Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    X698
  • Title
    Bedfordshire Girl Guides
  • Date free text
    1916 - 1996
  • Admin/biog history
    The national Girl Guide movement began in 1909 when a small group of girls, lead by Agnes Baden Powell, took part in the Crystal Palace Boy Scout Rally. In 1911 the 'Girl Guide Gazette' was founded, and in 1912 the first Girl Guide Handbook was issued. Guiding became gradually more widespread throughout Britain and the Commonwealth. In 1912 Lord Baden Powell married Miss Olave Clare Soames, who as Lady Baden Powell became World Chief Guide in 1918. The first Brownie packs began in 1915. The 'Senior Guides' were formed in 1918, and Rangers in 1920. In Bedfordshire the Guide Movement took root in 1916 with the formation of the 1st Luton Company, registered at Guide Headquarters on 11th May. [X 698/17/1/1]. By 1918 there was a proliferation of Guide and Brownie groups, based mainly around churches or within schools. A register kept by the District Commissioner lists Guide Leaders and packs throughout the County. [X 698/1/1] The popularity of the Brownies and Girl Guides continued to increase and the County was divided into administrative divisions. These are frequently adapted and amended, but basically consist of North Bedfordshire (sometimes including Bedford), Mid Bedfordshire, East Bedfordshire, South Bedfordshire, Bedford, and Luton. Each Division consists of Districts and Companies (Packs) of Brownies, Guides, and Rangers.
  • Archival history
    The records of Bedfordshire Girl Guides were deposited by Miss Sylvia West, Oswestry, 4 Oct 1997; Mrs J Wain, County Commissioner c/o Miss S West 27 Oct 1997; Miss M Prior, Bedford 27 Oct 1997; and Miss Margaret Sugars of Blunham, Bedfordshire, 23 July 1990.
  • Level of description
    fonds
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