Girl Guides- Craig-y-nos

girls having a barbecue on the balcony organised by the Girl Guides


Remember the Girl Guides?
I was a member briefly when the group re-started early in 1953 and I can still tie the knots I was taught then.

Yesterday I got a phone call from Helena Thomas, Girl Guide archivist for Cymru, who lives in Ystradgynlais and- yes you have guessed!- was a Guide at Craig-y-nos!
Her memory of the place is that it was “very cold”.



Girls practise the Guide salute. Mair Edwards (in bed) . Names of other girls unknown.

Here’s a brief history of the 1st Craig-y-Nos (Adelaide Patti Hospital) Company supplied by Helena.

 
Registered 09.11.1934
09.11.1934 Capt Miss D. Baker     
09.11.1934 Lieut. Miss O Copley                 
08.08.1935 Lieut. Miss V. Morris-Williams      
06.07.1936 Capt. Miss V. Morris- Williams     
13.12 1938 Capt. Miss Amy Evans.
 
1947 Unit disbanded.
 
reregistered March 1953 by the District Commissioner at that time the late Miss Elizabeth Morgan. The Captain was Mrs. Ina Hopkins. (hospital secretary)

1957 the Unit was closed.
 


Some of the Girl Guides who used to visit Craig-y-nos( names unknown)

The Company Colours of the 1st Craig-y-Nos (Adelaide Patti Hospital) Company were Layed Up at a special service in Abercrave Parish church on
Sunday 23 February 1992.

The service was lead by Rev. Desmond Evans.
Usually it is a sad time to Lay Up a Company colour but in this instance we are all glad that there is no need now to have a Guide company at Craig-y-Nos due to the improved living conditions and health care we enjoy today.
 
Miss Thomas thanked the Rev. Evans for accepting the Colours into the Church and the Parishioners of Abercrave for looking after it.


At the service Miss Helena Thomas, County Commissioner for Breconshire said that as a Guide she had accompanied Mrs. Jean Jones, Guider at that time of the 1st Ystradgynlais Company to meetings at the hospital.  It was always very cold as the windows were kept wide open during the summer and winter. The girls were always cheerful and enjoyed their guiding activities.   (Information supplied by Helena Thomas).

If you recognize any names in the above photos please email:annshaw@mac.com
or ring (01786) 832287.