| BACK HOME GIRL GUIDES PUT EMPHASIS ON FUN On August 14, 1922, the first Girl Guide Company was formed in the city by Jean Abbott. The uniform was a copy of the scout uniform - khaki skirts and blouses, large hats of various shapes and scarves tied around their necks. For rules and regulations they chose bits from "Scouting for Boys" which appealed to them. Miss Abbott always made mention that they were given a drum. This position prevailed until 1924 when some teachers, who had guiding experience in other parts of the state, were transferred to Broken Hill. The Company gradually acquired the approved navy uniforms, but still wore the outrageous hats. This Company, 1st Barrier, has operated continuously since 1922. The first camp was held at Mootwingee. Several camps were held after and around that date. Some of the sites mentioned were Umberumberka, Parnell, K Tank and Yancowinna. The Broken Hill Local Association was formed in the late 1920s and the first president was Mrs H. B. Lynch. Another who followed was Mrs G. B. Game. In 1932, the city was raised from a District to a Division. The number of children involved in two Rangers and three guide companies and four Brownie Packs was 200. In 1936, Mrs C. Richards was appointed Division Commissioner and was the driving force behind moves to obtain a guide hall. Meetings were then held in the Congregational Church Hall. In 1939, the Guide Hall was built by Mr Les Radford. On March 3, 1940 Miss Jean Abbott, District Captain, laid the foundation stone of the new hall. She was appointed District Commissioner in 1941. By this time the war was having its effect on local guiding. The local guides made quite a contribution to the war effort. However, one clothing parcel that was dispatched ended up at the bottom of the sea. A common sight was guides with their three salvage carts collecting waste paper and rags. This was stored in the old Methodist Church along side the Scout Hall. Fire destroyed this building so this service had to be discontinued. Guides assisted with making camouflage nets and made weekly donations to the Comforts Fund. In 1951, 1st Barrier Guide Company was still in existence and 2nd Barrier Guides was only just surviving. One Brownie Pack remained in the District. In 1954, 4th Barrier Brownie pack reopened. In 1956, Miss May Douglas, State Commissioner for South Australia, was keen to see new packs and companies opened. She saw the need for opening units in the South and Railwaytown areas. To this end 4th Barrier Guide Company was reopened, meeting in the Scout Hall on the Zinc Mine Lease. Third Barrier Brownie Pack was opened by Mrs R.H.B. Kearns, this group using the Nicholls Street Methodist Hall. In 1958, 3rd Barrier Guide Company was opened. In 1959, 5th Barrier Brownies Pack was opened by Miss D. Hassett. This year the first canvas camp since 1938 was held at Huonville Station. 1960 60 Brownies attended three Pack Holidays after Mrs Kearns became the first Pack Holiday Permit Holder. 1962 Jayne Carter and Jennifer Campbell became the first two local guides to gain their Queen's Guide Award. Twelve Guides attended a state camp at Renmark. 1963 Mrs J. G. Lyon was appointed District Commissioner to replace Mrs E. G. Pullen. At this time the Division had four guide companies and seven brownies packs. 1966 Queen Guide Awards were presented to Janette and Michelle Loughrey. 1967 Mrs G. B. Fisk gained her Camper's Licence and took over the position of Camping Adviser from Mrs Hepburn. 1969 Scout and guide Camp held at Waukeroo Hills. Two guides attended "Camp Southern Cross" at Britannia Park. Robyn Williams received her Queen's Guide Award. Long Service Award to Mrs Elstone. 1970 Brownies from Para Hills shared a Pack Holiday with local Brownies. Thirty-one guides visited from Melbourne. A new District, Yancowinna, was formed to help relieve the long waiting list. Mrs G. B. Fisk was appointed District Commissioner. Two guides attended camp in New Zealand. CONTINUE NEXT PAGE |