I transferred to the 122nd Birmingham Ranger unit in September 1960 when my previous one closed. The unit was actively involved in the pilot scheme which had opened to girls in 1958, and my friend and I were encouraged to take part. There was plenty to get involved in but I realize now that the subjects we chose were very ‘girl’ orientated but they all helped in later life; planning and cooking meals for the family; home safety; home nursing. We did do map reading and lightweight camping for our expeditions.
Looking back what I think I value most was the leadership training and qualifications I achieved through the Girl Guide association, in which I am still involved sixty years later, as part of community service and residential training.
Three of us gained our Gold and went St James Palace in Dec 1961. I was also invited to a reception for Gold Award winners at the Guildhall, London on February 17th 1962, which was also the official launch of the girl’s scheme. A single program for young people aged 14 to 21 was launched in 1969, and extended to those up to 25 years of age in 1980
Over the years I was involved with mentoring or assessing people doing the Award not least Sue Clegg who as an adult took many groups all over the world, and my son Mark who did his through the Boy’s Brigade. So thirty years later I found myself once again at St James’ Palace almost as excited as the first time. A smiling Duke entered the room and one of the first things he asked was ‘any one been here before?’ and several of us answered in the affirmative before he then went round the room to talk to the younger generation.
He will be missed but his scheme will live on.