Wrecclesham Girlguides have celebrated their 100th birthday. Past and present members of the unit gathered at St Peter’s Church to enjoy tea and cakes on June 23.

Older guides and rangers ran an ‘Equalitea’, An event designed to inspire debate and commemorate 90 years since the Representation of the People Act 1928, which gave all men and women over 21 the equal right to vote.

Younger guides served an afternoon tea, followed by a Bake-Off inspired showstopper competition.

Emma Hill’s chocolate and coffee cake came out on top. Second place went to Lilly Glass and Amelie Bedard for their pinata cake decorated with sprinkles in the shape of a trefoil clover. In third place was Caitlin Little with her chocolate and vanilla chequer board cake.

Farnham Mayor David Attfield and councillor Paula Dunsmore attended the party.

On display were photographs from when the unit first began in 1918 up until the present day.

Iris Parrot has been a Guide leader in Wrecclesham for over 30 years. She said: “I have really enjoyed sorting out and looking at all the old Guiding photographs. It brought back so many happy memories for me. 

I do believe that nothing prepares girls for life like Guiding and especially camping.”

“It has been a real privilege to have been involved with Guiding for so many years - it is lots of hard work but so much fun too,” she continued.

The birthday celebrations concluded with a camp and after party at Herons Wey. There was a colour run, games in the river, and a silent disco.

After spending a night under the stars, the Guides buried a time capsule and planted a commemorative tree before attending the Wrecclesham Village Fete for face painting and fundraising duties.

The Girlguides was founded in 1909. The Wrecclesham divison was one of the first units set up, and generations of Guides have been meeting at St Peter’s Church ever since.

Hazel Chant was part of the unit from 1971-75.

She said:“I really enjoyed my time at Guides in Wrecclesham.

“l achieved my Queen’s Guide award, this involved gaining badges like laundress, needle woman, camper, and firefighter.

“I have stayed in Guiding and am running Brownies and Rainbows and also manage Herons Wey.”

Until 2013 the Wrecclesham unit had been closed for eight years due to a lack of consistent leadership. Claire Fargot, Girlguide leader, expressed how much dedication is needed to rise to the challenge of volunteering. She said: “finding volunteers with the time and engergy”, is difficult.

In the build up to the celebrations, the Wrecclesham unit designed and created their own 100 years badge. To be awarded the badge Guides have to complete 100 challenges, one of which is to meet their local MP and councillors to advocate issues that are important to them.

On June 14, some of the older Guides met with Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary and South West Surrey MP, at his office. They put to him challenging questions about the NHS and equality.

Mr Hunt said: “I was especially pleased to meet with Wrecclesham Guides last Friday when the country is honouring the women who fought for equal rights. For 100 years girl guiding has been giving the girls of Wrecclesham a voice.”

In anticipation of the anniversary guides planted a flower border at Wrecclesham roundabout.