DWINDLING numbers in one of Barnsley’s oldest Girl Guide units may mean the group will be forced to close.
The Royston Girl Guides group, which was established on May 4 1949, have been struggling to encourage girls to sign up and join its unit.
Girl Guides is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, an organisation which founded in 1910 because girls were demanding to take part in the then grassroots Boy Scout Movement. The girls can join as a Rainbow from five-years-old, a Brownie from seven-years-old, a Guide from ten-years-old and Rangers from 14.
Chloe Morgan, who is one of the leaders at the Royston Girl guides said: “Over the years the unit has been very strong. It had to close once for about three months a couple years ago but other than that it has always thrived.
“Being part of the guides I feel is very beneficial because the girls have the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and take part in a lot of different activities and most of all they are learning life skills which they will carry with them throughout their lives and hopefully make a positive difference in the community.”
As it stands, the Royston unit only has five girls attending, and the unit can accommodate up to 24.
Chloe said: “Some of the girls will be moving to Rangers which will reduce our numbers further and unless more girls sign up, we will have no option but to close the unit.
“It’s quite upsetting that we are in this predicament especially because the unit has been running for over 70 years. We are passionate and we want the group to succeed and stay open. We would love more girls to sign up.
“If you are a parent of a girl aged ten to 14 please register your interest at girlguiding.org.uk and when you enter your postcode you can select the Royston unit.
“You do not have to live in Royston to join and we meet once a week.”
For further information contact Chloe on 07463740806.
