Our history

There has been Girlguiding in Cambridgeshire since 1911

Here are a few fun facts about our history:

• In 1911 a few girls in Cambridge, inspired by the sight of their brothers in Scout uniform, formed their own ‘girls’ troop. These Guides were keen to enjoy the outdoors with hikes and camps. From the very beginning the troop went out tracking every Saturday and ended the day with fire lighting and tea making.
• For the whole of the Great War the 1st Company in Cambridge acted as orderlies at a Red Cross convalescent hospital.
• The 1st Cambridge Brownie pack was formed in January 1917 and is possibly the oldest surviving Brownie unit in the county.
• Our first outdoor activity centre was Haddenham Halt, opened in the early 1970’s. Our current residential centre, the Jarman Centre, opened in 1988.
• The County Standard was made in about 1928 but was not dedicated until the movement was celebrating its 21st birthday in 1931 when there was a big county parade in Ely. We are the only county in Girlguiding Anglia still using our original standard.
• Camping has always been important to girls in Cambridgeshire East. Over the years, we have held county camps at Chippenham, Pampisford, Wilbraham, Exning and Quy to name but a few.

Proud of our members

Cambridgeshire East has always been at the forefront with new ideas and ready to adapt as guiding has changed. When CRB checking was first introduced in guiding, our county helped to pilot the scheme. Many of our leaders have also volunteered within the Anglia region, nationally and worldwide.

Why do we keep archives?

Even now we are keeping records of the events that take place around the county, so that future generations can learn about guiding today.

Our extensive archives are stored at the county office so that units can borrow a ‘Brownie Box’ and a ‘Guide File’ to help learn about the traditions of guiding. The county archivist will also visit unit meetings with a selection of archives to spend an evening doing activities from the past, including trying on uniforms and folding the ‘old ties’.

If you would like to arrange a traditions of guiding evening, please contact the county archivist: archives@cambseastguides.org.uk