was the year World War 1 broke out, and Guides were busy helping with the war effort. Older Guides were responsible for delivering important and confidential information for MI5. Some Guides used the Marconi Wireless Telegraph, a device which allowed communication over long distances with radio waves. The Marconi Wireless Telegraph did not transmit music or speech like a modern radio, instead information was translated into morse code. If a Guide learnt morse code and could make her own wireless receiver, she would earn her Telegraphist’s Badge. Young Leaders were also able to wear the Ranger uniform even if they weren't part of a Ranger unit. Rainbow Guides | Brownie Guides | Girl Guides | The Senior Sections | The Adult Sections | BGIFC (British Guides in Foreign Countries) | * (Lord Baden-Powell's Role in The Girl Guide Movement (UK) * | * Uniform Through the Years * In the 1960s, Brownies promised: “I promise that I will to do my best to do my duty to God and to serve the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Brownie Guide Law”.

Jeff Banks overhauled the Guiders uniform too. It was made up of polo shirt (in navy or white), sweatshirt (navy) knitted jumper (light blue), knitted cardigan (light blue) cardigan (navy with white sleeves) and striped shirt (long and short-sleeved). Casual wear (to be worn at camps and unit meeting) was available, including a grey blouse, and rugby shirt, and 'surprise yourself' jersey tops. In 1990, designer Jeff Banks launched a new Guide uniform; a mix and match of bright blue sweatshirts, jumpers, polo shirts, T-shirts, jogging bottoms, skirts and trousers.

In 2000, top fashion designer Ally Capellino, whose clients include Kate Moss, Sadie Frost and Zoe Ball, revamped the uniform. Non-uniform items can be worn as casual wear, such as at camps or events, when you are not representing Girlguiding to the general public. Post-war, the design of the promise badge returned to the Brownie Man on a pin, designed to be fastened to a Brownie’s tie. 1960s and 1970s Uniform Another makeover, this time by Ally Capellino. The uniform now includes T-shirt, gilet (fleece vest), rugby shirt and sweatshirt in mid-blue and dark blue, with red detail. Badges are now worn on the gilet.

Girls could choose how modest they wanted their uniform to be, allowing for increased religious and personal inclusivity.

Where do Brownie badges go?

Made popular by designers like Mary Quant, the miniskirt reflected the growing youth population as ‘baby boomers’ born in the 1950s became entered their teenage years in the ‘swinging sixties’. Fashion moved away from the more conservative silhouettes of the 1940s and 1950s, and the second wave of feminism fought for increasing equality for women. 1960/70s Promise Badge Wearing uniform is a guiding tradition that is till relevant today. It helps bring people together. We should always remember that it isn't the uniform that defines a Girlguiding member, it is living the Promise and Law. Promise badges-These should be worn on the badge sash or worn on the left-hand side of their uniform, closest to their heart. The 1920s Promise Badge introduced the Brownie Man, a dancing figure of a folkloric Brownie wearing a pointed cap. The badge would attach to the uniform bib with a wire pin. In 1932, shortly before the uniform design changed, the original safety pin design was swapped for a metal bar to prevent breakages. 1930s and 1940s Uniform During the 1980s, while the Brownie uniform remained the same as the 1960s design, a leisure wear option was introduced, featuring a bright yellow t-shirt and hat. Shorts, available for the first time, mark a transition towards girls making their own choices about how they wanted to dress while representing Brownies. Brighter colours were introduced as fabrics and dyes became much cheaper.

Girlguiding in the UK is divided into four uniformed groups: Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. We work hard to make sure that our uniform is reasonably priced. We have a range of clothing available to suit both weekly unit meetings and more formal activities and events, and there's flexibility for girls and volunteers on what they wear.

Designed with versatility in mind, these uniforms reflected the growing demand for leisure wear as uniform. Archives, like the Girlguiding Archive Resource Centre, keep collections of old uniforms and badges in a safe, closed environment. This means that the temperature can be controlled, neither too hot or too cold, and the air is dry to prevent mould or mildew from growing. The uniforms and badges are carefully stored, which preserves them for future study. Cadets wore either their school uniform, or Guide uniform. To distinguish them from Guides, they had a white hat-band, hat badge, and triangular tie. The first Brownies or 'Rosebuds' did not have an official uniform, but the Girl Guides Gazette suggested that a dark blue pleated skirt, blue knitted jersey, brown edged blue wool cap or 'tam', brown or blue tie and a belt would make a suitable uniform. The brown cotton dress with a tie that we associate with the Brownies was introduced in 1917, with the style barely changing until 1990.

In the 1990s, Brownies promised: “I promise that I will do my best to love my God, to serve the Queen and my Country, to help other people and to keep the Brownie Guide Law”.British Girlguiding Overseas might wear Girlguiding uniform or they might adapt or design suitable guiding wear for their members. The clothing should suit the climate and customs of the country concerned. Girlguiding Scotland, Brownie Uniform over the Past 100 years, Girlguiding Scotland Archives. [12/05/14]. Available from the World Wide Web: http://www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk/ aboutus/100yearsofguiding/brownieuniform> The simplified badge featured the Brownie Man stamped on a brass rectangle, although as the war progressed, the design became smaller and an oval design was used to minimise the amount of brass used in production. 1950s Uniform Oral histories are recordings of people talking about their memories of the past. Photographs do not capture everything, and some people may remember how they customised their uniform, or if they enjoyed wearing their uniform or not.