20:10,20/10,2010 was the code for a very special event that took place recently in New Malden. 20:10 (8:10 pm), 20/10 (20th October) 2010 saw the vision finale of Girlguiding’s centenary celebrations. All over the country, thousands of girls and women gathered to share their vision for girlguiding’s future and to renew their promises. Ten of New Malden’s units plus the Senior Section and Trefoil Guild gathered in the garden of the Old Vicarage at Christ Church to celebrate this unique occasion. Lynne Mattick, District Commissioner for Girlguiding in New Malden said ‘It was a very special evening shared by members whose ages ranged from 5 to 75 and witnessed by parents and siblings who came to show their support.

The night was cold but we gathered round a torch lit trefoil shape, glowsticks in hands. During the evening, the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section and Adult Leaders renewed their promises, considered the centenary celebrations of the past year and put forward their visions for the future of girlguiding.

We finished by thinking of the thousands of other members of girlguiding who were renewing their promises all over the country at exactly the same time. This thought was shared by our eleventh unit who had chosen to hike to Richmond Park to renew their promise and share their visions. From their vantage point, they could see the lights at the Stoop where Twickenham Division were having their event, reinforcing this feeling of unity. We all had an amazing evening and it was a real privilege to have been part of this unique event.’ Based on information supplied by Steve Wicks.