A CARNIVAL-STYLE party will launch the Girls Guides’ hunt for local history.

The party in Clacton is to coincide with the Guiding Association’s 100th anniversary, and it is hoped past and present members and leaders will bring their memories to the event, at Clacton County High School, on September 5, from noon until 5pm.

The date marks the day the first girl Scouts approached Robert Baden-Powell at the 1909 Crystal Palace rally to ask for an organisation for the girls.

Debbie Davey, division commissioner for Tendring, said: “Anyone who was, or knows anyone who was, a member of the association, is just as vital to our centenary celebrations as members of today. Everyone’s guiding memories are essential.

“As well as looking forward to the next 100 years of Girlguiding in the UK, we are reflecting on the accomplishments and the change the association has made in the last 100 years”

Girlguiding UK is the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, with 575,000 members.

This year, the Tendring area has more than 500 members. In Clacton there are six Rainbow units, eight Brownie units, five guide units and a Ranger unit.

There is also a Trefoil Guild called the Clacton Night Owls that meets once a month, and is for members aged over 18.

The party, as well as collecting memories, will also recruit new volunteers to create more units for new guides.