IT'S a sensational milestone for any organisation - 70 years.
So, the Muswellbrook Girl Guides will celebrate seven decades of "guiding" in town this weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, October 26, from 2.30pm, former and current members, as well as many leaders from the past, have been invited to reunite for an afternoon tea at Balmoral Homestead to mark the occasion.
While Girl Guides Australia, itself, is 100, the local group formed in September 1949 after World War II.
And, resource leader Chris Rogers admits 70 years in Muswellbrook is a "big achievement".
"It's definitely an occasion worth celebrating," she said.
"We've got ex-leaders and girls travelling back to Muswellbrook for it.
"It'll be good to see some familiar faces.
"Plus, unit leader Sally Jackson has been delving into our history, which should create a lot of interest."
While several organisations have folded in recent times, due to a lack of numbers, Mrs Rogers said Girl Guides was as relevant today as ever before.
"We enable girls and young women to grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members," the 2012 Muswellbrook Shire Citizen of the Year explained.
"As well, we teach them life skills, team work, cooperation, leadership development, decision making and much more in a fun and safe environment.
"We're also involved in numerous activities like Clean Up Australia Day, the [Muswellbrook] Anzac Day march, National Tree Day, selling fundraising cookies, along with musters and jamborees - just to name a few.
"It might surprise many people, but our numbers have remained fairly constant over the past seven decades.
"At the moment, we have about 25 girls and five leaders at the Wilkinson Avenue premises.
"However, we're lucky.
"Muswellbrook's always had a quorum, like Scone and Singleton, whereas Girl Guides are no longer around at towns such as Merriwa and Gunnedah."
Any former members who are interested in attending the festivities are welcome to contact Mrs Rogers via her email at jc.rogers@bigpond.com or mobile on 0412 957 248.
