Stonehouse Girl Guides Golden Anniversary (1980)
The babble of many voices echoed through the Clyde Room of the Silvertrees Hotel, Bothwell, last Friday, when Stonehouse Girl Guides celebrated their Golden Anniversary. It was reported that the first Company was founded in 1930 and all decades of guiding were represented at the anniversary and had come from far and wide.
Etta Rankin (nee Tait) travelled from South Africa to be present. Many had not seen each other for many years and had to have their memories refreshed on incidents and faces.
Mrs Isobel Hamilton, president of the local association, warmly welcomed the assembled company and then requested Mrs Ann Duncan to propose the toast of Mrs M Murray, the original Captain.
The toast was in verse composed by Mrs Myra Plenderleith. The still sprightly Mrs Murray then cut the special anniversary cake decorated in the Guide colours of blue and yellow, this theme being carried out on the beautifully arranged tables.
Mrs Sheila Symington, present Guide Captain and District Commissioner, said grace and after a very satisfying dinner the chairman called the roll and asked the ladies who had been in the original company in 1930 to stand up and it was a real boost to see almost a dozen were still interested in Guiding.
Mrs Elsie Walker County Commissioner, gave warmest congratulations for t he past and great hopes for the future.
The guest speaker was Mrs Kath Wilkie, whose reminiscences on Guiding were greatly enjoyed.
Among the Guiding Celebrities present were Miss Jean Leishman the first secretary, who still does audits.
Miss Helen Hamilton, the original Guide Lieutenant, and Mrs Edna Naismith, a previous Guide Captain and Commissioner for West Lanarkshire.
A charade entitled “I love to go a-guiding” (written by Mrs Isobel Ann Black and produced by Mrs Ann Duncan ) was enacted by 12 ex – guides. This charade represented each decade of the company’s existence and conjured up memories that were greatly appreciated.
The local association secretary, Miss M. Cranston, thanked Mrs Isobel Hamilton for all the thought and work she had put into making this such a memorable and happy re-union.
To conclude, all special guests were presented with a posy of flowers and Mrs M. Murray rounded off the evening with her heartfelt thanks to all who were present.
