Blackwall/Ettalong Girl Guides will celebrate their 75th anniversary on Saturday, October 12.
The 1st Ettalong Girl Guides formed in early October 1949 before later joining with Blackwall.
Enough girls attended the first meeting to form three patrols.
Twins Jean and Joan McLachlan and Brenda Woodhouse were the first patrol leaders and Mrs Norma McAsh was the first captain.
Girls rode their bikes from as far as Pearl Beach to attend.
Brownies had started in the area in 1945 so it wasn’t long before they were flying up to become Guides with almost 40 girls and five patrols at one stage.
The Guides moved to their present hall at Memorial Ave, Blackwall, built by Woy Woy Rotary Club and officially opened on February 2, 1964, according to historical photos and notes from the time.
Local Rotarians still maintain the building.
The anniversary get together will be held at the guide hall, at 2pm on October 12 with afternoon tea at about 3pm.
Guest speaker will be a Guide from the early days who will bring back memories of Anzac parades, camping, hikes, swimming carnivals, and the weekly meetings.
RSVP by October 8 to bronwyn.weatherstone@girlguides –nswactnt.org.au
