts and Guides in the Founder’s Centenary year. This is being produced by C.H.Q. for British Guides in woven ribbon, priced 1s. 10d. per dozen, postage 1 1/2 d, and a metal bar badge, price 1s. each, postage 2 1/2d each, 4d. per dozen. These badges may be worn by any member of the Movement, past or present, either in uniform or in ordinary clothes, starting from the actual Centenary anniversary, 22nd February 1957, until the end of the year.”
November 1956 – to mark the Centenary, World Camps are being held in The Philippines (19 January – 2 February), Switzerland (22 July – 3 August), Canada (8-19 August), and in Windsor, England (26 July – 8 August). The UK party of 2 Leaders, 3 Cadets, 3 Rangers and 2 Guides will sail for The Philippines in December.

1957

January 1957 – “On Thursday 8th November, 1956, the Guide Association offered the use of Foxlease to the British Council for Aid to Refugees.” “There are at present eight families at Foxlease, each occupying their own bedrooms and sitting at a family table in the dining room.”
July 1957 – Windsor World Camp held, to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Robert Baden-Powell.
September 1957 – The Scottish Extension International Centenary Camp held, with Guides from Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, England, Wales and Scotland, camping in the grounds of the Trefoil School, near Edinburgh. It was the first Extension International Camp to be held in Scotland.

1958

March 1958 – The Foxlease barn has been totally destroyed by fire. There is no possibility of restoring the barn, but another building will be erected, and an architect is working on plans.
May 1958 – The Foxlease Barn burnt to the ground on Saturday 11th January. A barn fair is being held on 2th July to fundraise towards a new cedarwood building.
August 1958 – “A new medal, the Oak Leaf, is replacing the Certificate of Merit for Good Service” “The Certificate of Merit is being retained for Galantry and Fortitude as at present.” “This change has been made retrospective and holders of the Certificate of Merit for Good Service are invited to apply for The Oak Leaf which will be worn on ceremonial occasions on a blue and green ribbon round the neck in the same way as other Good Service Awards. A medal ribbon will be provided to be worn on the right breast in uniform.”
September 1958 – a national Cadet Rally will be held in London on 4-5 April 1959.
September 1958 – “the Executive Committee has now approved the recommendation that Cadets may wear the Cadet badge on their ties when they become Guiders.”
September 1958 – Following the two-year test period, a new Second Class test has been agreed, along with minor adjustments to the Tenderfoot and First Class tests. These can be used immediately, but will apply fully from 1st January 1959.
December 1958 – The opening ceremony for the Foxlease Barn was held on 8th November.

1959

April 1959 – “An alternative camp uniform for Rangers, Cadets and young Guiders, consisting of shirt, with or without sleeves, skirt and shorts, can now be made in light navy blue ‘Lystav’ at 5s. 1d. a yard.”
May 1959 – New Extension Proficiency Badge, Camper, introduced.
June 1959 – POR amendments – “Delete British Commonwealth Knowledge and substitute new syllabus of the Commonwealth Knowledge Badge.”
June 1959 – “In answer to a general demand an alternative to the battledress blouse and skirt for Guiders, Rangers and Cadets has been designed and will be on sale from 1st July . . . This uniform will also be an alternative to the coat and skirt for Commissioners.”
July 1959 – “Her Majesty the Queen has authorised the re-formation of the 1st Buckingham Palace Brownie Pack”
August 1959 – “Our Ark. New premises have now been found and it is hoped Our Ark will be able to welcome guests at 43/45 Longridge Road, London WW5 early in October.”
September 1959 – Brownies can now gain two Proficiency Badges after gaining 2nd Class Badge.
September 1959 – Brownie ‘Guide’ proficiency badge renamed ‘Pathfinder’.
October 1959 – The Golden Jubilee is to be marked by a “Carnival of Proficiency Badges’ followed by a ‘Dance Drama’ with music which has been specially written for the occasion.” There is to be a Gala Performance on 21st July 1960, with further performances on 22nd and 23rd July.
November 1959 – a Standard for the Chief Commissioner of the Commonwealth has been designed and is in process of being made, as a gift to commemorate Jubilee Year.
November 1959 – “Sea Ranger Training Ship, M.T.B.630, has been paid off and is ready for return to the Admiralty.” “The Admiralty have now lent us another M.T.B., P3053”.
December 1959 – New Queen’s Guide Test published.
December 1959 – Position for Jubilee badges to be worn on uniform announced, and confirmation that “as from 1st January 1960, all badges will be worn in the same position on the old uniform as on the new”.

1960

January 1960 – Ranger International Certificate introduced.
February 1960 – New badge for enrolled members of the Local Association, to replace the white metal trefoil badge which tended to be confused with the silver Commissioner badge.
May 1960 – Dedication of new Commonwealth Chief Commissioner’s Standard.
July 1960 – Sea Ranger Training Ship, “Golden Hinde” commissioned, and named by Princes Margaret on 28th July
August 1960 – Uniform Queries: there are now two styles of navy uniform skirt, one with two inverted pleats at the back, the other has two inverted pleats back and front. Commissioners, Guiders, Cadets and Rangers wear the World Badge and Jubilee Badge “side-by-side on the left-hand side of the dress or shirt over the badge denoting rank or qualification.” “Q- On what occasions may Commissioners remove their jackets if they are wearing white shirts? A- If it is exceptionally hot the jacket may be removed during informal parts of a rally, visit to a camp, or similar occasion. Commissioners would use their discretion to distinguish between suitable and unsuitable moments for this measure of informality.” “Q- Do Rangers wear their badges on an armband? A- Yes, but only when wearing a battle-blouse or jacket, and then it is optional.”

1961

January 1961 – Long Service Award – navy blue ribbon with white knot, awarded for 15 years’ service to the Association, not necessarily consecutively.
August 1961 – a new magazine, “The Brownie” has been authorised and will be published later this year.

1962

July 1962 – “A splendid Guide film in colour entitled A Penny For Your Thoughts will be generally released on all Rank Circuits (Odeon Cinemas) from 13th August.”
September 1962 – Our Chalet’s 30th birthday marked.
September 1962 – From the September issue “The Ranger” will change it’s title to “Senior Branch News”.

1963

February 1963 – POR updates – Brownie Skater, and World Brownies proficiency badges introduced. Guide Agility and Weatherman proficiency badges introduced; Keep Fit badge withdrawn, syllabuses for Boatswain, Athlete and Health replaced.
April 1963 – Camp-Fire Leader Certificate introduced.
May 1963 – Brownsea Island opened to the public
July 1963 – International Knowledge proficiency badge for Guides withdrawn. World Friendship proficiency badge introduced. Syllabuses of Commonwealth Knowledge, Hostess and Interpreter replaced. New Ranger Skin Diver certificate introduced.
August 1963 – “It is not permissible for Guides to wear white ties as this is the distinguishing mark of the Cadet Section. Triangular white ties will continue to be sold by C.H.Q. Equipment Department for Guide Companies who wear a half-white and half-coloured tie.”
September 1963 – “a Guide who has passed any six clauses of First Class (excluding clause 1) may embroider a red edge on her Second Class Badge.”
November 1963 – Our Ark renamed Olave House, to mark it’s silver jubilee. The World Chief Guide will perform the renaming ceremony on November 5th.
November 1963 – ‘The Discoverers’ Challenge’ for Patrols launched – four challenges followed by an invitation to a special Discoverers’ Camp.
December 1963 – Minstrel proficiency badge for Brownies withdrawn, and Musician and Singer badges introduced. Weatherman added to the options for Woodcraft Emblem, Bellringer and Knotter syllabuses replaced.

1964

July 1964 – new Brownie proficiency badges introduced – Hostess, and Safety in the Home. Service Flash badge introduced for Guides, also Local History proficiency badge, Pathfinder syllabus replaced. New Skier certificate for Rangers also introduced.
October 1964 – new Guide ‘air-hostess’ style hat introduced, to replace the beret.

1965

March 1965 – death of HRH Princess Mary, Princess Royal, President of the Girl Guides Association 1920-1965.
June 1965 – Princess Margaret becomes President of Girl Guides Association.
July 1965 – Blue First Class badge abolished.
September 1965 – new Guide blouse launched, in rayon ‘Guidex’ fabric, to be worn with a mini-neckerchief crossover held in place by the Promise badge, with no lanyard or visible belt.
December 1965 – Holiday Permit Bar becomes available also small-size Guide proficiency badges. Backwoodsman Guide proficiency badge launched.

1966

January 1966 – For Guides, “When the present stocks of metal service stars are used up they will be replaced by blue cloth ones. On the new overblouse the star is worn on the left shoulder above the title tape, and will denote your total number of years of Brownie and Guide Service. On the old style blouse it is worn on the left pocket flap as with the metal star, but as it is a little bigger it may need to be put slightly nearer the centre. Either type of star may be worn on the old style blouse but cloth ones only on the new overblouse.”
August 1966 – “The Executive Committee has agreed that the present overblouse may now be tucked inside the skirt as an alternative to wearing it outside. Of course, the old-type blouse must be worn inside the skirt only.
August 1966 – A ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising challenge is launched to increase the size of Commonwealth Headquarters.
September 1966 – “The Working Party Report will be on sale on 14th September”
14 October 1966 – official opening of Sangam.
December 1966 – rationalisation of Good Service awards – Oak Leaf, Laurel Leaf and Beaver awards discontinued and replaced by Laurel Award. Silver Fish award and Good Service award retained.

