“The Formation of a Guide Company is  like throwing a stone into a pond - rings widen in every direction until the whole pond is affected – so your enjoyment must spread around you till the Scouts and Guides have a definite effect on the place in which they live”.

The story of Guiding in North Borneo began after the arrival of Lady Rycroft and her cousin Lady Marjorie Dalrymple, the Assistant Commissioner for Aryshire, who was well known for her interest and involment in Guiding in both England and Scotland. Their Ladyships arrived in Jesselton from England on 9 January 1925 and inspected the Boy Scouts and the Scout Headquarters. On the same day they left for Sandakan.

Shortly upon  her arrival at Sandakan Lady Dalrymple devoted her energy and her considerable experience in initiating the Girl Guide movement in Sandakan.

1925

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday 2^nd April 1925 the enrolment ceremony of 30 members First Company of Girl Guides in North Borneo was held at the Government House, Sandakan.

On 22 August, The  Girl Guides under Mrs.  H.S. Bond were presented for inspection to Her Governor, Mr. A. C. Pearson and Mrs. Pearson

The presentation ceremony of 32 guides was held at the Government House on  Saturday 10 October 1925, followed by the enrolment of 3 new Guides.

The Girl Guides under Mrs H. S. Bond observed Charter Day Celebration on 2 November By participating in the usual parade.

 

1926

 

Mrs. H. S Bond left Sandakan for Jesselton, The first Girl Guide company in Sandakan lost their original captain and Miss Rigby took over the post.

 

1927

On 27 July Miss Rigby took 13 Guides from St. Monica’s  School to Jesselton for their first out of  Sandakan excursion. While in Jesselton the Guides  gave a fund raising concert in the local cinema on 9^th August.

 

1928

 

 

The Girl Guides of Sandakan took part in a ceremony to welcome H. E. Sir  Hugh Clifford Governor and  Commander in  Chief of the Straits Settlements on 12 May.

 

1931

Two playlets were presented to the public by the Rangers and Guides at St. Monica’s school on 24 June.

 

1933

 

 

An enrolment ceremony was held on 10 May for 14 new Guides at the Government House by Mrs A.F. Richards. On 3 June a company of Girl Guides attended the King’s Birthday Parade.

 

1934

 

A farewell ceremony was held for Mrs. J. Phelps, the captain on 9 May and Mrs C.R. Smith took her place.

 

1936

 

 

 

On 17 August 26 Guides boarded SS Kinabalu and set sail for Tawau. It took them 2 nights to reach Tawau for camp. On the return trip they made a short visit to Lahad Datu.

At a  Tea ceremony held on  wed 14 October, 3 warrants of appointment were presented. At the same ceremony Proficiency bagdes were also presented to the Guides.

 

1937

 

 

In May  King  George VI was crowned. The Scouts and Girl Guides were  given their “Coronation treat” by Mr. M. Cohen, whose son and 2 daughters were Scout and Guides.

In June various Health Proficiency Badges were introduced.

 

1941

A memorial service was held in St. Michael’s Church for the late Lord Baden Pawell on Saturday 19 January.

 

1937

 

 

 

The first public appearance of the girls was made on May 24. Led by Miss Genevieve, a group of 30 guides, attired in white uniform turned up to welcome His Excellency Mr. A. F. Richard in Sandakan. This company of Guides was started by Lady Margaret and she was assisted by Miss Genevieve Ou, the daughter of the then Chinese Consul.

 

1941-1945

Guiding activities were temporarily interrupted by the 2nd World War.

1947

 

Guiding activities were revived in Sandakan. The girls had standard uniforms of Khaki outfits and scout hats.

 

1948

 

The first Ranger Company was started in Kota Kinabalu by Mrs. Garsford with the objective of training the girls to be potential guiders.

 

1951

 

The first Kota Kinabalu Guide Company was started.

 

1952

The first Brownie Pack was started in Kota Kinabalu. The original khaki uniform was replaced by a blue uniform.

 

1955

 

 

 

The Girl Guides Headquarters named after Mrs. H. Garford was opened on August 6.

The Pioneer Camp was held in Labuan Island from 13 to 21 August. It was attended by guides from Jesselton, Sandakan and Kuala Belait.

 

1956

 

Miss Mode, a world Association Commissioner from England visited Sabah (then North Borneo).

 

1957

 

 

 

The first international event attended by the girl guides of North Borneo was the Centenary World Camp in the Philippines. The representatives were Bridge Hong, Alice Kim, Yee Wing Eng and Alice Kim.

The first Girl Guide Company was started in Semporna by Madam Fong Miew Ying.

 

1958

 

 

The world Chief Guide, Lady Baden Powell visited Sabah in April. She was accompanied by Miss Helen McWiney, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Overseas Territories in the Commonwealth.

 

1959

 

A training camp was held at Gaya Island organised by Miss Wendy Boden a trainer from United Kingdom.

 

1960

 

A Jubilee Camp was held in Kota Kinabalu to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Guiding in the World.

 

1961

 

 

 

 

 

The first two local guiders to receive their Guide Guider Training Certificates were Margaret Yong and Shirley Yung.

The first District Commissioner's warrant was given to Mrs. Bridget Chen.

Miss Grete Collyns, Assistant Commissioner for overseas territory for Commonwealth Headquarters visited Sabah.

Miss Mary Wheeler a Guide trainer from England, came to conduct trainings in Sabah.

1962

 

The Sandakan Headquarters was officially declared open.

The first Girl Guide company formed in Papar by Miss Theresa Athanasius.

 

1963

 

 

Another 2 local guiders, Pang Su Lee and and Alice Tan received their Guide Trainers' certificate.

Miss Helen McWiney visited Sabah for the second time.

1964

 

 

The Girl Guides association of Sabah joined the Girl Guides of Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak to form the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia.

The first Sabah Guide, Li Yo Wei, received her All Round Cord.

1967

The first Queen's Guide Badge was awarded to Miss Chai Moi Len.