Girlguiding UK launches Centenary Celebrations with biggest birthday bash!

At Crystal Palace Park more than 6000 members of Girlguiding UK from the London area joined over 550,000 girls and women in the UK’s biggest birthday bash of the year, the launch of Girlguiding UK’s Centenary celebrations. The action packed event on the 5 September was one of 640 that took place at the same time throughout the UK to mark the first 100 years of guiding – over 326,000 people attended one of the events.

Members from London South East, London South West, Greater London Kent and Croydon tried activities like African drumming, circus skills climbing and yoga. The day culminated in a lively stage show which included performances by the Croydon Steel Orchestra, rock-band FranKo from the BRIT school in Croydon plus a performance by hotly-tipped girl-band Girls Can’t Catch before a spectacular firework finale.

As well as enjoying the activities on offer, the newly renovated Maze in Crystal Palace Park was officially opened by Chief Guide Liz Burnley accompanied by 40 Brownies and Guides. The Maze has been redesigned by the organisation to mark the launch of its Centenary celebrations. The project has been undertaken in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley with support from the London Development Agency and the artists Leo Brook and Tiffany Black. The Maze is now open to the public.

Alice, aged 15, a young leader with the 1st Watling Rainbows said: “I love that this event is about getting all of us together. I’ve met new people and had a chance to catch up with some old friends.”

Nicola, aged 13 from 1st Watling Guides said “I really enjoyed the maze. We all got hopelessly lost. I think it has all been a brilliant day and I’m looking forward to the fireworks this evening.”

Chief Guide Liz Burnley, who attended the event, said: ‘It’s been wonderful to celebrate such an incredible milestone at the place where guiding effectively began. From the very beginnings guiding has given girls and young women opportunities to try out adventurous activities, develop their confidence and speak out for causes they believe in and if the girls are still this excited after 100 years then we must be on to something good!’

The guiding movement began in 1909 when a small group of young women ‘gate crashed’ the Boy Scout rally at Crystal Palace Park in London and lobbied Robert Baden-Powell for ‘something for the girls’. The Centenary is an opportunity to celebrate the impact that the organisation has made on the lives of girls and young women and how modern guiding continues to support over half a million members around the UK to make new friends, develop skills and achieve their full potential in a unique girl only space. Locally, girls take part in activities such as camps and adventure holidays, international travel and community action.