1967

January 1967 – The following items from the “Tomorrow’s Guide” report will come into force immediately – the new Promise and Laws, amended Religious Policy, new definition of Aims and Methods, ‘Guider’ becomes collective term for adults holding active uniformed appointments, new names for Guiders come into use, new Section names come into use, Ranger Guide replaces Cadet and Rangers. ‘Patrol Leaders’ Council’ replaces ‘Court of Honour’, ‘Guides’ Own Service’ replaces Guides’ Own and Guiders’ Own. Guide Sign becomes Salute, new age ranges come into effect, Brownie three-finder Salute adopted, Senior Branch changed to Ranger Guide Service Units and all Units known as Ranger Guide Service Units. Other changes will be introduced in May, or when the handbooks become available.
February 1967 – New Guide Promise Ceremony wording – “For ex-Brownie Guides. ‘Guide Guider: As a Brownie Guide you have already made a promise to do your best: to do your duty to God, to serve the Queen and to help other people. Are you willing to renew this promise to do your best to keep the Guide Law?’ ‘Brownie Guide: Yes. I Promise that I will do my best: To do my duty to God, To serve the Queen and help other people and To keep the Guide Law.’ Guide Guider pins on badge and says: ‘I trust you to keep this Promise and to try to do at least one good turn every day.’ All Guides salute while the Brownie Guide salutes and makes her promise. For Those New to the Movement. ‘Guide Guider: Do you understand that as a Guide you will be trusted to do your best: to do your duty to God, to serve the Queen and help other people; to keep the Guide Law?.’. ‘Recruit: Yes.’ ‘Guide Guider: ‘Are you willing to make your Promise as a Guide?’ ‘Recruit: ‘Yes. I promise that I will do my best: To do my duty to God, To serve the Queen and help other people and To keep the Guide Law.’ ‘Guide Guider pins on badge and says: ‘I trust you to keep this Promise and to try to do at least one good turn every day.’
February 1967 – New Ranger uniform will be available from 6th February.
March 1967 – Tests during the programme transition period. Testing for all Brownie and Guide tests should end on 31 January 1968, with the exception of Queen’s Guide tests, which may be tested up to 30 April 1968. For those who may not be able to complete their current test by the end of the year:
Brownies – Brownies part-way through Golden Bar at that date may receive the badge and embroider a coloured line under the bar to denote 3, 6 or 9 clauses passed (green-3, red-6, blue-9). Brownies part-way through Golden Ladder may embroider the colours around the top bar. Brownies who have gained Golden Ladder but are unlikely to complete the Golden Hand by the end of January 1968 will be able to take Proficiency Badges.
Guides – Guides part-way through Second Class at the time may receive the badge and embroider a coloured line on it under the word ‘Guides’ to denote 3, 6 or 9 clauses passed. (green-3, red-6, blue-9). Guides who have completed Second Class but are unlikely to complete the First Class Badge by the end of January 1968 can try to pass 6 clauses of First Class, and then embroider a red edge to Second Class Badge, as they do now, or they can take Proficiency Badges.
Rangers – A girl joining a unit in September 1967 may be given the choice of either working for certificates and waiting until 1968 before starting on the new Ranger Investiture Challenge, or, Complete the present tests for investiture before 31 January 1968.
April 1967 – Competition launched to design a new ‘friendship badge’, to replace the existing design.
April 1967 – it is agreed policy that the wearing of sheath knives be restricted to camp and other appropriate activities for both Guides and Scouts.
May 1967 – Rationalisation of residential qualifications. Now Camper’s Licence, Pack Holiday Permit, Holiday Permit, Ranger Camp Permit and Patrol Camp Permit, plus Camp First Aid Certificate, and QM Certificate.
May 1967 – Glenbrook acquired as an adventurous activity centre for Guiding in England.
July 1967 – New insignia for Trainers. Silver to denote Diploma’d, Bronze to denote Certificated, Gold to denote Specialised Trainer. Those who have held a Diploma but are no longer using it wear Oxidised Silver insignia.
July 1967 – New Guide Proficiency Badge – Flower Arranger.
September 1967 – the new handbooks will be available on 18th March 1968, the Brownie Handbook will cost 5 shillings, the others 7 s. 6 d. The initial order will be distributed through District Commissioners.
October 1967 – New Brownie Dress on sale from 2nd October, with pockets on the skirt. It will be worn with a new style tie, in yellow.
October 1967 – Sangam opened on 16th October by Olave Baden-Powell
December 1967 – The Guide overblouse with long sleeves, flap pockets and higher neckline will be available from 1st January 1968.
December 1967 – “Much thought has been given lately to the Guide tie and as stocks of the present size become exhausted they will be replaced by a tie made of superior cotton poplin costing 2s. 11d. Slightly smaller that the present tie and measuring 19 1/2 in. x 29 in. x 19 1/2 in., this should be worn single not folded double. The scarf should be pressed in order to give a flat appearance and then slid through a new Guide blue woggle, price 6d. The enrolment badge should be worn an inch below the woggle. The woggle will ultimately replace the loops on the overblouse as we felt it would give a neater neckline. The aim should be to obtain a neatly pressed flat effect, with the ends crossing at the neck-front as at present.”

1968

January 1968 – dates for implementation of programme changes. New age groups – optional from 1967, obligatory on 18 March 1968. Eight point programme comes into use 18 March 1968. Changes in Brownie ceremonies and Six names – 18 March 1968. Lone enrollment badge discontinued – 1 January 1968.
January 1968 – the Golden Hinde ship failed it’s annual survey, and with the repair cost being uneconomic, the Executive Committee agreed that it must be returned to the Royal Navy.
January 1968 – publication of details of the revised Camp and Holiday Permits, Quartermaster and First Aid Certificates, Camp Fire Leader Certificate and Overnight Hike Permit.
February 1968 – “Gang Show ’68 – For the first time in the history of this show, produced by Mr Ralph Reader for The Scout Association, a selected number of Guides are being invited to take part in 1968.”
18 March 1968 – new Guiding handbooks due to be launched UK-wide – however there were difficulties meaning books arrived late in many areas.
March 1968 – yellow-striped ribbon tie and yellow hat felts to be introduced for Brownie Leaders when stocks of the brown versions are exhausted.
April 1968 – A number of books have become obsolete and now withdrawn, including: Be Prepared, The Brownie Book, The Brownie Pack, The Commissioner’s Handbook, The Guides Book of Rules, Hints on Girl Guide Tests, Hints for Ranger Guiders and Commissioners, How to become a First Class Guide, The Queen’s Guide Test, Plotting The Course, The Road to Rangering, Ranger Record Books – Land, Sea and Air. Other books will remain on sale with explanatory inserts.
April 1968 – A new Ranger Cottage has been built at Lorne following fundraising, and was opened in Autumn 1967. It replaces the Irene McKibbin Memorial Cabin. This was build in 1955 as a memorial to the Ulster Training Adviser who was killed in an air crash when returning from a Headquarters training meeting in London, but burnt down in April 1965.
April 1968 – “The World Chief Guide, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, will be opening Glenbrook, England’s new outdoor activity centre, on Saturday 13th July.”
May 1968 – the following badges were obsolete after 18th March: Brownie Guides – Golden Bar, Golden Hand, Brownie Wings, Brownie Gold Star on blue background. Guides: 2nd Class, 1st Class metal, 1st Class cloth, All-round Cord Strips, Guide Service Star white on blue background. (Queen’s Guide metal and cloth badges valid until 30 April). Ranger: Land Ranger Test, Land Ranger Maintenance, Land Ranger Adventure, OSR Test, ASR Test, LSR Test, LAR Test, Air Service Bar, Child Service Bar, Community Service Bar, Coast and River Service Bar, Home Service Bar, Nursing Service Bar, Outdoor Service Bar, World Service Bar.
13 July 1968 – Opening of Glenbrook
September 1968 – The title of “County Pack Holiday Expert” is to be changed to “County Pack Holiday Adviser”.

1969

February 1969 – new Camp Dress for Guiders and Rangers launched.
March 1969 – Approved design for Ranger Colours published for England and Wales, and details of the approved design for Scottish Ranger units published.
March 1969 – new British Friendship badge launched.
June 1969 – Guidance published on the establishment of joint Guide/Scout or Ranger/Rover units.
June 1969 – Brownies may now take part in parades at the discretion of the Commissioner.
June 1969 – rules for overnight ventures published.
September 1969 – It has been agreed that the qualifying badges for collective emblems may be worn as well as the emblem if desired.
September 1969 – In view of the fact that demand for Land, Sea and Air Ranger flashes has decreased considerably over the years and the fact that we recommend as far as possible that jackets should not have badges sewn on them, the above items are being discontinued.
December 1969 – Guide mini neckerchief replaced by cross-over tie. Instructions for converting mini necker into tie given. Terylene/cotton Brownie dress available as an alternative to 100% cotton.

1970

January 1970 – The Guide magazine becomes Today’s Guide.
November 1970 – Revised syllabuses for Guide Lifesaver badge, and Ranger Samaritan, Life Saver and Marksman Certificates.

