Visit of H.R.H. The Princess Royal President of the Civil Guide Association, to the West Glamorgan Rally, held at Singleton Park, Swansea. May 28th 1938
From the collection of
Visit of H.R.H. The Princess Royal President of the Civil Guide Association, to the West Glamorgan Rally, held at Singleton Park, Swansea. May 28th 1938
After the parade, controlled by gauntlet-wearing commissioners, captains and pack leaders, the 'Brownie Gallop' offers some light relief.
Galloping Gauntlets, this was an event organised with military precision! The princess's arrival is greeted by an impressive lowering of large flags by lines of Guides. The Brownie Gallop introduces a touch of frivolity as the youngsters let off steam in packs, their leaders gamely accompanying them. The Brownies also supply a dragon-headed “fairy coach” for the princess, the Guides contributing demonstrations of Keep Fit, First Aid, folk dancing and craftwork.
The Girl Guides Association – or Girlguiding UK (or Girlguiding Cymru or Scotland) as it is now known – has always had strong connections with the royal family and from 1920 until her death in 1965, Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, was its president. As the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, and having 5 brothers, equality of opportunity for girls may have had a special resonance for her. The Boy Scouts movement was inaugurated in 1909 by Robert Baden-Powell and, after girls gatecrashed a rally, dressed as scouts, the Girl Guides movement was inaugurated in 1910 under the leadership of Baden-Powell's sister, Agnes. The 1st Swansea (YWCA) Company was the first to be registered in Wales, in 1912.