TEN thousand Girl Guides formed an impressive horse-shoe in South Park, Oxford, during the 13th World Conference celebrations.

One former member described her memories of that night in July, 1950 in the recently-published history of Oxfordshire Guides.

She wrote: “It is hard to describe my feeling as I sat on the grass, part of the horse-shoe of 10,000 Guides.

“For the first time, I felt part of the family of Guides that I had heard about, but had not been able to imagine.

“I stood, awe-stricken, as members of the World Association walked through the gangways between the Guides.

“The procession of flags was stunning – the World flag led, followed by the national flags of all the participating countries.

“The representatives of each country were greeted with cheers from the excited Guides.

“Princess Margaret came into the arena with the World Chief Guide, Lady Baden Powell – I could have touched the Princess had I moved my hand slightly outward, but Captain would not have been pleased so my hand stayed by my side.”

After speeches, specially chosen Oxfordshire Guides ran down the gangways with Scrolls of Friendship and presented them to the Princess, making a short speech describing which part of Britain each scroll had come from, how it had travelled and to which country it was going.

Our Guide continued: “Each of the 27 national delegates walked up to receive her scroll – it was so colourful.

“Each delegate was in national costume and each curtsied to the Princess as she received her country’s scroll and the logbook that detailed its journey through Britain.

“I remember the pride I felt that evening – pride in my uniform and pride in the movement to which we all belonged.

“I went home inspired by a magical experience and I believe 10,000 other Guides did so, too.”

Any memories of the event? Write and let us know.