IN 1909 some determined girls gatecrashed a Boy Scouts' Rally at Crystal Palace, London, and asked Robert Baden Powell for "something for the girls".

The result was the Girl Guides Association, which celebrated 100 years on Saturday, September 12.

Gatherings were held all over the country. There were several in Devon, the to Crediton nearest being at Blundell's School, Tiverton where 200 Guides, Brownies and Rainbows enjoyed a fun-packed afternoon with their leaders, assisted by members of the Trefoil Guild.

Uniforms dating back to the original were modelled by current Guides and Brownies. Some would be deemed highly impractical for today's active young women.

The younger girls enjoyed a disco, whilst the Guides ran games in the open air, mysteriously involving large quantities of shaving foam!

After tea all present and past members renewed their promises and the day ended with community singing and TAPS.