NEXT spring will see a colourful testimony in Tavistock to mark the centenary of Girlguiding.

The guides' movement has always maintained a strong presence in the Tavistock area — everyone knows someone who is, or has been, a Brownie or a Guide, or who helps at meetings.

Grandmothers, mothers and aunts are still able to bring out their old handbooks and bits of uniform when asked.

Tavy Division leaders, therefore, wanted to make a permanent reminder within the community to celebrate this year's centenary, marking 100 years of Girlguiding.

Guiding leaders decided to plant 300 spring bulbs above the riverbank by Abbey Bridge in an area recently cleared by the town council works department.

A mixture of daffodil, dwarf daffodil and crocus bulbs have been planted. Bulbs were supplied and donated by the Association of British Bulbs in Spalding and John Dingle, of Lower Longford Farm, who has had a long association with guiding in Tavistock.

The 'bulb planters' were chosen from Rainbows, Brownies, members of the Trefoil Guild, Rangers and Guides from the 15 units in Tavistock and Yelverton, which make up the Tavy Division.

Wayne Southall, the town council's works manager, was extremely helpful in advising on the necessary risk assessment procedure and in tidying the area for the 'plant in', said Janet Piper, joint Tavistock District Commissioner.

The Rainbows had fun learning to use their trowels to plant the crocus bulbs. Guides, and some Trefoil Guild members, became 'mountain goats' for a while as they climbed to the top of the steep and slippery planting area.

They planted the daffodil bulbs with the aid of ropes securely strung between the trees by Paul Johnson, climbing and caving instructor for Tavistock's Outdoor Education Forum.

Jenny Lawrence, Tavy Division Commissioner said: 'We are very grateful for Paul's assistance in making this event safer and easier for the girls to participate in.

'Now we let nature take its course and look forward to seeing a cheerful display of colourful blooms next spring.'