The global Scouting movement began modestly in August 1907 with a small experimental camp for just twenty boys. But it didn’t take long for girls to make their mark. When the first major Scout rally was staged, a small group of determined girls famously gate‑crashed the event, insisting that Scouting should be open to all. Their boldness helped spur the creation of the Girl Guide Association in 1909.
In 1926, delegates from Girl Guide and Girl Scout associations across the world gathered in the United States for the 4th World Conference. There, they agreed to establish an annual day of celebration, Thinking Day, to honour the unity of Guides and Scouts worldwide. The date chosen, 22 February, held special significance: it was the shared birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, and Olave Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide.
By the time of the 7th World Conference in Poland in 1932, Thinking Day had taken on a strong focus on charitable giving. This evolution continued into the late 20th century, when the event was officially renamed World Thinking Day at the 30th World Conference in Dublin in 1999.
This year marks the centenary of the first Thinking Day celebrations, and Newry and Mourne Museum is commemorating the occasion by looking back at the fundraising traditions of local Girl Guides and Scouts.
The first Newry Girl Guide company was founded in October 1918 by Audrey Smartt, who held meetings in her father’s basement on Downshire Road. Over the decades, Guides in the area became well known for imaginative fundraising efforts, from sweet sales to public concerts and sketch performances.
One particularly memorable story involves Maeve Chapman, a Newry Guide selected in 1981 to sell souvenir programmes at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Stationed on the south side of The Mall, she helped raise funds for projects benefiting disabled people.
Local newspapers have long recorded the impact of Thinking Day collections. In 1982, the Newry Reporter noted that the popular “penny for their thoughts” campaign supported projects tackling malnutrition, illiteracy and the needs of those in care homes.
Scouting arrived in the area even earlier. The 1st Newry (Earl of Kilmorey) Scout Troop was formed in 1911 and quickly became an active part of community life. Among their most successful fundraising initiatives was the introduction of ‘Bob‑a‑Job’ Week in 1949, during which every Scout was expected to earn at least one shilling (5p) for troop funds by completing small jobs in the community.
The local business sector often played its part too: Foster’s department store on Hill Street annually donated one of its shop windows for Scouting displays, helping raise the profile of the campaign. Funds raised over the years contributed to improvements at the Scout Hall on Sandy’s Street, with renovations completed in March 1954.
A century on, World Thinking Day continues to thrive. In 2024, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) reported that the annual campaign raised £38,046, supporting repairs to World Centres and funding training programmes that teach lifelong skills to young people across the globe.
As the centenary is marked this year, the fundraising spirit of Guides and Scouts, both worldwide and here in Newry, remains as strong as ever. From basement meetings on Downshire Road to global gatherings and royal weddings, local young people have long played their part in a movement built on service, friendship and community action.
The Museum is participating in the NI Challenge Award for scouts. For further details contact Declan Carrroll, Education & Outreach Officer: declan.carroll@nmandd.org.
