Below are some notes I made when Mrs Jackie Ellis and I started the 1st Goxhill Guides. I stayed with the Guides for about a year until my children’s competitive swimming took more of my time. Jackie stayed a little longer before leaving to be Post Mistress in Worlaby. With the ending of the company in the village, I thought readers might find them interesting.
Jayne Bright, February 2009
July 1971: Mrs Ellis and myself have been approached by Mrs Brawn of the Brownies with regard to forming a Girl Guide company (this was because she had learned that both of us had been Guides, although neither of us had continued with the idea of becoming ‘Guiders’ but both of us had enjoyed this time in our life).
7th September 1971: Goxhill County School, 6.30-8pm. Number of girls expected: 10. Number that turned up: 9.
After general greetings had been exchanged, we got the girls seated in a horseshoe formation for a general talk about Guides and Guiding. Surprised to find very few girls actually knew anything about the movement, which can, on reflection be a good thing as Mrs Ellis and myself have not only to remember our Guiding days but also keep abreast of present day ideas.
Girls were shown handbook, also old copies of the ‘Guide’ were issued to be read during the coming week and exchanged among themselves. We decided to split the girls into two patrols but not to decide on a leader and 2nd until after enrolment as we wish to observe girls’ progress and work capabilities and not make this an age decision.
... Approximately halfway through the evening we went into school yard for games lasting approximately 20 minutes. After returning to schoolroom we explained the promise and eight points. This was not very easy as we only had two handbooks. We decided to set up the girls a task which would cover becoming a ‘homemaker’ and asked them to make their own beds for one week (this was greeted with silence and then ‘we haven’t made them before’ from the majority of the girls). We next explained the necessity of looking smart and well turned out in uniform. This was done with the aid of a copy of ‘Today’s Guide’ which showed a full page picture of a Guide in uniform. After a general chat we broke up for the evening, 20 minutes later than planned.
We let the girls decide for themselves what patrol emblem they would adopt. The patrol consisting of Shirley Lamming, Brenda Lammiman, Jacki Lamming, Margaret Finlay and Tina Burford decided on red, and the other consisting of Janet Dent, June van den Bos, Lynda Percy and Julia Shearwood decided on daffodil.
10th September 1971: Mrs Ellis and myself , plus Mrs Sims and Mrs Brawn of the Brownie pack have attended an ‘at home’ given by Mrs Wood our district commissioner during which she introduced Mrs Mollett who is to be our new DC. Mrs Frank of South Ferriby is to be her deputy. Had some quite useful conversations with various other guiders from the area. We also discussed the registering of or company (which has to be going for approximately three months), also the warranting of Mrs Ellis and myself and the enrolment of our girls. We understand that we have to attend at least one training session before we can be warranted and are thus hoping to be able to attend a local one, i.e. Scunthorpe or Grimsby. We had arranged to go to Waddow w/e 17/9/71 but this was not possible as no vacancies existed upon application. This will now have to be postponed until spring of next year as weather conditions will not be good during the winter and family commitments for Christmas will need planning.
