 Over the last 100 years guiding has travelled all the way around the globe. With 10 million members, it is the biggest organisation for girls and young women in the world. September 2009 marks the official launch of our Centenary celebrations with events all over the country, including right here in St Albans. It is an opportunity for use to push some boundaries, take some challenges and make some amazing memories.
CENTENARY LAUNCH PARTY
Girlguiding St Albans will be celebrating the launch of the Centenary year on Friday 18th September with a HUGE party for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section, Leaders and the Trefoil Guild.
We have over 1000 people attending which is the biggest turnout we have ever had to a Girlguiding St Albans event.
The content of the evening is a closely guarded secret - but please come back and check out our News page after the 18th September so see what happened.
We would like to say a big THANK YOU to the following organisations and companies who have made our Centenary Launch Party possible.
BRE
 BRE is a unique, research-based consultancy, testing, certification and training organisation offering expertise in virtually every aspect of the built environment. We help clients create better, safer and more sustainable products, buildings, communities and businesses and we support the innovation required to achieve this. BRE is a group of companies owned by the BRE Trust, a charitable organisation representing interest across the built environment sector. The Trust uses the profits made by its companies to fund research and education that advances our knowledge of the built environment, helping build a better world.
Contact: www.bre.co.uk ~ 01923 664000
KIND SPONSOR OF THE GIRLGUIDING ST ALBANS CENTENARY BADGE
The Party Stop Ltd
 The One Stop Shop for all your party needs. Run off your feet and need a hand to make your party a special occasion? Well look no further because we at The Party Stop Ltd have everything you need for a successful party. The Party Stop specialises in providing a great selection of themed tableware/personalised chocolate bars/party bags/helium balloons and accessories.
Contact: Amanda Green ~ 07717 730748 info@thepartystop.co.uk www.thepartystop.co.uk
Larger The Life ~ The Glitter Girls
 Larger Than Life offer a diverse range of entertainment coupled with a professional service that will help to enhance any occasion. Whether the event is big or small, indoors or outdoors, a corporate function or a public festival, with over 20 years experience Larger Than Life can provide quality entertainment from a wide range of reputable, experienced performers. Our services include roaming entertainers, cabaret and street shows, event theming, unique walkabouts and much much more.
Contact: 0845 2600 988 www.largerthanlifeuk.com
Sian Samuels
 Sian Samuels - a professional, dynamic and entertaining vocalist offering performance packages to suit every occasion from parties to weddings, signing pop to musical theatre. Perfect for adding an extrat element of sparkle to any event.
Contact: Sian Samuels ~ 07767 812265 sian@siansamuels.com
Saracens Sensations
 Would you like to be a cheerleader and learn to dance with the Saracens Sensations? Classes are held locally for 8-14 year olds. For further information or to book a place contact Kathryn Amass ~ 07894 489750 kathryna@saracens.net. Saracen's next game is on Saturday 27th September (Saracens vs Gloucester, 3pm) - to get further information about future Saracen's matches call the ticket office on 01727 792802 or check out their website www.saracens.com
Tuxedo
A talented young dance group of pupils from Sandringham School, St Albans; many of whom were former Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.
Karan & KSPARK entertainments
 A spectacular dancer, versatile choreographer, actor and model, Karan is an artistic phenomenon who is taking the UK Bollywood dance scene by storm! He has taught Gary Lineker how to do the 'Balle Balle', performed at the IFAA Awards, launched KSPARK entertainments and Karan's Bollywood Masterclass (KBM), and has produced a sell-out Bollywood musical that is in public demand - Bollywood Nights! Find out what this young star is all about - visit www.karanlive.com
BRIEF HISTORY OF GUIDING
At the Scouts' first rally, at the Crystal Palace in 1909, several small groups of girls turned up insisting that they wanted to be Scouts too. In an age when skirts were ankle length and young ladies never ran, the idea of girls being involved in camping, hiking and similar activities received a mixed response.
The pioneers who turned up at the 1909 Crystal Palace rally called themselves Girl Scouts, but when he founded the girls' movement, Baden-Powell decided that the name should change. He wanted to create a separate identity for the girls so that they could work for self-development independently, not in imitation of their brothers.
Baden - Powell remembered that he had been particularly impressed with some 'Guides' he had met during his time in India. These men had operated on the north-west frontier and their main task was to go on very dangerous expeditions. Even when they were off duty the Guides were still training their minds and bodies. With this in mind, he decided that 'Girl Guides' would be a good name for these pioneering young women.
So in 1910 he officially formed the Girl Guides, asking his sister Agnes to look after the new organisation. A few years later his wife Olave became involved and, in 1918, was appointed Chief Guide.
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