Calder Valley Division "Memory Gathering"
Members of the Calder Valley Division organised a “Memory Gathering” session to collect information from as many people as possible who had been involved in Guiding in any capacity.
This event was a preliminary to the Centenary Celebrations of 2010.
The invitation was an open one and it asked for any memories to be brought to the event – photos, paper cuttings, uniforms, in fact anything. Arrangements were made for items to be electronically scanned so that there could be no danger of items being lost or damaged.
Refreshments were also available free of charge for all visitors.
The event was held on Saturday 21st February from 1pm – 4pm at Scout Road Methodist Church, Mytholmroyd. There was a great deal of previous coverage in the local press to advertise the day and its aims.
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| WYW County Commissioner Alison Moss chatting to one of the guests at the event | The Calder Valley Memory Gatherers with their Division Standard |
Angela Trowell with some treasured Brownie heirlooms |
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The afternoon was very well attended and many items were brought for scanning or were given as donations/contributions to the display which will be organised for later in the year.
One Hebden Royd lady brought a newspaper cutting which was the reminiscences of an evacuee from the south, called Stella Fryer, who had come to Hebden Bridge and become a member of a local Guide unit.
Another lady recalled – and brought photos to prove it – of the time when her Guide unit camped at Robin Hole campsite and was visited by the Princess Royal, then President of the Association.
Guide uniforms of the 40s, 50s and 60s were donated and will be on view in the planned display in the autumn.
Those who spoke of their memories had their conversation taped on a Dictaphone and these memories will be typed up and also form part of the ultimate display.
It was an extremely successful day, providing lots of hitherto unseen material. Those responsible for the organisation of the day were pleased at the turn-out and the great interest shown by those who had very fond memories of their experiences of Guiding in the Calder Valley.
Helen Lunt
Trefoil Guild member
(08.03.2009)