Girlguiding has a long history of empowering girls and young women to be their best. It has been more than a century since a handful of girls gatecrashed the first-ever Scout rally and demanded “something for the girls“. That was in 1909 and members have been pushing boundaries and achieving goals ever since. Knowing that the former Girl Guides’ Hall on Southbridge in Cupar is under restoration to create a new family home and business premises, we wanted to find out more about what Girlguiding Cupar does, as well as their plans for the future. We caught up with Mandy Sharp …

The Guide Association was established a long time ago – within a decade of the death of Queen Victoria – thanks to the efforts of many intrepid girls who refused to accept that scouting was ‘just for boys‘. It wasn’t long before those forerunners were completing badges in sailing, aviation and home electrics. Soon after the Association was formed, members stepped up to make important contributions to the Great War effort.

Many explains: “Guides grew food, acted as messengers for government organisations and worked in hospitals, factories and soup kitchens. They were an inspiration to those who followed in their footsteps.”

Today, Girlguiding is a vast and vibrant network of members and is the largest organisation in the UK for girls and women. Mandy says: “In 2018, we launched a brand-new programme for all our members – from Rainbows to Rangers.” She adds: “It was the biggest refresh of badges and awards that Girlguiding had ever seen, and introduced over 800 new badges and activities.“

Girlguiding in Cupar

Girlguiding in Cupar is part of Girlguiding Fife – and all sit within the UK wide Girlguiding UK. Mandy talks through the different ages and groups available.

“In Cupar we have two Rainbow groups for those aged 4-7, three Brownie Groups – aged 7-10 – and one Guide Group for girls aged 10-14. We also have volunteering opportunities for Young Leaders, aged 14-18, and our Adult Leaders who are 18+.”

Groups meet in Cupar during term time on most weekday evenings. Mandy adds: “We do have some spaces in some groups for new members and would welcome applications to help fill those spaces.” Parents and guardians who are interested can get in touch using the online contact form via this link.

Get involved …

Mandy is one of a number of adults who help to run Girlguiding in Cupar. She says: “Adult volunteers come from all walks of life. Some were Rainbows, Brownies or Guides when children. Others have joined as adults to give something back to our community.”

Parents, carers and interested volunteers can register online by clicking on the image below – reading through the information and criteria and then following the links provided.

Take away …

Those getting involved in Girlguiding do so to support their communities, but equally important is the rewards gained from involvement. Mandy explains: “We do all sorts of activities including residential experiences. Girls can work towards interest badges and also Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Similarly, Young Leaders and Adult Volunteers can gain qualifications in first aid, child protection and working with children.”

As with all those who feature on our Blog, we always ask what you would recommend to someone visiting Cupar for the first time – or for the first time in a long time. Mandy replies: “Breakfast – the pancakes – at The Cupar Tearoom, lunch at The Press … and tea from The Mystic Dragon!”

 

Need more?

You can find the local Girlguides on Facebook and Instagram. You can also drop them an email via this link.

And why not watch the Girlguiding YouTube video below … and share with anyone who might be interested.

 

 

Thanks for reading.