Where we are
The map below shows the area that Girlguiding Durham South County covers, divided into the different Divisions.
Our History
Girlguiding History
Girlguiding has a rich history dating back to the early nineteen hundreds. Click the arrows to the left and right of the timeline below to scroll through our Guiding history.
All Our Stories
In 2010, Girlguiding celebrated its centenary by collecting memories and stories. Those that came in from Durham South were so strong that we set out to put together a beautifully-produced book with the help of the National Lottery.
There are many inspirational stories about ordinary women achieving extraordinary things, not least Alicia Wilson. Alicia volunteered for Guide International Service during the Second World War and found herself posted as a transport officer to a mobile hospital in Germany.
The County Standard
The Durham South County Standard was designed and made by a former leader from Chester-le-Street, Ann Newton, when Durham South became a separate Girlguiding county.
It shows the Promise Badge, the County Badge and a section to represent the Prince Bishops.
County Durham is unique, as for many centuries it was virtually an independent state ruled not by the king, but by powerful Prince Bishops, who were more or less the “Kings of County Durham”.
The post of Bishop of Durham has existed since the eighth century. After the Norman Conquest the Bishop was made Prince-Bishop of the Palatinate of Durham. They had their own army, parliament, currency, and court system. In 1536 Henry VIII withdrew much of the Prince-Bishop’s secular authority, and this authority was further hedged during and after the English Civil War; the Principality was finally abolished in 1836. The Palatinate court system, however, survived until the passage of Courts Act 1971.
The standard was dedicated at a special service held in Durham Cathedral on 22nd September 1991.