2nd meeting – 14th September 1971: Girls all arrived well before 6.30 plus Marion Kevill who should have come last week but through no fault of her won could not come. This now makes 10 girls, 5 to a patrol (Marion Kevill having been placed in Daffodil Patrol). During the week I had been able to obtain a Guide handbook for each girl, also a Patrol Subs book (1 each patrol). These were distributed and girls were obviously delighted as they looked through, as they could actually see what Guiding was all about. After about 10 mins girls were asked if they could remember what we ad explained last week, i.e. Guide salute, meaning of left handshake, Chief Guide, what was the promise? (Response was quite good). Also asked about “bed-making”, which we found had a very good response. We have decided to let the girls collect their own subs, i.e. one book in each patrol and one girl from each patrol collecting and entering the amounts (a different girl each week to do this so all are made to feel useful and have a hand in running patrol. When enrolment has taken place (which at this stage we hope will be November) we can then decide on patrol leaders as we shall have had an opportunity to see all the girls working and progressing. As all girls are at the same stage of progress at this time it is easier for Mrs Ellis and myself to plan programme and work the girls hard for enrolment as we think they are all keen to wear the Guide uniform and to be enrolled, and we have tried to stress that this milestone is only the beginning as they can then carry out things they have promised and we have hope understood as we worked through our first 8 point plan. After subs had been collected and checked we had 10 min games with inter-patrol competition (girls certainly seemed to be getting the team spirit, which we hope to foster as far as possible through the patrols and company activity). Last week each girl having a solo task for ‘Becoming a Homemaker’ we decided to have something which would mean inter-dependence on another Guide. This week’s points were ‘Giving a Service and Enjoying the Out-of-doors’ (which we must make a good use of as often as possible now as winter is coming, although with this being a village company I feel many already appreciate the countryside). The girls were asked to pair off not particularly in patrols, but more in convenience of home area, and collect brambles and fallen apples and take these to the warden of the old people’s residences to be distributed by her (she was duly warned of the pending arrival of these by Mrs Ellis on Wednesday morning and she proved most enthusiastic and offered her support for further projects). We then asked girls to provide a box for their patrol to keep all the things in which we hope to accumulate. Ropes which Mrs Ellis managed to obtain free of charge were then produced and girls asked if they could tie any knots (no was the answer from the majority). We then proceeded to show them a reef knot which after a lot of trial and error was managed by all. As time was fast running out we reminded the girls of all we had decided, i.e. brambles, boxes and to learn the promise, also told them that we would see if Nurse Burton of Barton would be prepared to come and give them a lecture on keeping themselves fit and healthy and also to explain the making up of a first-aid box.
4th Meeting – 28th September 1971: Everyone arrived early (6.15) and very keen (must say Mrs Ellis and myself are very pleased things are going so well and am sure we are enjoying this as much as the girls). During last week we decided we would get the girls outside before it got dark as the nights are starting to draw in. I typed out identical lists for each patrol asking various questions about places in the village which meant they had to go and check for themselves. Patrols were dispatched with 3 minute gaps, and the competition was won by Daffodil Patrol who had evidently read the questions more thoroughly that Red Rose. (It is interesting to note that a dominant leader is emerging for each patrol even at this early stage – Janet Dent for Daffodil and Shirley lamming for Red Rose, but will wait until after enrolment for final decision). We then had general discussion about week’s tasks and decided all girls present had done sufficient to cover thinking for yourself (stickers then stuck on chart). Girls were asked about uniform and we think we shall have to go to Grimsby for about 5 as these girls were unable to get in themselves. A memory test then took place with 20 objects on a tray, this was won by Red Rose. After this we had a sing-song (one song actually as we don’t appear to have many singers in our midst). The girls were asked to decide for themselves what they would do to give a ‘good turn’ for the coming week (this could either be a patrol effort of individual, but must cover the same thing, i.e. visiting sick or the old). We finished prayers. Girls were also asked to bring next week a small matchbox with as many different objects as possible inside.
5th Meeting – 5th October 1971: Everyone present (some with uniform) early. Girls sent out on fact finding game. I had typed out lists for each patrol to find out facts, objects, both indoors and out. I explained to each patrol that they must read list first and decide hat order to do things in. Daffodil Patrol obviously did this but Red Rose Patrol evidently got into difficulties and actually half came back without the other members. Daffodil won this effort and Red Rose were very disillusioned with one another, which lasted all evening. Checked to se if ‘Good Turn’ had been done; this again was a stumbling block for Red Rose as some members didn’t turn up where expected. We then had discussion about uniform which is proving difficult to obtain. After this we all went to see Mrs Scott’s art class in another part of the building, this we thought would help cover ‘Exploring the Arts’ and ‘Getting to Know People’. We were made very welcome and girls enjoyed this. On return we checked the matchboxes we had asked the girls to fill with as many objects as possible. This was won by Julia Shearwood with 69 objects, but overall winners were Red Rose, which helped restore their confidence. Asked girls to clean their shoes every day of the coming week, also to cover their Guide Handbooks. We had a general sing-song before prayers. Before leaving we again asked girls to bring an article of clothing for Nurse Burton who is coming to talk to the girls next week about keeping fit – it appears she looks after one or two needy families.
