An amazing 80 years in Guiding

When Joyce Crawshaw joined the Girl Guides in 1932, she never imagined this would become a lifelong involvement spanning eight decades across two continents.

carry the flag,” she said. Guiding was more formal in those days, she explained. “Our meetings would commence with an inspection and we would lose drill patrol points if badges weren’t shining and shoes polished.”

When World War II broke out, Joyce was among one of the 750,000 Guides in the UK to contribute to the war effort.

“We all played our part during the war years. I was a Ranger then, helping in the forces’ canteen on the church premises, knitting scarves and gloves, and collecting newspapers.”

In 1981, Joyce was presented the coveted Laurel Award for her outstanding service with the Guides, which took her by surprise. “My first reaction was ‘Why me? I haven’t done anything spectacular’. However, I felt very honoured and received the award at a special gathering at Frederick Street Methodist Church, attended by many Guiding and personal friends. It was a great evening and a wonderful memory which I treasure.” spirit of Guiding to others along the way.”

Joyce turns 100 in June and feels blessed to be given a long life and a good memory. As an only child, she attributes her longevity to the organic and healthy diet she grew up on. “My parents were country people. My father grew his own vegetables and kept chickens so we had our own eggs, and my mother cooked and baked – everything was natural.”

Joyce, who hailed from Slough, a large town 30km from west central London, emigrated to Australia in January 1994. Her involvement with the Girl Guides continued in her adopted country where she joined a local Trefoil Guild –Acacia , the adult section for former or current members of Guiding.

Now a resident at BlueCross Livingstone Gardens, Joyce continued attending the monthly meetings at Acacia until the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020.

Joyce’s earliest memory of her Guiding years was when she enrolled in the 6th Slough (Methodist) Guide Company as an 11-year-old.

I was part of the Guard of Honour when the Duchess of York (later Her Majesty the Queen Mother) visited Slough to open the new Methodist Central Hall. "

“I remember it was a cold November day and our uniform consisted of the blue cotton dress, long black stockings and a large hat. We didn’t mind the cold though as we had a good view of the proceedings,” said Joyce. Joyce recalled how much she enjoyed learning new skills during her earlier Guiding days, from making knots and simple bandaging to communicating in Morse code and Semaphore signalling. “I also enjoyed hikes, cooking dinner over a campfire, the monthly church parades and eventually the honour of being chosen to

Joyce also took on various other roles throughout the years, from Brownie Pack Leader to Guide Lieutenant, then Brown Owl following a short hiatus from the Girl Guides after she got married. Joyce was appointed as the District Commissioner for Wigston, Leicestershire, from 1966 to 1972 and later, the new Division Commissioner when a County Division was formed in the area. One of Joyce’s most memorable experiences was when she and a few leaders were presented to Princess Margaret when she opened the Girl Guides headquarters in Leicester. “My husband Brian had always been very encouraging and supportive of all my Guiding activities,” said Joyce. “He suggested that I learn to drive and I eventually passed my test and was able to take myself to visit other units and attend many special occasions.”

Joyce said it was a privilege to be part of a worldwide organisation where one can always find friends anywhere and be sure of a welcome. “I’ve gained so much from Guiding over the years and hope I’ve managed to pass on the

For her milestone birthday, Joyce doesn’t want any material things. “I got all the things I need. I just wish I can continue to maintain my independence and do the things I love.” And that includes attending the monthly meetings at Acacia!