By Brendan Rees
A walk down memory lane was in order for those who attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cranbourne Girl Guides on Saturday, 24 March.
The Guides presented a parade of historic uniforms from the 1960’s to present day and a cake was also cut to mark the occasion at the Cranbourne Guide Hall where past and present members were able to reconnect.
Former Guide and current leader Jocelyn Churchill, former leader and current member, Gail Alexander, former Guide and former leader Karen Eaton, and Girl Guides Assistant State Commissioner Star McBean were among the guests at the presentation.
Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans, and Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani, who were former Girl Guides also attended.
Girl Guide leader Jocelyn Churchill said the group was built on the hard work of founders Fran Bucknell, Beryl Maddern, Elizabeth Clydesdale and Mrs Everitt. She said unfortunately records weren’t unable to show Mrs Everitt’s first name.
She said cooking and camping trips were among the activities the units participated in.
“We also do pretty much anything the guides might be interested in, such as rock climbing, high rope courses, hiking, orienteering, and a lot of different arts.”
Ms Churchill said the organisation provided a foundation for girls and young women alike to be the best they could be.
“We give them resources and encourage them to make a difference in their local communities,“ she said.
In her speech, City of Casey Deputy Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said the Cranbourne Public Hall had been the perfect place for many girls to develop skills for life.
“Girls and young women have much to offer and this program provides the ideal platform to develop a sense of community, social justice and strong values,” she said.
“We are fortunate to have this great hall in Cranbourne that has provided a space for girls and young women to engage in fun and energetic activities while learning about themselves and the world around them.”