6th Meeting – 12th October: We all arrived early, only 3 girls not in uniform (we hope to have these before next meeting). Checked each girl had cleaned her own shoes for the week and all said they had. Distributed ties and emblems and checked each girl’s appearance (All had tried very hard). We then had a look at their handbooks which they had covered during last week. After collection of subs and a sing-song Nurse Burton arrived. She gave a very interesting talk on keeping fit which the girls appreciated. She also set them tasks to do during the coming week, shoes cleaned, hands washed and scrubbed after using toilet (which naturally should be done all the time). When Nurse Burton had finished the girls gave her the things they had collected for her poor families, she was very pleased. We have arranged for her to come at the end of November to give a talk on ‘How Your Body Works’ and ‘Making up a First Aid Box’. After games and prayers we finished the meeting.
7th Meeting – 19th October 1971: All Guides tonight turned up in uniform and looked very smart, all having tried very hard to be well turned out (both Mrs Ellis and myself think this an essential part Guiding). Everyone said they had carried out Nurse Burton’s instructions. After subs had been collected, and the eight-point chart brought up to date, we had a quiz which included the Ten Laws (we also asked the girls to read these through each day, not to learn parrot fashion, but in the hope that the true meaning is learned). We talked to the girls about the Promise and what it meant and involved. After this we decided we would tell the Guides who we had chosen as Patrol Leaders and 2nds, as with enrolment night only two weeks away we wanted to be able to practise the ceremony. We decided on Brenda Lammiman PL and Shirley Lamming 2nd for Red Rose (although doubts about Shirley, who is very giggly at the moment and in fact caused quite a lot of trouble at this meeting). Janet Dent was chosen as PL for Daffodil, with June Van den Bos as 2nd. We then let them decide amongst themselves which responsibilities the other girls would take in the running of the patrol. After this we had a trial enrolment ceremony. We then asked the Guides if they were prepared to give up two hours during the next week (school half term) to get well up on work yet to be done for enrolment (all agreed Wednesday afternoon 2-4). Tickets were then distributed about coffee evening on Wednesday 24th November, when we shall join Cubs and Brownies for joint fundraising effort (desperately in need of funds). After sing-song and prayers, meeting closed.
8th Meeting – 27th October 1971 (Special half-term meeting – at Mrs Ellis’s house, 2-4.15pm):
Everyone arrived on time, looking very smart. We had general discussion about coffee evening – things to be made, collected, tickets sold etc. We had distributed material and wool we had collected for making up for the handicraft stall. We then had a sing-song which they want to do at the ceremony (must admit they sing well together). Before leaving we asked girls to be especially well turned out for next week.
9th Meeting – 2nd November 1971: Tonight was enrolment night for all 10 Guides. Mrs Ellis and myself arrived just gone 6o’clock. We arranged a small table with various Guiding items, including 10 candles which were to be used to symbolise the 10 Laws, each girl lighting a candle and saying a law. When the girls and some of their parents arrived we asked the girls to get into patrols and display their eight-point chart and various books as the parents were taking their seats along the side of the room. When the District Comm (Mrs Mollett) arrived, we had a quiz for the patrols before starting the enrolment ceremony, which was won by Red Rose. We then formed a horseshoe with Mrs Mollett, Mrs Ellis and myself at the top. The girls then said law and set a candle alight. The Guides were then enrolled and given their trefoil. While the candles were still alight we put off the electric lighting and the girls had a sing-song which went off very well. After that we had one or two games which were rather hilarious. After the parents and Mrs Mollett had inspected the girls’ patrol corners and we had prayers and dismissal. Mrs Mollett, who had given the girls a talk on being a Guide in Australia (from where she comes) stopped for a chat with Mrs Ellis and myself about various Guide topics, including our fund-raising effort on 24th November to which she will try to come.
