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1940s Girl Guides

We are very happy to come to your group to give a talk within Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Berkshire. In addition to the talk we will bring a small display of related original memorabilia for the girls to look at. 

The talk for Guides is all about what life was like for children during WW2 and specifically the wartime Girl Guide. It covers the following topics:

How long ago WW2 was.
Guide uniform changes over the last 80 years
What life was like during the war.
What girls wore
Joining Guides
The Tenderfoot Test
The 2nd Class Test
What the Guides did during the War
Top Secret Stories
Wartime Badges
Spies, Secrets and Messages
The story of a wartime Guide

The talk takes the form of a PowerPoint presentation interspersed with activities and games.  The talks lasts for 1 hour, but please allow more time for questions and to see the original memorabilia we bring with us.

Air Raid:  After talking about air raids the Guides are warned that at some point the air raid siren will sound and they will have to go to a shelter (3 covered tables).  During the air raid there are quite loud sounds, but they will be told that when they are in the shelter they will be completely safe.  Previous groups have loved this and they all wanted to do it again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read these before making an enquiry or booking, most of the answers are below, however please ask if you cannot find the answer you are looking for:

Do you charge?
We are non-profit making and talks are free, however due to the current high cost of fuel we sadly have to ask for help with our travel costs (at 35 pence per mile) and if you wish to make a donation to help with our other expenses (software and photo licenses, equipment, etc) it would be appreciated. The amount for travel expenses will be agreed at the time of the booking.

How many Guides can you talk to?
We have a maximum of 25 Guides, due to the activities (please discuss with us if you have more than this).  We have a minimum of 6 Guides – perhaps if you have a small group you might consider inviting another pack to join in. 

How long is the talk?
A minimum of 45 minutes is needed to set up for the talk, which can be reduced considerably with help transporting from the car.  The talk lasts for 1 hour, but please allow additional time at the end for questions.

What do you provide?
Projector, stand, screen.
A small display of 1940s memorabilia.
All items for the activities.

If your hall has a projector, HDMI connection or screen please let us know.

What do we need to provide?
Address, Post Code and clear directions to the hall.
Contact details including phone number.
Number of Guides and any who have special needs (this is to make sure we are fully inclusive).
4 x 6ft tables (if this is not possible we can bring 2 tables, but need advance notice).
Electric point
Help transporting to and from the car is much appreciated.
Cup of tea!

Do you have DBS checks?
No, we do not have DBS checks. We have been advised by the agency that we are not entitled to get DBS checks as we are not a company or affiliated with a charity or church. However, Karen is a registered Brownie leader.

We do not expect to be left alone with the children at any point and at least one other adult must be in attendance at all times.

How do I make a donation?
Donations may be made using any of the following:
1. Bank Transfer:  HSBC
Mr B N Wiles
Sort Code 40-47-07
Account Number 31559990
2. By cheque to Mr B Wiles, 85 Church Road, Long Hanborough, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 8JF

How do I book a talk?
Please e-mail contact@doingtheirbit.co.uk with your request.  We aim to answer e-mails within 1 day. We do not accept bookings by phone.