At their weekly meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the 3rd Hamilton Girl Guides stepped back in time by dressing up in historical Guiding uniforms to celebrate Guiding history and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

When Queen Elizabeth was 11 years old, she was registered as a Girl Guide with her sister, Margaret, and mother, Elizabeth, also involved in Guiding. 

To mark the Platinum Jubilee, Girl Guides Australia has created the Royal Connections Badge, with challenges exploring the Queen’s service and connection with Guiding over her lifetime.

Hamilton Girl Guide leader, Polly Porter, said the Hamilton Guides enjoyed dressing up in the historical uniforms which were from the 1960s onwards.

“The girls loved seeing the different uniforms,” she said.

“Although much prefer their current uniforms with polo tops and comfortable pants.”

While the dress ups were not royal costumes, the uniforms did range from Gumnut and Brownie costumes to formal Guide, Ranger Guide, and even State Commissioner Uniforms.

Girl Guides has been running for 99 years in Hamilton, with several donations of old badges and uniforms throughout the years.

Ms Porter said it was great to be able to celebrate the milestone now that the 3rd Hamilton Guides had increased their numbers from two junior members to 12 junior members, with more girls attending as part of a free three-week trial.

“We’re so glad to be doing this badge with so many new girls now, after a successful Come-and-Try-Day last term,” she said.

Despite the increase in junior members, the Hamilton Girl Guides are still struggling to find volunteers, with a Volunteer Information Night scheduled for 7pm tomorrow at the Guide Hall.

Girl Guides is available for junior members aged five to 17 years old, or adult members and volunteers, with more information available on the 3rd Hamilton Guides Facebook page.