10th Meeting – 9th November 1971: Only eight girls turned up tonight, Marion and Tina being absent. One new girl, Jane Gillet, joined us and was placed in Red Rose patrol. Most of the evening was taken up with discussion about forthcoming fundraising effort (and Shirley was being particularly awkward and giggly). During the evening June asked if it would be possible for the Guides to go to church on Sunday as a unit as it was the Remembrance Day service. We sent June and Brenda to ask the vicar what time the service was and if it would be possible to attend. They returned to say the vicar would be delighted to see us and that the service was at 10.50. We then arranged to be at the church at 10.40 in uniform. The girls then got into patrols and we had knot tying and we asked the girls to put a sling on one member of the patrol (which some rather funny results. We then had one or two team games to let off energy. After a sing-song with June and Janet playing the piano we had prayers and were dismissed.
Remembrance Service – November 14th 1971, 10.50am: It was a beautiful day, sunny but cold. Janet, June, Brenda, Lynda, Julia and Margaret turned up looking very smart in their uniform (Jacki, Tina and Marion were unable to attend). Shirley, after being corrected last Tuesday, did not turn up at church, though Mrs Ellis and myself saw her in uniform in the village. There were about 50 people at the service, which went off very well, the girls all being attentive and singing well. After service we all paraded to the Memorial Hall for short service and laying of Flanders poppies.
11th Meeting – 16th November 1971: Two more new Guides turned up this evening Suzanne R and Mavis Oliver, who with Jane who joined last week brings the total of girls to 13. After collection of subs we gave the girls a test for each patrol – general knowledge about Guiding and knot tying etc. This was won by Daffodil. After this we had a discussion and collection of things for the coffee evening. Mrs Ellis then decided it was time we introduced the girls to Morse Code, and we took part in sending simple messages (Shirley as usual was giggly and we decided to have a talk with her after the other girls have dismissed). We then had a few games before the sing-song. This week June had learned ‘Taps’ both playing and singing for us: we all joined in with quite good results. At least Mrs Ellis and myself feel we are introducing some Guiding traditions into the company. After readings and prayers we dismissed. Mrs Ellis and myself had a talk to Shirley, who really is getting out of hand and becoming a disruptive influence on the rest of the girls. We did in fact threaten to take Patrol 2nd’s stripes from her if she did not behave in future. She went home very subdued, which is a shame as she is an intelligent girl and helpful, but also very ‘full of herself’. She just cannot keep still or be quiet.
Monday 22nd November: Campfire Council at Barton Junior School - cancelled owing to bad weather conditions.
12th Meeting – 23rd November 1971: All present this evening. Most arrived with things collected or made for the stalls for the coffee evening which is tomorrow. After general talk about tomorrow and the collection of subs, we asked the girls in patrols to acts a small play ‘selling’ health to Miss Burton, who we expected at 7pm to give a talk on making up a first-aid box and general health. These went off very well; Daffodil did ‘General Health’ and Red Rose ‘Sleep’. Miss Burton was very pleased. She had come armed with charts, cotton wool, paper towels and a skeleton. After a very interesting talk we gave her an apron to show our appreciation. After prayers and taps, the meeting broke up 20 minutes late.
Fund-raising event - Wednesday 24th November 1971 Guides, Brownies and Cubs Coffee Evening, 7-9pm: A lot of hard work on behalf of the majority people concerned certainly paid off this evening. The event was held in the Memorial Hall (the fee was to have been £4, but this was kindly paid by someone who wished to remain anonymous). We also had a donation (again anon) from certain members of the Memorial Hall Committee (£3). Mrs M Scott, our ‘local artist’ gave a very fine display of paintings and these were admired as people drank coffee at tables close by. After all expenses had been paid we each received a little over £22 (which was greatly needed and appreciated).
