Community
14 November, 2025
Guides to mark two special milestones
NEXT weekend will see the Camperdown Girl Guides celebrating two significant milestones at the same time.
This year marks 100 years since the Camperdown Girl Guides branch was established, as well as 50 years since the current guide hall – located at 251 Manifold Street – was opened.
Kylie Spokes, who organised the celebration, said the guides were proud to have reached the century milestone.
“We welcome anyone with any connection to guiding in Camperdown to come along because we’re very proud of the fact we’re 100 years old,” she said.
“It’s quite remarkable for an organisation to be of that age locally.
“We’re inviting all past leaders, guides and brownies to join us on November 22 between 2-4pm for afternoon tea.
“There’s going to be lots of memorabilia from guiding in Camperdown over the years and the current guides are going to show what they’re doing in their guiding.
“We just hope it’ll be an opportunity for people to come and see the hall because it’s the hall’s 50th birthday as well this year.”
The Camperdown Girl Guides branch began on April 24, 1925, with 50 people attending the inaugural meeting.
The first president was C.L Aitkin, who held the position for eight years and oversaw 36 members in 1926 and 45 members in 1927.
The current guide hall replaced the initial hall which was demolished in 1974, constructed as a milestone marker for 50 years of guiding in Camperdown.
The construction of the hall was funded by $29,000 in donations from the community and was opened by assistant state commissioner Lysbeth Turnbull and district commissioner Joan McGarvie.
Among those in attendance at the opening of the guide hall were Town of Camperdown mayor M. Wettenhall and Hampden Shire president D. Richards.
Mrs Spokes said there would be memorabilia on display at the guide hall of significant events in the branch’s history, allowing those who grew up as guides or brownies to reminisce.
“People will be able to look through the memorabilia and chat with fellow guides who have been involved with the Camperdown Guides over the years,” she said.
“The formalities will be held at 3pm.
“We’ll have our current guide leader Glenda McIlveen hosting formal proceedings, with a small presentation to follow.
“Everyone is welcome – we’d appreciate RSVPs for catering purposes.”
RSVPs can be made by contacting Mrs Spokes on 0401 717 640.
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