GIRLGUIDING is 100 years old this year, with a century having passed since a group of girls arrived at the first Scouts' rally at Crystal Palace asking to join in, giving rise to the movement for girls.

National celebrations begin this month and finish in August 2010. The launch party for Tavy Division of the Guides is at Buckland Abbey this Saturday, September 5, from noon to 3.30pm. There will be 250 girls, aged from five to 15, attending the afternoon, from local units of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

To mark the occasion, at 3pm, a Centenary Rose will be presented to Buckland Abbey by Girlguiding UK, in the presence of the Rt. Hon. Lady Clinton, patron of Girlguiding Devon and Sue Bullock, county commissioner. West Devon mayor Alison Clish-Green and the mayor of Tavistock, Mandy Govier, will also be attending. There will be a renewal of promises and awards will be handed out to leaders for long service, dedication and great achievement in Guiding.

Kat Croxford, one of the event organisers, leader and National Trust employee, says, 'The afternoon will be a celebration of all the achievements of Girlguiding over the last 100 years. I hope the day will be a success for the Tavy Division and for Buckland Abbey'.

The afternoon includes a picnic and activities such as taking part in the letterbox trail, card making and a photo trail around the gardens.