Almost 130 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from Alderley Edge District learned about First World War nursing during a special event to celebrate 'Thinking Day' – a key date in the Guiding calendar.
'Thinking Day' on Sunday, 22nd February, commemorated the joint birthdays of the founders of Guiding and Scouting, Lord and Lady Baden Powell, and is traditionally remembered by Guiding units gathering together to 'think' of Guiding over the years.
Alderley Edge District decided to meet at Alderley Edge School for Girls – whose site contains part of a Victorian villa which was used as a First World War convalescent hospital.
Rainbows from Alderley Edge and Prestbury; Brownies from Alderley Edge, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Chelford, and Guides from Alderley Edge and Mottram St Andrew spent the afternoon learning about how Alderley Edge Guide unit had helped out at the convalescent hospital a hundred years ago.
Groups of girls rotated around different activities, including stretcher bearing, first aid, semaphore, packing up sweets 'for the troops' and making a 'sock buddy' nurse. Alderley Edge Rainbow Leader Sue Hector dressed up in a period Guider costume as Lady Baden Powell and led the semaphore.
All those there received a souvenir 'Guides during the war' badge, and renewed their Promise – a Thinking Day tradition. Each girl also painted a picture of poppies, which formed a suitable backdrop to the afternoon's event.
One of the organisers, Alderley Guide leader Judy Povey, said: "It was a fantastic afternoon, and a great way to bring local history to life. Alderley Edge Guide unit is one of the oldest in the country, and it was fascinating for the girls to learn about the role of local Guides a century ago in helping at the local convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers."
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Congratulations to the organisers for their hard work.