1971

January 1971 – English Guiding Regions created –
North West: Cumberland, Westmorland, Isle of Man, Cheshire, Lancashire S, Lancashire SW, Lancashire NE, Lancashire NW, Lancashire SE and Manchester Counties
North East: Northumberland, Teesside, Durham, Lincolnshire N, York City, Yorkshire Central, Yorkshire WRS, Yorkshire WRNW, Yorkshire ER, Yorkshire NR and Sheffield Counties
North Midlands: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Birmingham Counties
South Midlands and East Anglia: Lincolnshire S, Norfolk, Huntingdonshire & Peterborough, Cambridgeshire & Isle of Ely, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Essex E, Essex W and Northants.
South West: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey, Bristol, Berkshire and Hampshire Counties
London and South East: London NE, London NW, London SE, London SW, London-over-the-Border, Surrey E, Surrey W, Greater London with Surrey N, Kent E, Kent W, Kent Greater London, Middlesex E, Middlesex W, Sussex E and Sussex W Counties

1972

April 1972 – The following changes will take effect from 31st March 1973: “The existing title Ranger Guide Service Section will be altered. In the future the Section will be called ‘The Ranger Guide Section’. Existing Ranger Guide Service Units will re-register as Ranger Guide Units and may continue to follow their existing bias or biases or may change them. Existing Specialised Units will re-register as Ranger Guide Units and may continue to follow their existing bias or may change it. Each Ranger Guide Unit may follow any bias that it wishes, and which the Country/Regional Chief Commissioner agrees is appropriate. A Unit may change its bias at any time. Any Unit at the time of registration or re-registration may include in its title any special link which it may have or wish to have with the Royal Navy or Merchant Navy e.g. 1st Newtown Ranger Guide Unit (R.S. Mayflower). There will be one uniform for Ranger Guides. For informal occasions appropriate dress may be chosen from those described in POR under Section 60.2. The new upper age limit for Rangers will be 18 years.”
April 1972 – “it has been decided that the Ranger age range should be 14-18, but girls may remain in the Unit until their 19th birthday, and by leaving this flexibility we shall better cater for those who wish to stay a little longer in the Units.
April 1972 – the “National Guide Festival of Song” concert of finalists was held at the Westminster Theatre on April 5th. There were Brownies, Guides, Composite Groups and Small Groups from each Country and Region in competition.

1973

February 1973 – launch of “LINK International Fellowship” – for members aged 18-30, ideal for those leaving Rangers. “LINK has no official uniform, although an unofficial activity rig may be worn: an outfit of navy slacks with navy sweater or shirt, is suggested for both men and women, and women may wear the Guider’s summer dress. Full members of LINK will wear the badge of the International Fellowship of Former Scouts and Guides”
June 1973 – “Emergency Team Patrol Interest Pennant – On the advice of the British Red Cross Society it has been decided to delete clause 3(a) and 3(b) and to substitute the following: 3. Carry a person on an improvised stretcher.”
June 1973 – The Guide Handbook (Second Edition) is now on sale, containing a number of alterations to badge syllabuses. Any shops selling remaining stocks of the first edition should include a copy of the amended syllabuses free of charge. The same applies to the Brownie Handbook.
August 1973 – “Due to the great rise in the cost of wool, the Executive Committee has been concerned taht the cost of certain uniform items should not cause hardship to parents, and has decided that the Brownie Guide Beret will be discontinued when current stocks are depleted, and the present alternative (Courtelle) cap will be the official headgear for Brownie Guides.” “Knitting instructions and recommended Courtelle for caps are available on request”
August 1973 – New edition of POR, with blue cover, due to be published in late September, to replace the previous edition with red cover.

1974

February 1974 – owing to the emergency government regulations, CHQ is allowed to use electric light on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. As a result the office will open for longer hours on the these days, for shorter hours on Thursdays, and be closed on Fridays and at weekends to conserve heating fuel. The shop will be open as normal, but Electric and butane lighting will be used alternately on mornings and afternoons in the shop.
March 1974 – “The Ranger” ceases publication this month, after 26 years, the first issue having appeared in March 1947. Ranger content would now appear in “The Guider”.
June 1974 – “Good Service Award. During 1966 and 1967 the question of the Awards system and the number of awards available was considered by all County Commissioners in the United Kingdom. As a result of this sounding of opinion, in 1967 the Silver Fish was retained, the Beaver, Laurel Leaf and Oak Leaf and the Laurel Award, for unusually good service, instituted to replace them. Since that time, however, this policy has proved unsatisfactory in practice and experience has shown that it was considered by members of the Movement that there was a necessity for another Good Service Award. It has, therefore, been agreed to retain the Silver Fish and the Laurel Award and to re-institute the Beaver, as the second highest award for good service, as from this July.”

1976

March 1976 – Upper age limit of 65 to be introduced for all uniformed appointments, to be phased in by July 1977.
December 1976 – first Scout & Guide Orchestra course held.

1977

March 1977 – “Ranger Diamond Jubilee. A 3″ cloth badge, compass style, in blue and white, is available from County Badge Secretaries and the Association’s Shops, at a cost of 20p each.”
May 1977 – New style Ranger/Guider Camp dress with collar and revers in terylene and cotton, now available.
25 June 1977 – death of Olave Baden-Powell, aged 88.
9 August 1977 – burial service of Olave Baden-Powell in Kenya.
September 1977 – Introduction of the ‘Music in the Pack’ qualification.
26 September 1977 – Memorial Service for Olave Baden-Powell at Westminster Abbey. A number of other services were also held elsewhere in the UK.
October 1977 – “Many requests have been received for a suitable garment to be worn with uniform during cold weather. Accordingly, our 1978 catalogue will feature an under-jersey, navy blue acrylic, with polo neck.
December 1977 – World Brownie Badge discontinued.

1978

January 1978 – New Brownie Holiday Licence introduced.
January 1978 – Ladybird book “Brownie Guides” to be published on 1 February.
February 1978 – The death of Miss Agnes M Maynard, recipient of two Silver Fish, Training School Head, Guide Handbook author and Vice President, announced. She was aged 100, and had been nicknamed ‘The Carpenter’.
March 1978 – the death was announced of Dame Anstice Gibbs, Vice President, and Chief Commissioner 1956-1966.
March 1978 – the term Extension will be replaced by Handicapped.
April 1978 – “New Uniform Items. The Trading Service now has in stock: Leather Brownie Belts – small and large. Leather Belt Purses. Leather Guide Belts – small, med and large.”
May 1978 – Commonwealth Headquarters has decided to gradually phase out Commonwealth Headquarters Recognition of Ranger Units. All applications for inspection or re-inspection will be honoured but no more Units will be recognised in this way. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recognition will not be affected.
September 1978 – New badges for Brownies – Music Lover, Musician, and Water Rescuer. New badges for Guides – Heritage, Horsewoman (for handicapped Guides), Ulster Folk. New Certificate for Rangers – Heritage (and Community Care replaces Public Health Certificate). Brownie Thrift, Singer and Woodworker badges deleted, and Gardener (Extension) incorporated into ordinary syllabus. Alterations made to Guide Agility, Athlete, Cook, Needlewoman, Horsewoman and Commonwealth, Minstrel renamed Musician and Singer renamed Folk Singer. Guide Craft badge altered and Spinner, Lacemaker and Cobbler badges deleted. Guide Conservation Pennant introduced, Orienteering Pennant deleted, Emergency Team and Outdoor Cooking Pennants altered, and Patrol Purpose Patch introduced.
September 1978 – Brownie Birthday Badge introduced to replace the Brownie Star. “The one given on the first anniversary is a white Brownie Trefoil on a brown background, the second badge is the Trefoil on a green background, and the third has the Trefoil on a red background.” The Brownie Trefoil Badge was also introduced – “It consists of a silver Brownie Trefoil on a blue background, and is worn on the Guide uniform instead of (but in the same position as) the last Brownie Star gained.”
October 1978 – “The new BBC Girl Guides record, Sing for Joy, has just been released.”

1979

May 1979 – Launch of The Olave Baden-Powell Fund Bursary Scheme. The funds donated to the Olave Baden-Powell Fund after her death in June 1977 had been invested, and the resulting income was now to be used as a fund to which members aged 10-18 could apply to help attain an ambition or develop a skill, completed applications to be sent to Headquarters for consideration.
June 1979 – Retiral of Thora Wallis Myers, CHQ Archivist 1968-1979, prior to that Editor of The Guider for 18 years.
August 1979 – Launch of the ‘Paper Houses appeal – cardboard savings banks for units worldwide to save money for the proposed ‘Olave Centre’ to house both the World Bureau and Olave House on a joint site somewhere in London, as agreed at the 1978 World Conference.
September 1979 – “the Association has agreed that a Brownie Flag should be introduced as an alternative to the pennant, the manufacture of which will be phased out over the next three years.” “like the pennant, the Brownie Flag should not be carried in public parades”

