The Girl Guide Annual

I spent much of 1982/3 outside school on various trips and parades where you encountered the species, the Girl Guide who was the female equal of a Scout.

As with all branches within Scouting and much else to do with children and young people back then you had annuals which you'd get for Christmas so we'll take a look at one.

The "This annual belongs to bit" is quite important as back then we did share things so you'd stick your name and maybe that of who gave it  as a reminder. As was normal then you always sent a Thank You note to that person!

Annuals of this sort are meant to be inspiring so we have an article on the Silver Fish Award, Ice Craving,looking after Tropical fish (I had tropical fish-keeping them and cats apart was fun!), brass rubbing, trees and the history of bicycles with tips to stay safe.

As you might expect there is a couple of inspiring stories but not as many as you'd get in a Brownies annual reflecting the girls ages and unlike Scouts annuals tehre are tips on making making your own clothes, hair and personal care, weaving and cookery.

There is a article about Guiding in The Gambia as with Scouts, Girl Guiding does operate beyond the U.K. and transitioning to Rangers, the 14-18 program back then looking at what you'd expect.

It is well pitched for the age group and does reflect what Gitl Guiding was about them whereas today there is more around environmental activism and girls rights.