Uniformly loved
No matter where we are or what we’re doing, wearing guiding uniform is something that brings us all together.
We asked you to share how putting on your polo, hoodie or blouse makes you feel – and why lots of you have been wearing yours at home.
For Heather Walker, something magic happens when she puts on her guiding uniform. ‘I feel invincible!’ the leader with 10th Falmouth Guides says, ‘I could honestly conquer anything you throw at me when I’m wearing it.'
It’s a feeling lots of us in guiding share. When we asked you how your uniform makes you feel, you told us it makes you ready for anything. Whether that’s zooming down a zip wire or running a meeting on Zoom. ‘I am sure it makes my confidence grow’ says Daphne Walton of 2nd Moreton-In-Marsh Rainbows and 1st Moreton-In-Marsh Brownies. ‘Wearing it makes me believe I can have a go and I will be supported if I find things difficult’. Girls agreed too, telling us ‘I feel I can do anything I dream of’ when they wear their uniform.
Small things that give us a boost can be helpful in these challenging times. Which might be the reason girls and leaders are choosing to wear their uniform at home. ‘Wearing my uniform has helped bring a little bit of normality during some very difficult times’ says Frances Needham, leader with 1st Mean-wood Guides.
So while lots of us pushed our guiding wear to the back of the wardrobe at the beginning of March, we’re now dusting it off. Increasingly, it’s your outfit of choice for Zoom meetings, virtual campfires, online discos, remembrance days, and everything in between.
"I was so excited to finally be able to put my uniform on." Christine, Rainbow leader
An old friend
For Jess Catley of 3rd Lee North Guides, digging her uniform out felt like being reunited with a trusty old friend. ‘After not wearing my uniform for 25 weeks, putting it back on to meet my Guides in the park felt like a hug from a friend that you've not seen in a long time’ she says. ‘It definitely was the comfort that I needed after working my way through lockdown.’
Leader Christine Sharpe, of 1st Wilsden Rainbows, found returning to her uniform to be a similarly moving experience. ‘During lockdown whenever I opened my wardrobe I saw my uniform. I felt sad it was hanging there and I didn’t need it.’ says Christine. ‘In September we decided to up our game and offer Zoom meetings and wear our uniforms. I was so excited to finally be able to put my uniform on. I loved it when all our lovely Rainbows greeted me in their uniforms too.’
The thread that connects us
Whether you wear a leader’s hoodie, Brownies t-shirt or Guides dress, our uniform is part of what makes us one community. ‘It’s that wonderful feeling of oneness’ says Jacqueline Rylatt-Connock of 1st Greenmeadow Guides.
For one Brownie, wearing her uniform means she can still feel part of Brownies even when she has to stay in hospital. She told us her uniform makes her feel ‘like I belong somewhere and my Cystic Fibrosis doesn't matter; I take my uniform into hospital so I can still join in with the hospital Brownies when I live there.’
It’s not just about wearing our own uniform. For lots of us it’s about seeing everybody together. ‘It makes me smile to see my Guides with it on’ says 1st Uttoxeter Woodlands Guides leader Emma Lip-scombe. ‘We had our first face to face meeting and they looked so bright and together.’
Lyndsey Hendry, who works for Girlguiding trading services as well as leading 22nd Rochdale Rainbows and 43rd Rochdale Brownies, agrees. She says ‘wearing my navy leader polo top (with addition of glittery stickers) to our weekly Rainbow and Brownie Zoom session - and seeing the girls wearing theirs - makes it special. It gives as all the feeling that we may be apart, but we are in this together and we will get through this in our own unique way.’
Meetings aren’t the only place we like to wear our uniform though. You can often spot guiding wear climbing mountains, walking dogs or in your local park. ‘My all-time favourite pieces are my leader fleece and waterproof jacket, even being worn when not guiding’ says Lyndsey. ‘Always love it when you see another leader out and about and you look at each other and say hello. We might not know one another but our uniform connects us.’
Natalie Austin of 2nd Sale Central Rainbows finds it can spark connections with strangers too. ‘I find it’s such a good talking point’ she says. ‘So many people have a story to tell you “When I was a guide…”
It gives us all the feeling that we may be apart, but we are in this together and we will get through this in our own unique way.’ Lyndsey, Rainbow & Brownie leader
Natalie and her daughter wore their uniform to complete their Children in Need challenge. Walking her daughters age (5) in kilometres!
Together then, now and tomorrow
Girls and volunteers in Girlguiding have always worn a uniform. While what we wear may have changed - from the formal belted dresses and blouses of the 20th century to today’s t-shirts and hoodies - our uniform still connects us to everyone who has been part of guiding in the past.
‘During this time (my uniform has) led me to feel a huge sense of responsibility for those who went before us in this organisation and for ensuring we push even harder to keep moving forward.’ says leader Cheryl of 31st Norwich Rainbows, 9th Norwich Guides and District Commissioner of Mile Cross.
No matter what we might wear in the future, we can be sure that guiding uniform will always be something that brings us confidence, comfort and a sense of community.
But what do you think is the best way to wear a guiding uniform? ‘Loud and proud’ says leader Valerie Jennings. We couldn’t agree more.
Last chance: 20% off all uniform until midnight 30 November 2020 To celebrate all things Girlguiding uniform, we’re offering 20% off all uniform items on the official Girlguiding online shop.
You’ll need to be quick, sale ends at midnight on 30 November!
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