1980

March 1980 – Small blue ‘Thank You’ keys, available for 15p each, have been produced to raise funds for the Olave Centre project.
April 1980 – Confirmation that Guides are permitted to travel to camp in lorries provided that: “1. A Guider must travel in the back of the lorry with the Guides and have proper control of them. 2. All baggage must be safely stowed so that it cannot fall on a Guide. 3. The tailboard must be properly secured and no Guide must sit on or lean over it. 4, All Guides must remain seated while the lorry is in motion.”
July 1980 – The 50th Anniversary of the CHQ Building will be marked by open days on 19th and 20th March 1981.
November 1980 – 3rd edition of the Queen’s Guide Badge Syllabus has been published in the 1979 edition of the Guide Handbook – although the wording is different, to provide greater clarity, the requirements have not changed.
November 1980 – New editions of the Brownie Pocket Books were issued from August, Footpath, Road and Highway now have 8 challenges each, not 4, 6 and 8 respectively as before, and badge syllabuses are all now gathered at the back of the handbook.
December 1980 – “The Trading Service now has available two types of holster for the Brownie Flag pole; one a shoulder strap/bucket and the other a simple bucket only, which straps onto the Brownie belt. Both area available in plastic or leather”

1981

April 1981 – “The first-ever double memorial stone now lies in Westminster Abbey, where the memorial to Lord Baden-Powell, once was. It is made from a special black granite, lettered in brass, and shows, in bronze bas reliefs sculpted by Mr Willi Soukop, RA, the faces of the two best-known and best-loved pioneers of the youth organisation.” It was unveiled on 12th February by the current Lord Baden-Powell in the presence of Princess Margaret, the GGA Chief Commissioner and the Chief Scout, and other dignitaries, family, and members of both Guiding and Scouting.
September 1981 – Tribute to Alix Liddell, former International Commissioner and Guiding history author.
December 1981 – Guide uniform changes. Out with the Guide blouse having pockets at the hem and being worn as an overshirt, and the tie held in crossover position by the Promise badge. In with the plain blouse worn tucked into the skirt, the necker with it’s brown leather woggle, and the navy belt pouch.

1982

September 1982 – Changes to Long Service Awards – “from 1 September 1982, long service of both 15 years’ and 25 years’ duration, as defined in POR 19.B, may be indicated by the wearing of a Long Service Bar if the Guider concerned so wishes.”
December 1982 – “Guider” magazine will be renamed “Guiding” from January 1983.

1983

January 1983 – Brownie Interest Badge alterations. New badges introduced – Rambler and Conservation. Revisions made to all badges except Agility, Signaller, Toymaker, Agility for the handicapped, and Pony Rider for the handicapped. Present syllabuses may continue to be used until 31 July 1983.
March 1983 – Programme changes announced. Guide section – age range to be adjusted to 10th birthday to the 15th birthday. In exceptional circumstances this can be extended to 16th birthday with Commissioner’s approval. Blue Trefoil renamed Baden-Powell Trefoil, a girl may not start to work for this before she is 13. New Guide handbook to be issued, with a separate Guide Badge Book. Final date for completion of badges under old syllabuses will be 31 March 1984. Queen’s Guide moves to Ranger/Young Leader programme, a girl may not start her Queen’s Guide Syllabus until her 16th birthday. The Queen’s Guide brooch will be a silver circlet of six small trefoils with a crown in the centre. All changes to programme and badge syllabuses will start on 1st September 1983, with transition for these and the change in the upper age for Guides being enforced from 31st March 1984.
July 1983 – “In view of the change in the upper age limit of the Guide Section to the 15th birthday with effect from 31st March 1984, from 1st September 1983 a Young Leader may start to work on the scheme at 15, but may not be assessed until after her 16th birthday.”
July 1983 – As from 1st January 1984 Guides are not permitted to travel to camp in lorries or furniture vans.
September 1983 – the new Guide programme and badge syllabuses apply from 1st September.

1984

June 1984 – Derwent, the new building at Glenbrook, the Girl Guide Association’s Outdoor Activities Centre, was opened by the President, Princess Margaret.

1985

February 1985 – A new badge, to be called the Commonwealth Award, to be used throughout the Commonwealth, full details of the syllabus available from counties – badge design suggestions requested.
February 1985 – the World Bureau formal opening by Miss Doris Stockman, Chair of the World Committee, on 15 February.
March 1985 – the new Ranger Guide File contains the revised Pre-Investiture Challenge which should now be used, the Card will no longer be produced once stocks run out.
April 1985 – Guide Week is to be celebrated on 24-29 June 1985. During the week, from an initial candle lit on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace on the Monday afternoon, the flame will be spread through Countries/Regions, Counties, Divisions and Districts. “By Friday evening there should be three million candles alight on forty thousand cakes!”
July 1985 – Committee of Inquiry set up into events surrounding a Guide Rally on 27th April 1985, where there were a number of cases of hypothermia.
October 1985 – “The new edition of POR will be available early next month”
October 1985 – a new publication, the Outdoor Manual, is to be produced, bringing together the rules and guidance for outdoor activities.
November 1985 – The Association’s forward plan for the 1980s and 1990s, “The Way Ahead” has been published.

1986

April 1986 – Publication of the summary report of the Committee of Inquiry into the LASER Crystal Palace Rally in 1985 (where due to inclement weather and inadequate clothing, a number of Guides suffered hypothermia). Recommendations made regarding event organisation and planning, and the adoption of an official uniform waterproof cagoule or similar. Announcement of changes to rules effective from 6 February 1986, to state “outer garments appropriate to weather conditions should be worn, even on formal occasions.” Approved waterproof jackets were also added to the trading catalogue, in brown or yellow for Brownies, and in royal or navy blue for Guides, Rangers, Young Leaders and adults.
July 1986 – Olave Baden-Powell Society (established in 1984) held it’s first presentation of insignia and certificates in May 1986.
July 1986 – “The Union Flag Emblem should be worn on the ‘left sleeve, four fingers below shoulder’.”
July 1986 – The Handcraft Depot, established to sell handcrafted items made by handicapped Guides, closed down on 30th June, as there were only four remaining contributors to it’s stock, compared to over 100 at one time.
November 1986 – “our members should be entitled to wear outdoor garments suitable for the weather conditions, even if those clothes were not of uniform colour or design. No girl should now be instructed to remove any article of clothing or footwear because it is of a non-Guide colour or design, as long as she needs it for protection from the weather.” “Cagoules in blue, brown and yellow” were to be introduced.
December 1986 – Waddow Singing Circle founded with first meeting held 19-21 September.

1987

February 1987 – “1910 & Then?”, has been published, price £1.00.
February 1987 – “leisure suits” introduced fro Brownies and Guides, Brownie suits in brown with yellow collar and hem ribbing, Guides in blue with yellow piping.
April 1987 – the Uniform Panel has been asked “to take a fresh look at the whole question of uniform.” and suggestions are sought on “why do we wear uniform? Should our uniform be so formal? Should it be more flexible/practical/attractive? How important is the cost of uniform items? Should there be a range of options for all members to choose what suits them, mix ‘n’ match? Should we have one basic colour for all members? Should we introduce new items ever two or three years and phase out unpopular ones? What about hats? trousers? jeans? neckers? What about weather conditions? Travelling abroad? Do we need official maternity wear? What image do we portray at present? What image do we want to portray?”
November 1987 – Launch of “Song and Dance Year ’88”. The challenge was “In your Six, Pack, Patrol, Company or Unit: Learn three songs which are new to you. Learn three dances which are new to you. Share them with others in three different places.”

1988

January 1988 – “From January 1988 the following new publications will be available for the Brownie Section: The Brownie Guide Handbook, The Brownie Guide Handbook – Guider’s Edition, The Brownie Guide Badge Book, Brownie Promise Book, Brownie Trefoil Book. These will replace the current Brownie Guide Handbook, the Guider’s Notes and all the Brownie Pocket Books.”
January 1988 – “The Brownie” magazine is now available in a ‘talking book’ format on cassette, in addition to the braille version.
January 1988 – “A new Blue Trefoil Badge is being introduced together with an amended syllabus for the Baden-Powell Trefoil Badge and revisions to the Yellow, Green and Red Badges. Any Guide on the current syllabus may continue to work on it. It is hoped all Guides will be working on the new clauses by 1 January 1989. A special supplement to the Handbook has been printed and is available from Guide shops, price 20p.”
January 1988 – “Rainbow Guides – Interim Guidelines for this Section have been circulated to Country/Region Headquarters, from whom copies may be obtained.”
March 1988 – Publication of “interim guidelines for Rainbow Guides”. These include “The section is known as the Rainbow Guide Section but individual groups may choose their own name within this section name.” “The minimum age is the current statutory school starting age.” “The minimum number of girls in a group is six and the maximum 15” Uniform – “This consists of a tabard which may be in any colour of the rainbow, each group deciding on it’s own colour.” “Designs for a cloth badge and other allied uniform matters are still being discussed,” “girls in the Rainbow Guide Section will make a simple Promise as follows: I will do my best to love God and to be kind and helpful.” “The ratio of adults must be one adult to every five children. Normally there are two adult leaders known as the Ranger Guider and the Assistant Rainbow Guider. Within the unit they may be addressed by an alternative name. Where there are 11-15 girls in a unit, a second Assistant Guider is required. There must not be more than four adults except with the District Commissioner’s permission. In each unit one of the Guiders must have attained the age of 21.”
March 1988 – The following Rainbow items will be available mid-end March. “Rainbow Tabards, ready-made, two sizes – small and medium, red, blue, green or yellow only. Tabard Pattern for home dressmakers. Rainbow Badge for girls to wear on tabard – centre chest.”
April 1988 – “Jeff Banks has agreed to redesign the Association’s uniforms, with a view to introducing a ‘New Look’ in 1990.”
June 1988 – “As part of the refurbishment of Commonwealth Headquarters, a museum of Guiding is expected to be established.” Offers of donations for it were sought.
July 1988 – “The new building at Olave Centre is to be called Pax Lodge.”
August 1988 – “Any member of the Association who, for religious or cultural reasons, is unable to wear the present uniform, may wear garments that are appropriate for her, preferably in a colour appropriate to her appointment and/or section.”
September 1988 – Olave House closed on 17th September, with the building having been sold, the proceeds from the sale contributing towards the new Pax Lodge which is being built.
September 1988 – “No knife of any kind should be worn as part of uniform. It is not generally necessary for individual Guides, Rangers or Young Leaders to carry their own knives and preferable that knives should be drawn from a unit supply if possible.”
September 1988 – “We are pleased to announce the introduction of new badges and certificates as follows: Brownie – Pack Holiday, Quest, Stargazer. Guide – Band, Radio Communication, International Patrol Interest Pennant, Pioneer Patrol Interest Pennant. Ranger – Fit for Life, Road Safety.” “The following Guide badges have been added to the Fitness Emblem: Horsewoman, Skier, Swimmer. The following would be discontinued: Pioneer Interest Badge.”
December 1988 – Badge amendments. Brownie First Aider – “the last sentence of clause 5 should read ‘Know the importance of NOT removing a foreign body, e.g. gravel, glass or splinters.’ Pack Holiday badge – ‘introductory paragraph and clause 1(c) should refer to four nights and not three.’” Guide Badge Book 1988 edition – “Pioneer Badge should be deleted. Arts and Crafts Emblem: Delete Carpenter and substitute Woodworker. Woodcraft Emblem: Delete Woodman and substitute Forester.”

