Girl Guides have led the Act of Remembrance at St Andrew’s Roundhay United Reformed Church on Remembrance Sunday, 14 November 2010. The church in Shaftesbury Avenue in Leeds was packed as the Guides took part in the service with Rev David Pickering, Minister of St Andrew’s, and lay preacher Sheila Telfer.
Explained Guide Leader, Kathryn Mitton:
“Members of the 4th Roundhay Guides explained in prose and poetry the often unsung role of Guides and other women in wars since the Crimea War nearly 150 years ago. In particular, they showed women’s tremendous work in keeping Britain going during war and helping secure our freedoms through victory in the two World Wars. Women fed families and coped with rations. They nursed, worked in munitions factories, worked the land and so much more. When the war was won, their jobs were taken away.
“Guides in England were used as messengers by the British Army in World War One. Scouts had been used originally, but were found to be unreliable!
“Then, at 11 o’clock, we spoke the words of remembrance and led the Act of Remembrance with the rest of the country. We had a live link to the Cenotaph in London.”
Rev David Pickering added:
“The Guides’ leading our Act of Remembrance brought home the youthfulness of the men and women who fight wars on our behalf, and that their sacrifice has allowed us all to grow up in peace and freedom. We thank God for that. We also remember that wars are still going on and we pray for peace and the safe return of our service men and women.”
