Our History
We’re part of Girlguiding Anglia & have one of the oldest recorded Guide units, 1st Southwold Guides, which opened on 21 June 1910 and which is still a thriving unit. Similarly, 1st Beccles Brownies were formed in 1918, making them one of the earliest Brownie packs.
We’re still going strong today because we recognise that girls can do anything. They can be themselves, get creative, explore, and most of all have fun.
About Our Archives
Suffolk Girlguiding Archivists maintain and organise a wonderful collection of items covering the history of Guiding in Suffolk as well as National items,
Many of the Archives are held in two dedicated rooms which hold Uniforms, Flags, Log Books, Photographs and other assorted ephemera. The Archive rooms are only open when an Archivist is present.
Most Divisions in the County have been given both a Brownie and a Guide History Box which contain uniforms, badges, books and are available for help with Interest badges and displays Please contact your Division Commissioner to find yours.
There are also a Ranger/Senior Service and Rainbow History Box for loan from the Archives.
In addition the Archives have a selection of uniforms for all sections except Rainbows which can be borrowed to show at events or unit meetings on request. If you would like one of the team to come along to show and talk to your Unit please get in touch directly or email.
The Archivists are always happy to receive items which would benefit the collection but space is limited. If you feel the Archive collection would benefit from your donation please email [email protected] with a description and/or a photo of the items and as much background information as possible. We would hate to see our heritage thrown away.
If submitting scrapbooks and photos please make sure that they are annotated with as much detail as possible ie names and location, preferably in pencil.