1989

January 1989 – A special “Olave’s Cake” recipe has been devised to mark the centenary of the birth of Olave Baden-Powell, with details of the fruit cake, marzipan layer, and iced decoration.
June 1989 – “A badge has been designed for Brownie Guides to wear that will indicate they were Rainbows.
June 1989 – “When taking Rainbows out of doors, it was agreed that at least two adults should go with them, one of whom should be a Guider known to the girls, no matter how small the group.”
July 1989 – The refurbished Coach House at Foxlease was opened by Princess Margaret.
July 1989 – “The amendments to Part II of the Young Leader Scheme come into effect on July 1, 1989. Part I, however, remains the same.”
August 1989 – Market research results published, profiling ‘the average Guider’ and what the girls like about being in Guiding.
August 1989 – A new style of interest badge – a ‘staged’ badge, will be launched in September. It will be on the topic of chess, and any Brownie, Guide or Ranger can complete any or all of the 4 levels.
September 1989 – “Please Note. The Guide Pioneer Interest Badge is re-introduced.”
November 1989 – Obituary of Marguerite de Beaumont, Girl Scout at the Crystal Palace Rally and biographer of Robert Baden-Powell.
December 1989 – Fundraising appeal for repairs to the sea wall on Brownsea Island.
December 1989 – New Pack Holiday, Holiday and Camp Training Scheme to launch in January.

1990

January 1990 – Pax Lodge opening to be held on 27-29 April, the 27th April being for invited guests, 28th being activities for guests, and 29th for adult visitors.
January 1990 – National public awareness campaign to launch on 1st April, for adult recruitment.
January 1990 – “Due to circumstances beyond our control the launch of the new uniform will now take place in April and not in February as announced”
February 1990 – The Ranger 75th Anniversary will be celebrated in 1991 with “Celebration ’91”, which will incorporate “Trail ’91” – 7 international camps located around the UK. Rangers could stay at one, or travel round several.
March 1990 – The new uniform launch event to be held at Westminster Central Hall on 18th April – 50 tickets to attend available to members. The date when uniforms will become available will be announced at the event, and existing uniforms can be worn for three years after the introduction of the new styles.
April 1990 – Confirmation that the Scout Association, without consulting the joint committee, has opted to open up all of it’s youth sections to girls.
May 1990 – Images of the new uniforms released.
June 1990 – “Sadly, the opening of Pax Lodge had to be postponed due to the collapse of the contracting firm working on the site.” “the committee feel it would be foolhardy to set a date for the completion”
July 1990 – Proposals for proposed new Girl Guide Heritage Centre published.
July 1990 – “All the main items in the new uniform ranges for the girls’ sections should be available on September 1st.” “There had been some difficulties in obtaining the waterproof jackets and some of the adult range but these should be ready by November 1.”
October 1990 – “Rainbows are to have their own version of the popular baseball cap featured in the new uniform – it will be green.”
October 1990 – A range of Staged Badges are to be introduced, to add to the existing Short Tennis, and Chess. “proposed are Bellringer, Knitter, Knotter, Musician, Needleworker, Photographer, Skier and Speaker”
November 1990 – “Following a decision by the Executive Committee, Rangers and Young Leaders may wear the same scarf as Ranger Guiders/Young Leader Advisers. The scarf, one of a range specially designed to go with the new uniform, is 100 per cent polyester and costs £9.95.”
November 1990 – Obituary of Mary Chater, Music Adviser 1949-1961, composer, arranger and Guiding songbook compiler.

1991

January 1991 – GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) to launch. “Any Ranger, Young Leader or young Guider can apply for a place on a project.” The requirements are “have a strong interest in Guiding. Be prepared to fund raise to finance the visit. Participate in an International Opportunities Weekend (INTOPS).”
January 1991 – “Gillian Clay, the grand-daughter of the Founder and the World Chief Guide suggested that the present family should contribute towards the front doors at Pax Lodge. There were 11 members of the family present on September 29 when Natasha King, the grand-daughter of Olave, Lady Baden-Powell’s elder daughter, Heather, formally ‘opened’ the doors by untying a large blue and white ribbon.”
February 1991 – A new edition of the Brownie Handbook has been published, featuring the new Brownie uniforms.
April 1991 – Obituary of Penelope Cullingford, formerly Pen Wood-Hill, first Warden of Our Ark, former Guider in Charge of Our Chalet.
May 1991 – Appeal to raise £1,000,000 to add a new building to Our Chalet, to be called Spycher.
June 1991 – Coverage of the opening ceremony of Pax Lodge.
July 1991 – “From September 1, the starting age for Rainbow Guides will be a girl’s fifth birthday, except in Ulster where it will be the age at which a girl starts school”
August 1991 – announcement of further interest badges becoming ‘staged’ – Bellringer, Chess, Needlecraft, Knitter, Knotter, Photographer, Speaker, along with the introduction of staged badges Downhill Skier, Walking, Survival, Culture, Short Tennis. These replaced the Brownie and Guide interest badges on these subjects, instead allowing Brownies, Guides and Rangers to tackle badges at whatever level is appropriate to their progress in the activity.
September 1991 – “The following are new badges: Brownie Thrift; staged Short Tennis (for Brownies and Guides); and staged Culture.” “The following badges are to be deleted as they have been replaced by a staged badge: Brownie Needleworker and Guide Needlewoman will be replaced by a new, staged Needlecraft badge; Guide Bellringer and Ranger Bellringer by staged Bellringer; Brownie Photographer, Guide Photographer and Ranger Photographer by staged Photographer; Brownie Knitter and Guide Knitter by staged Knitter; Guide Knotter by staged Knotter; Guide Skier by Staged Downhill Skier; Guide Speaker by staged Speaker; Brownie Rambler, Guide Hiker, Guide Rambler and Ranger Hillwalking by staged Walking; Guide Backwoodsman and Guide Pioneer by staged Survival.”
October 1991 – “Oak panelling removed from the Council Chamber is to be used to panel the new Council Chamber to dado height”
October 1991 – “Unit Helpers are to have their own badge tabs. The self-coloured tabs will be optional and available as soon as possible.”
October 1991 – “Changes made recently to WAGGGS’ corporate identity have implications for the GGA, particularly the alteration to the World Flag.” “the General Secretary and the Trading Service were in the process of discussing the situation with WAGGGS and our flag manufacturers.”
December 1991 – In January “Today’s Guide” will be replaced by “Guide Patrol”, and Brownie magazine will contain the first “Rainbow Guide” supplement, of eight full-colour pages.
December 1991 – 60 pilot Brownie camps have been held around the UK, and by some BGIFC units. “even if the proposal is approved, it will be at least 1993 before camping becomes part of the Brownie programme.”
December 1991 – At last Rainbow Guides have their very own song. It was written by five-year-old Jennifer Thornton of Newton Rainbows, who beat many adults to win the Association’s Rainbow Song Contest.”

1992

January 1992 – new Guide Handbook published.
February 1992 – First issue of Rainbow Guide Extra magazine.
February 1992 – appeal launched to buy Broneirion, with £500,000 to be raised by March 1993.
February 1992 – Junior Council (Scotland) becomes Scottish Forum.
April 1992 – “In future the Association will only award the Silver Fish and the Laurel Awards for good service. The last possibility of a Beaver being approved will be at the Executive Committee’s meeting on April 9.”
April 1992 – “A mock-up of the new World Flag featuring smaller lettering on the unit title has been approved on behalf of the Executive Committee. Where space permits, the Trading Service will decide to supply flags with the old-size lettering.”
April 1992 – piloting of a new Senior Section programme began in March, and will continue until December.
June 1992 – “Brownie Road Safety Badge design has been changed and is no longer ‘a man using a pelican crossing’. Keep a look out for the new Brownie badge with an ‘adult and child holding hands’.”
July 1992 – Promise wording consultation launched. The proposal read “I promise that I will do my best to live as a Guide. I accept that as a Guide I will . . . -seek the spiritual value in my life -care for the needs of others -share friendship and understanding with all people -challenge myself to grow as a person -respect the environment and use resources wisely -recognise my responsibility to uphold the laws of the country in which I live”
July 1992 – proposal to have a unified Promise Badge design for all sections. Suggestions sought.
August 1992 – “Brownies who participate in a Pack Holiday Under Canvas (during the Brownie Camp Pilot) are eligible to take the Pack Holiday Badge.”
August 1992 – The Go! challenge booklet for older Brownies will be published in the autumn.
October 1992 – “A 30 Years Service Badge was introduced from September 1. The knot will be lilac and this Bar will be accompanied by a certificate.”