Training Session – Market Rasen – Saturday 27th November 1971, 1-4.30pm. Lecture given by Mrs Franks from Ferriby, Assistant District Commissioner: Mrs Ellis and myself, together with the Brownies Guiders Mrs Simms and Mrs Brawn + Mrs Martin attend a very interesting and informative lecture given at secondary modern school, Market Rasen. Mrs Franks’ talk centred mostly on training of patrol leaders, but we had ample opportunity to talk to other Guiders about common problems. We got many ideas for increasing the girls’ knowledge of Guiding through quizzes and games. During the afternoon we made a flagpole and were shown the correct way to hoist and fly the Union Jack (we shall definitely have to remember our knots from our Guiding days). Mrs Franks, after a break for tea, gave a very interesting talk on dried grasses and flowers and illustrated this with samplers and arrangements (we could get our Guides next year to do this for future fund-raising effort). After prayers and ‘taps’ we disbanded.
13th Meeting – 30th November 1971: This week’s meeting was held with 11 girls, Shirley and Marion not turning up. After the training session Mrs Ellis and myself decided to talk about Union Jack and various flags which go to make this up. We asked the girls to make a Union Jack during the evening (also asked them to make a good one during the coming week, also clean shoes). The patrol leaders took reasonable charge this week, helping the new girls. Patrols also sent messages to one another using Morse Code (went quite well). I was missing for about 15 minutes as Mrs Brawn and myself went to try to persuade Mr Cook to take on the Scouts (to no avail). After prayers, we dismissed on time at 8 o’clock.
14th Meeting – 7th December 1971: Only 10 girls turned up tonight (including a new recruit Cherry). We had general discussion and played a few games before dismissing. We asked girls if they would like a party next week as that would be the last meeting until 11th January 1972. All agreed. Mrs Ellis and myself to provide the food and also buy the girls a Girl Guides’ Diary each.
15th meeting – 15th December 1971. Party Evening: Everyone but Shirley (who is apparently off school ill) turned up. We had a few competitions with small prizes, before tucking into sausage rolls, crisps, pop and cakes. Evening went well and we dismissed after sing-song. Everyone asked to attend carol service at chapel on Sunday if possible. June Van den Bos was asked to read a small passage from the Bible.
Carol Service – 19th December 1971: Although unable to attend myself (flu), I understand this went well and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.
17th Meeting – 18th January 1972: Mrs Ellis was unable to attend so I had to cope alone. The evening went well and the girls (Red Rose: Brenda, Margaret, Jacki, Jane and Cherry; Daffodil: Janet, June, Julia, Susan and Mavis) all worked well. We had a quiz formed around the first six letters of the alphabet in Morse Code. We then had a discussion about interest badges. A sing-song, inspection, then taps. (Asked to learn first six Morse Code, also to choose an interest badge).
18th Meeting – 25th January 1972: One new girl started this week, Kay Walmsley, and she was placed in Daffodil Patrol. Another new girl, Sharron, should start next week, bringing total to 11 (we shall have to consider starting a new patrol). Nurse Burton came and talked to the girls about menstruation, also first-aid boxes.
19th Meeting – 1st February 1972: Neither Marion nor Shirley turned up again this week. Another new girl came, Susan Keens, who with Sharron makes the total 16. We decided this week to form another patrol: June PL, Margaret 2nd, Kay, Jane & Susan. They decided on White Heather as their emblem.
The girls worked well by themselves this week, without much help from Mrs Ellis and myself. We have decided to ask Mrs Mollett to come on the 29th of this month to enrol Mavis, Jane, Cherry and Susan R, also to warrant Mrs Ellis. Have ordered more imps.