A CENTURY of Guiding was celebrated with laughter, memory-making and a night under the stars.
Alcester Girl Guides marked 100 years since the founding of their first unit with a celebratory sleepover and family fun day at National Trust property, Coughton Court.
A special invitation had been extended by Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton, who welcomed more than 100 girls from Girl Guiding Alcester and Avon Villages to the estate in honour of their great-grandmother, Betty Throckmorton, one of Alcester’s first guide leaders in 1925.
Jane Vance, Division Commissioner for Stratford on Avon, said: "The centenary event was a fantastic way to show the important role Girl Guiding has played in the Alcester community for generations.
"We’re so thankful to the Throckmorton family for welcoming us to Coughton Court and giving us unprecedented access to the historic house and gardens.
"It couldn’t be more fitting given the family connection to our organisation."
The girls enjoyed a sleepover in the historic house, along with a bat walk and silent disco, before a day of activities including archery, soft axe throwing, crafts, a picnic and a guiding-themed garden trail.
Each guide received a commemorative badge.
Magnus Birch Throckmorton said: "It was an honour to welcome the Girl Guides to Coughton Court to celebrate such a remarkable milestone as Betty’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of Guides in the area.
"Seeing the Guides enjoying the house and gardens in the same spirit their predecessors would have done 100 years ago was very special for our family."
Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmorton family for more than 600 years.
It was gifted to the National Trust in 1946, but the family continues to live at and help manage the estate under a 300-year residency and management lease.
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