1993

January 1993 – “Any Guider or Commissioner who held a warrant or appointment card on September 1st 1992, and had already completed 30 or more years of reckonable service at that date, is entitled to receive a Thirty Years Service Bar and Certificate. Anyone who completed 30 or more years service before September 1, 1992 but did not hold a warrant or appointment card at that date is not eligible for a Thirty Years Service Bar and Certificate, unless or until she holds a warrant or appointment card again.
January 1993 – “At the meeting of the Programme and Training Committee on October 18, 1992, it was agreed that bungy jumping is not a recognised activity for members of the GGA.”
February 1993 – “Rangers are to have a navy blue, Guide-style sash to wear with their uniform. Requests had been received for one because staged badges are becoming popular with the section. The sash does not replace the existing tab.which can still be worn.”
February 1993 – New forms introduced from February 1st. Lettered names, with Activity forms = A, International = I, G= General, Award/Service = S, Transfer = T, Warranting = W.
March 1993 – announcement of passing of Miss Ailsa Brambleby, author of 1968 Brownie Handbook and other literature.
June 1993 – Look Wider Scheme agreed by Executive Committee for launch in Autumn 1994.
July 1993 – new Promise wording confirmed.
August 1993 – The Guide Laws are being reviewed.
October 1993 – Coverage of Broneirion’s re-opening ceremony following it’s purchase by Guides Cymru

1994

January 1994 – Launch of new logo, and new Promise Badges, now the same design as each other but in section colours – green fabric for Rainbows, yellow for Brownies, mid-blue for Guides, aqua for Rangers, white for Young Leaders, Dark Navy for Guiders, and Red for Trefoil Guild.
January 1994 – From July 1994, Brownies will be permitted to march in parades.
January 1994 – The March 1994 edition of Guide Patrol (formerly ‘The Guide’ and ‘Today’s Guide’) is to be the last issue, due to poor sales.
March 1994 – As the WAGGGS Constitutions Committee has approved the new wording, the revised Promise only should be used with effect from 4 January 1994.
March 1994 – LINK 21st birthday will be celebrated in May 1994.
May 1994 – WAGGGS Peace Pack project launched. Units asked to assemble packs each containing 3 exercise books, 2 ballpoint pens, 1 pack coloured pencils or crayons, 1 ruler, 2 pencils, 1 eraser, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 toothbrush, 1 tube of toothpaste, 1 bar of soap, 1 wide tooth comb, 1 t-shirt, 2 pairs of pants, 1 new small toy such as ball or skipping rope, 1 picture story book, a note or drawing from the unit gifting the pack.
June 1994 – New edition of The Guiding Manual to be published in September, replacing the 1990 edition.
July 1994 – A new edition of the Brownie Handbook will be available from February, incorporating the new Promise and new Journey challenges.
August 1994 – “The Baden-Powell Trefoil Award Badge has now been changed to reflect the Association’s new logo.”
August 1994 – “In response to the many comments about the Pilot Badges all being the same, the Badge Review Committee has now agreed there should be a set of six Pilot Badges with different coloured edging.”
August 1994 – “From January 1 next year, anyone taking up an Association appointment must complete an adult registration form.”
August 1994 – “The Guider Handbook” and “The Guiding Manual 1994” to be published on 12th September.
September 1994 – New design for Brownie Trefoil Badge (aka birthday badge) – new logo, and the colour order changed from brown, green, red, blue with white trefoil – to yellow, green, red – and then brown with yellow trefoil.
September 1994 – suggestions sought for revisions to the Guide Law.
September 1994 – Look Wider scheme to launch in October 1994.
October 1994 – “It was agreed that in future, Young Leader Guiders will wear a badge tab with white stripes on either side, to be made available as soon as possible.”

1995

January 1995 – The Olave Baden-Powell Bursary will now be available to Patrols applying as a group, as well as individuals.
January 1995 – “Brownie Guiders please note that the Brownie Six Emblems are to stay the same: Gnomes, Pixies, Scottish Kelpies, Bwbachod, Sprites, Elves, Ghillie Dhu, Leprechauns and Imps. If you want to make up your own symbol and introduce new Sixes, you can now buy a blank emblem, priced 20p.”
February 1995 – Following many complaints, an arch-shaped rainbow badge has been produced, to be worn above the Rainbow Promise Badge.
February 1995 – “The Committee gave the CHQ Project the go-ahead after a long and detailed discussion. The Association is to spend £1.2m on providing a new Visitor Centre and housing the archives appropriately. It is hoped that the Centre, which must cover it’s own running costs, will open early next year.”

1996

January 1996 – “The World Committee has approved the revised wording of the Guide Law. This means that the revised Law may definitely be used from 1 January 1996
January 1996 – The Guide Heritage Centre “will be open for visitors from February 17 onwards.”
February 1996 – A new Guide Association Credit Card has been introduced, in association with Bank of Scotland.
April 1996 – “As stocks of the existing section scarves are almost exhausted, it has been decided to replace them with a single scarf for all adult members. A special team set up by the Arts Adviser is to produce the design, and the selling price will be carefully monitored.”
August 1996 – The ‘Instrument Loan Scheme’ has expanded it’s range of instruments. “Previously, the Loan Scheme only provided stringed instruments for loan to students, but it has now been expanded to include brass and woodwind instruments to take account in the increase in orchestral playing by girls.”
August 1996 – It has been agreed that the Chief’s title will change from Chief Commissioner, to Chief Guide.
August 1996 – Resignation of Margaret Wright as Chief Commissioner due to ill health.
September 1996 – Announcement of “The Big Crunch”, a fundraising appeal for Thinking Day 1997 where units were to bake and sell biscuits for the Thinking Day Fund.
October 1996 – “In future, members who complete 40 years service will be eligible to receive a special brooch to honour their commitment.”
October 1996 – “There is a new Guide International Patrol Interest Pennant.”
December 1996 – Rainbows will be 10 years old in 1997. “The Rainbow Guides Celebration Pack has been produced by the Association to help Rainbow Guiders plan their 1997 events.” There will be a Rainbow Celebration Week from May 3-11, incorporating Uniform Day on 7th May. Two magazines and a cloth anniversary badge have also been produced.

1997

January 1997 – Bridget Towle, previously Deputy Chief Commissioner, announced as the new Chief Guide.
February 1997 – Scottish Forum is reviewing Netherurd’s facilities to improve the accessibility for disabled members, in the run-up to the Challenger ’97 camp.
February 1997 – “A design for the 40 years’ Service Brooch had been chosen and members of the Executive Committee were told that it should be available by Christmas.
February 1997 – Guiding has just launched it’s own website – http://www.guides.org.uk
February 1997 – Foxlease’s 75th birthday is being celebrated with a range of events, including a Celebratory Camp.
March 1997 – “To celebrate ten years of Rainbow Guiding, Rainbows are going to have two issues of a special magazine that’s all their own. The first issue of RAINBOW will be a full-colour, 32-page magazine” “RAINBOW will replace the Rainbow Guide Extra supplement in BROWNIE magazine, so April’s issue of BROWNIE will be the last to contain a Rainbow Guide Extra”.
March 1997 – Competition is launched to design the Association’s millennium logo.
March 1997 – the Training Centres’ launch “UK Passport to Guiding” – a card which will be stamped for staying overnight at the Guiding Training Centres – with a special badge being issued to anyone who collects stamps from all of the 7 Training Centres.
April 1997 – An extension is being added to Waddow Hall, to add a training room onto the house, to replace the current Training Hut. Once this ins completed work will start to add en-suite facilities to Foxlease.
May 1997 – Lorne’s 50th Birthday is bein celebrated by the launch of the “Guide Gold” appeal for £1 million to renovate, and safeguard the future of the house.
December 1997 – a World Camp is to be held in 1999, to compliment the World Conference, being held in Eire. There will be places for 3000 campers, of whom 1500 will come from the UK. 500 staff would be required, with applications being sought.
December 1997 – Broneirion’s 50th anniversary has been marked.

