This story was published on May 5 in the Chichester Observer. Read the original story at chichester.co.uk/news/local/what-are-your-memories-of-girl-guiding-in-chichester-1-7364995]
[All images: West Sussex Record Office archives]
Do you have memories of being a Girl Guide in Chichester?
This photograph is believed to have been taken in the 1920s. Back in November, 1979, the Chichester Observer published this picture to encourage ex Girl Guides from in and around the city to attend a Diamond Jubilee celebration of the 3rd Chichester Guide Unit.
Regnum District Commissioner at the time, Mrs Olive Hammond, was trying to put names to the faces in the photograph.
Mrs Hammond said: “We would like as many old Guides as possible to be reunited at the celebration.
“I am sure there must be women living locally who recognize themselves in the picture, and we would like to hear from them.”
Did you attend the Diamond Jubilee celebration? It was held at the Guide Hall in Whyke Lane on December 14, 1979.
There is a fascinating history of Girl Guides in Sussex. In October 1917, Olave Baden-Powell, Chief Guide, estimated that there were 83 Guide companies in Sussex, which was almost double the 46 in existence the previous year.In 1918 there were 117 companies, which was the fifth highest in the country. Sussex also claimed that they were the first country to have their own magazine, which was started in January 1917.
In April 1979, the guiding county of West Sussex was divided into two new counties – Sussex Central and Sussex West. Today, Sussex West includes over 4000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section members.
Emily Jessica Turner 