1998

January 1998 – “The Trefoil Guild is raising money to plant a trefoil shape of trees in the National Memorial Arboretum.” “A book of remembrance will record each contribution and dedication.”
February 1998 – “Blue jeans are official Guide wear. Members of the Executive Committee agreed at their meeting in October that, from January 1, Guides and members of the Senior Section can wear jeans as part of their official uniform.”
August 1998 – Guiding millennium year logo revealed, along with details of celebration events. Thinking Day celebration on weekend of 19-20 February with the theme “let peace walk the earth”. June 24th to be “STOMP” day (Sharing Together Opportunities for Memorable Projects) featuring activities culminating with campfires at 8pm.
August 1998 – “Length of service will in future be counted from when a pre-warrant card is issued.”
October 1998 – “Brownies should be allowed to wear unit neckerchiefs, as an alternative to the yellow one. It was agreed that wearing unit neckers would help with identification at large-scale events. However, it is up to each Brownie to decide whether to wear one or not. The decision on whether or not a unit should have neckerchiefs should be taken during a pow-wow. The pow-wow should also decide whether they should be yellow or in unit colours.

1999

March 1999 – The 3rd edition of The Guiding Manual will be published on 22 April.
April 1999 – Fabric and metal millenium badges will be available from June 1999.
April 1999 – the “Go For It!” file for Guides is due to issue in the summer.
April 1999 – A special Thinking Day celebration pack has been produced for use in 2000.
June 1999 – The Adult Leadership Scheme will become The Leadership Scheme. “The name will change to reflect the number of young women undertaking the scheme before their 18th birthday.” “The Leadership Scheme has been designed to address the skills needed to run a unit effectively. The scheme comprises of three modules which are: Programme, Leadership and Unit Management.” “The Leadership Scheme will be available from September 2000 and will be mandatory from January 2001.”
June 1999 – “A new uniform addition for Adult Leaders – a navy polo shirt – has been approved.”
June 1999 – The Association’s Junior Council proposes to transform itself into a Guide Association Youth Forum.
June 1999 – New Circus Skills staged badge launched. Badges for it to be available from September 1999.
July 1999 – “Recruitment Month” to be held in September-October 2000
August 1999 – The “Go For It!” resource will be published on August 27. It will be an A4 ring binder with 43 easy-to-use activity spreads.
August 1999 – Revised Clause 7 of Queen’s Guide Award published.
September 1999 – “On October 15 a brand new edition of the Brownie Go! Challenge will be published. It isn’t just a new look, but a revision of the challenge itself. Still exclusively for nine-year-old Brownies” “to complete a Go! Challenge Brownies just have to do one of them. But of course they can keep going back to do more if they want to!”
October 1999 – From October the new Go! Challenge Badge will be available, along with the new certificate.
November 1999 – Changes to Brownie Handbook to reflect recent changes – including “The Brownie’s Brown jersey no longer being available. Brownie Packs being able to choose their neckerchief colour. The Venture badge collour change. Brownie Journey certificates now being available. The new Go! Challenge book, badge and certificate. Brownie Camp replacing Pack Holiday under canvas.”
November 1999 – new Guide interest badge – “Music Group”.
December 1999 – CD-Rom issued with the magazine, to help Guiders gain access to the World Wide Web, with up to five email addresses and 15mb of space for a website.

2000

February 2000 – “The Recruitment Badge Friends 2001” launched.
March 2000 – The new Leadership Qualification will become available in September, “and from January 2001 will replace the present Leadership scheme in all Countries and Regions in the UK.”
March 2000 – Announcement of coming Guide Programme changes in autumn 2000.
April 2000 – “A new badge has been designed for holders of any of the seven Camp & Holiday Scheme Licences – including the Overnight Licence.” “The badge, which can be worn on the badge tab, will be awarded when a Guider first gains a residential qualification. However, Guiders who already hold a licence will be able to buy the new badge if they wish.”
April 2000 – initial information on forthcoming new Guide uniforms. “it is clear that many members do not wear uniform bottom halves. In the renewal, we are changing to a requirement for top half only. By continuing with the most popular uniform tops in the current range, and introducing new items over time, the Association expects to deliver what Guides want. The first additional items will be available from September.” “whilst the sash enabled Guides to display their badges, few enjoyed wearing it, and it was also felt to be impractical.”
May 2000 – Revised Senior Section Permits launched.
June 2000 – Further details of new Guide programme – introduction of Guide Challenge Badges announced. Interest badges to be linked to Go For It themes “the intention is that a Patrol would work on a Go For It!, and that a Guide in that Patrol, who may be inspired to explore the theme further, could work on a linked interest badge.” Staged badges would cease to be part of the Guide programme, as would Patrol Pennants and Patrol Purpose Patch. Baden-Powell Challenge will be revamped. “Each Guide will make an individual choice as to where to display her badges. For those Guides who wish to wear them in uniform, the gilet will be available, and cloth and metal badges will look great worn on this. Other may choose another option for displaying their badges.”
July 2000 – “Guiding on the Net: A pilot initiative for girls who are unable to attend regular Guide meetings will be taking place in Oxford County. It will use the Web to establish a ‘unit’.”
July 2000 – the new “G-File” will replace the Guide Handbook in September. New packs, called Go For Its, will also be launched in September. These will be Go For It! I will survive!, Go For it! Healthy Eating, Go For It! Peace, Go For It! Parties, Go For It! Flights of Fancy, and Go For It! Fitness.
August 2000 – details of the revised Baden-Powell Challenge, including the new Adventure element.
September 2000 – announcement of Gig 2K, at the Millennium Dome, Greenwich on 18th November.
September 2000 – Following the Guide Programme Review, Brownie Programme Review has begun.
September 2000 – New Guide uniform, designed by Ally Capellino, features a navy sweatshirt with red trim collar, light navy round-neck t-shirt with dark navy collar and cuffs, light navy rugby shirt with dark navy collar, and navy fleece gilet.
September 2000 – A5-sized G-File with popper fastening released. contains information, badge syllabuses and fill-in pages.
September 2000 – Go For It! Teamwork published.
September 2000 – Patrol sleepovers can now be held.
November 2000 – “The Guide Association has launched an online shop selling Guiding goods and equipment.”
December 2000 – Introduction of Affiliate Membership.
December 2000 – New Guide Association Climbing Scheme to come into effect during 2001.

2003

September 2003 – Launch of Brownie Adventure programme.
September 2003 – Recruitment Week is being held from 10-16 November.
September 2003 – New adult leader uniform options. Navy zip-neck sweatshirt, polo shirt in navy or white with mid blue collar, quartered rugby shirt in navy and mid blue, zip front sweatshirt with mid-blue collar lining, fleece gilet in navy and mid blue, waterproof jacket in navy with mid blue, navy trousers, navy shorts, navy skirt in short and long length. A new blouse and scarf will be available in early 2004.
September 2003 – “A new badge has been designed for all members of Europe Region WAGGGS – the European part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts”.
October 2003 – New ‘4’ peer support programme, with peer educators now being called In4mers.
October 2003 – New Guide interest badge – “Communicator Badge”.
November 2003 The Guiding Manual (fourth edition) has been published. Also “The Guiding Handbook (formerly the Guider Handbook) will be produced as a series of A4 booklets comprising The Guiding Handbook; Guidance Notes for Guiders; What you Need to Know about Record Keeping, and What You Need to Know about Safety.”
November 2003 – New Guide Go For It! published – “Go For It! Communicate”.
November 2003 – “As a result of the recent changes to both the Guide and Brownie programmes, Staged Badges are being gradually phased out for all members.” “The full range of Senior Section badges is likely to be available until the end of February 2004 after which they will not be restocked”.
December 2003 – 2004 will mark the 90th Anniversary of Brownies.
December 2003 – a revised edition of “Over the Rainbow to Brownies” has been produced, incorporating the changes to the Brownie programme.

2004

February 2004 – The Chief Guide’s Surprise Yourself Challenge which began in June 2003 runs until July this year.
February 2004 – “Brownies may wear the 90th birthday cloth badge on their uniform until they move on to Guides. The pin badge can be worn by anyone who would like to support Brownies, whether they are still a member or not. This can be worn for one year. Cloth badges can be put on camp blankets by all.”
March 2004 – A new project which aims to support Guiding locally and globally, “Girlguiding UK Walks For The World” is to launch in April with the aim of raising half a million pounds over a year, or just under £1 per member.
March 2004 – The “You & Me Together” badge, to accompany the disability knowledge challenge pack, is now available.
March 2004 – “One World – Share It! is Girlguiding UK’s arts theme for this year.” It had four sections – Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Celebrating Arts. Units received a certificate on completion, and badges were also available to order.
April 2004 – “A design for the new Five-year Long Service Badge has been agreed. This badge and the newly designed Long Service Brooches awarded for service from ten to 40 years will be available in the autumn of 2004 for presentations in 2005.”
April 2004 – New outdoor qualification badges issued. The boating badge shows a brown metal bollard with a rope tied round it in a round turn and two half hitches. The Climbing badge shows a yellow rope in a figure of eight knot on a carrabiner. The Musical Activities badge showed a white treble clef with other musical symbols on a navy background, the Walking badge showed a brown walking boot amongst grass.
May 2004 – “the Brownie Rose has been grown to commemorate 90 years of Girlguiding UK’s Brownie Section.” The floribunda in buttercup yellow was grown by Harkness Roses, and launched at the Chelsea Flower Show.
May 2004 – New Go For It! – Go For It! Be Constructive.
June 2004 – Coverage of the passing of Betty Clay, youngest daughter of Robert and Olave Baden-Powell, who died on 24th April.
June 2004 – Launch of “Project 50k”, a recruitment campaign for adult volunteers, to reduce the 50,000 girls on waiting lists around the country.
June 2004 – “To complement the new range of adult uniform, we have redesigned the current Badge Tab.” They are pale blue with a coloured stripe for the sections – pale blue stripe for Rainbows, yellow for Brownies, blue for Guides, aqua for Rangers, white for Young Leaders, plain for Appointment Holders, and raspberry for Unit Helpers. “It is still fine to wear your old Badge Tabs.”
July 2004 – The new Rainbow Programme is due to launch in August. “The renewed programme is called The Rainbow Jigsaw. The name reflects how the varied Rainbow activities link to create a larger balanced picture.” There are four topics – Rainbows Look, Rainbows Learn, Rainbows Laugh, Rainbows Love. “The four Jigsaw areas have a logo that will remain constant.” “A Rainbow song will also be introduced to encourage the Rainbows to be familiar with the four Jigsaw areas.” “It’s hoped that all units will sing the Rainbow song. Singing the song will help provide a sense of unity among all Rainbow units, something that many Leaders have asked for.”
July 2004 – “Go For It! Blast From The Past” published.
July 2004 – New metal Badges for Guides – Rainbow Helper, and Pack Leader.
August 2004 – New “Rainbow Jigsaw” launched with Rainbow Roundabout, welcome bag, Ready for Rainbows and Pot of Gold booklets.
August 2004 – New Rainbow uniform, designed by Ally Capellino. “The existing tabard will become an optional item – however the yellow and orange tabards will no longer be available due to a lack of sales.” The items are a Rainbow hooded jacket in red with light blue trim, polo shirt in pale blue with red collar and sleeves, cycle shorts in red with light blue trim, joggers in red with light blue trim, and red baseball cap, all with the new Rainbows logo.
September 2004 – “with immediate effect, a Licence holder running an overnight event for Brownies from her own unit may use an A/S (Short Event) form.
September 2004 – New bikes introduced – “Rainbow Raleigh Bike” and “Brownie Raleigh Bike”.
October 2004 – “A new joint logo has been launched by Girlguiding UK and the Scout Association. It will be used for events and activities that involve both Moments.”
October 2004 – “The Girlguiding UK Leadership Qualification pack has been revised following input from members”.
November 2004 – Rainbow Overnights introduced, along with publication of the “Rainbow Overnights” publication.
December 2004 – Netherurd’s new “Garden House” was opened in October by the Chief Guide.

2005

January 2005 – Launch of Senior Section programme evaluation questionnaires.
March 2005 – The February 2005 issue of Brownie Magazine was the last, due to falling sales.
March 2005 – First images of the new Leader long-sleeve and short sleeve blouses, and tunic – in raspberry, blue and white random-width vertical stripes.
April 2005 – “Two new items of Guide wear, a polo shirt and a hooded top will be introduced in September to replace the old-style royal blue polo and sweatshirt.”
June 2005 – “From August, Promise badges will feature the updated ‘identity trefoil’ design.”
June 2005 – an online forum for Leaders is being launched. A pilot will run from 1 September for Leaders in Scotland, until 20 October, after which it will be evaluated, and a date for ‘national’ roll-out scheduled.
September 2005 – New edition of G-File launched, along with Badge File and Patrol Xtra.
September 2005 – Launch of new Guide tops – “The cotton polo shirt, in dark blue with sporty mid-blue stripes and red trim”, “The zip-through hooded jacket, with two front pockets, is also in dark blue with mid-blue stripes on the sleeves.”
October 2005 – launch of new Appointment card. “All appointment holders should receive a new plastic card designed to last them for a number of years.”

2007

January 2007 – Centenary volunteer roles advertised, including Centenary Camp and Changing the World core group members, and Centenary Book Coordinator.
February 2007 – A new badge and certificate have been produced, to be awarded to all Guides who attend a BP Adventure.
March 2007 – Publication of “Girls Shout Out”, “Girlguiding UK’s first ever UK-wide survey of our members’ views.”
April 2007 – A new Senior Section CD is due to be published in September, containing Look Wider programme, YL programme and Queen’s Guide syllabus.
June 2007 – Guiding’s new strapline, “Girls in the lead” was launched on 19 May at the Girlguiding UK Annual Event.
June 2007 – New Brownie Promise Box with simpler catch, stronger hinges, and glitter incorporated into the yellow plastic.
July 2007 – As the rubber-fronted sash pin has proved less durable than hopes, a new metal enamelled sash pin for Brownies is being introduced.
July 2007 – CD issued containing resources, templates and images for Leaders to use.
September 2007 – “Nine intrepid Girlguiding UK members will attempt to inflate a hot air balloon at Everest Base Camp”. The balloon is emblazoned with the Guiding logo and strapline.
September 2007 – Merchandise has been produced to mark the Rainbow 21st anniversary, including a cloth badge.
October 2007 – Leadership Qualification Badge now available.
November 2007 – first issue of “Girlguiding UK Today” published, a magazine to advertise to external contacts.
December 2007 – New Rainbow resource, “Olivia’s Favourites” published, to be used instead of a Roundabout during the Rainbow anniversary year.

2008

January 2008 – “From the end of December 2007, The Guiding Manual (4th edition) will be available online as a series of handy downloadable PDFs.” “The online version incorporates all Amendments, including the 2008 Amendments” “The Guiding Manual is no longer available as a printed resource.”
January 2008 – Streamline online system renamed. “Guiding Organiser! (GO!) was the name chosen by Girlguiding UK members for the database that will help streamline guiding administration. Go! will have many features, including a facility for adult members to update their personal details.”
January 2008 – Advertisement for Centenary Volunteer Roles to organise Rainbow days out, Brownie days out and residential events, Guide residential events in the UK and overseas, Senior Section Ultimate Adventures in the UK and overseas.
January 2008 – four new Brownie interest badges introduced – Brownie Skills, Designer, Healthy Heart, Number Fun.
March 2008 – “the Long Service Certificate for non-members has been introduced. These can be presented for five, ten, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years’ service.”
March 2008 – “A new 50 year Lifetime Service Award to recognise half a century of commitment to Guiding will be introduced.
March 2008 – In September Guiding will launch “Girlguiding UK: Changing the World”, a fundraising project in conjunction with 17 UK charities.
April 2008 – Guiding’s hundredth birthday will start with a launch party held locally, In September 2009. In February 2010 a World Thinking Day event will be held in each of the countres and regions. In July and August a centenary international camp will be held at Harewood House near Leeds. During the year there will be events for all the sections – “Rainbows Go Wild”, “Big Brownie Takeover”, “Great Guide Getaway”, “Ultimate Centenary Adventure” (for Senior Section). The centenary year will conclude on 20 October 2010, with a national Promise renewal at exactly 20:10.
April 2008 – A new transition programme for Brownies is introduced – “Brownies Go For It”.
May 2008 – New Guide Patrol badges are going to be introduced – Bumblebees, Butterflies, Polar Bears and Dragonflies.
May 2008 – “Rainbow Timeline: 1950s – Pre-Brownie groups known as Bunnies were first introduced in Northern Ireland for girls aged four and over. 1985 – After a two-year wait, the Girl Association formally recognised Bunnies and a working group was set up for the inception of a pre-Brownie section UK-wide. 1987 – The Executive Committee approved the newly named Rainbow section for girls aged five to seven (four in Northern Ireland). The uniform was a tabard with a range of rainbow colours to choose from. 2001 – A four-year Rainbow Review began. 2004 – The four programme areas – Look, Learn, Laugh, Love – were introduced. A new uniform range and programme resources, including the Rainbow Roundabouts, were also released. 2008 – Rainbows are 21!”
May 2008 – A new pack – ‘Olivia’s Favourites’ is released to celebrate the Rainbow 21st birthday.
June 2008 – Ambassador Scheme re-launched, with a new Ambassador Badge.
July 2008 – New Senior Section CD released. “The CD replaces older paper publications such as Look Wider, and also contains a record book to sign off progress. In addition, the CD gives a full explanation of the two Young Leader Qualification modules.”
July 2008 – “County roll-out of Go! will take place between January and July 2009.”
September 2008 – New adult uniform hoodie introduced.
September 2008 – “12 Hour Challenge” launched to encourage flexible volunteers to give 12 hours to Guiding.
October 2008 – The 2011 World Conference will be hosted by the UK, and held in Edinburgh, Scotland.
November 2008 – Swansea Guide, 13-year-old Eleanor Simmonds, wins two gold medals and breaks a world record at the Paralympics.
November 2008 – From January 2009 the Guiding Manual will be online.

2009

January 2009 – The 1990 Leader uniform items cease to be uniform from 2009.
January 2009 – “Ways to Celebrate” catalogue and centenary “Logos, Guidelines and Resources” CD.
May 2009 – The next census will be completed online rather than on paper, using data on Go!.
July 2009 – A new Guiding history book, “Something For The Girls” has been published.
July 2009 – “Story Gatherers” are being recruited to collect an oral history of Guiding.
July 2009 – “Adventure 100” is launched.
September 2009 – “One World One Beat” will be two days of simultaneous events to mark World Thinking Day.
September 2009 – Uniform zipped hoodie for Leaders introduced.
September 2009 – New style Guide uniform t-shirt introduced.
October 2009 – the “Guides Reunited” website launches, allowing members to link up with old Guiding friends.
October 2009 – The story gathering website is now available for members to record their Guiding memories, and those of their family and friends.
October 2009 – A review panel will look at the 65 age limit which was introduced in 1977.