Town Talk | Shepparton Girl Guides’ legacy

In this case, I cannot possibly overlook Nancy Vibert. She was Brown Owl (1st Shepparton Brownie Pack), executive member of the local association, district commissioner of Guides and president of the Girl Guides Association. Nancy got the show rolling in 1925 — and helped keep it rolling. I noticed she attended a meeting in 1984.

She was also involved with infant welfare, marriage guidance, the hospital, Tarcoola Village, the girls’ high school, the Musical Advancement Society, the National Piano Awards, the Professional Women’s Club, Save the Children Fund — and she taught Sunday school.

Nancy raised five children and supported her husband through his 39 years on the council and his four years as mayor.

She worked for decades for some of these good causes, but, by far, her longest association was with Guiding. She obviously saw the long-term benefits of training young girls to be worthy citizens.

And it grew like Topsy

Brownie packs soon spread throughout the district at Orrvale, Lemnos, Toolamba and Dookie College, for which Shepparton’s local association was responsible. Mooroopna had Brownies and Guides and its own local association.

It soon became apparent that Guiding needed its own space, and a group of local parents and community members met and fundraisers were planned. However, the borough council saw the value of the movement and granted the organisation a triangular block of land on Deakin Reserve at the intersection of Nixon and Skene Sts.

Nancy had a brother-in-law, Frank. He was an architect, and he drew up the plans free of charge. Percy Feltham was the honorary solicitor. They were off to a good start with a bank account of 400 pounds, guaranteed by five citizens. Tenders were called, and Mr Pryde was successful with a quote of 659 pounds. (He was my uncle, if anybody cares.)

On October 14, 1936, the hall was officially opened by Lady Huntingfield, wife of the state’s governor. At the opening, Mrs Vibert and Mrs Stubbs described the borough councillors as ‘fairy godfathers’. They had not only provided the land but assisted with the fencing, the flower beds and street lighting. Cr Riordan said, in response, that the council had never been called ‘fairy godfathers’ before. (Or since, I’d say.)

It was Shepparton Show Day, and everyone enjoyed lunch at the showgrounds.

Well-used facility

In addition to providing Brownies and Guides with a home base, the hall was used by many local groups and organisations. The CWA, Shepparton Younger Set, the Apostolic Church, the Red Cross, the RSL Volunteer Defence Corps, the Shepparton Symphony Orchestra, Shepparton Bowling Associates and the Youth Leadership Group all used the hall for various purposes, and it was a polling place for elections.

And there were additions and improvements — a new entrance gate from the Rotary Club, an extension including a kitchen, and an external equipment shed.

Girl Guides local association

I have been allowed to read the minutes of this association, which date from 1931 to 1993. They include so many Shepparton names that it is not possible for me to list them. However, aside from Nancy Vibert, one other name stood out for decades, and that is Millicent McNeill. So, I gave her a call.

Millicent became a Guide in 1953 at 11 years of age. She then became a leader — she was a lieutenant — until 1968. At this time, she joined the local association, after which she retired in 1985. Many of you will remember the ‘Gown of the Year’ event, which Millicent ran as a fundraiser for a number of years. It appears to have provided a substantial profit annually. However, it became a thing of the past when full-length ballgowns were no longer fashionable.

Nancy, who became Commissioner Vibert, passed away in 1992. When talking with her son Peter, I said, “No wonder I remember her so clearly — just a few years ago.” He laughed — because it gives away your age, doesn’t it? When three decades becomes “a few years”.

An early Guide remembered

In 2017, Muriel Burns was interviewed about her Guiding years.

She joined the Brownies in 1926 with Nancy as Brown Owl. She wore a brown dress with a leather belt and a yellow hat, and they gathered at the Church of England Parish Hall in High St — where Target is now.

She became a Guide in 1931. They wore black stockings and shoes, a felt hat and a green tie with a reef knot. “We had to polish our shoes, wear a patrol colour on the shoulder and not wear a petticoat. I earned my little house emblem after gaining six badges. Myrtle Ford tested my child nurse badge and Doris McPherson my needlewoman’s badge.”

Muriel completed her training to be a leader in 1939. She was a lieutenant and then a Guide captain with 1st Shepparton Girl Guide Company.

A Queen’s Guide remembers — a family contribution

Paula is my daughter-in-law, best friend, back-up family hostess and the mother of three fine young men.

In 1983, a small group from the Undera Guide Unit made it all the way to Tasmania in a competition to perform in a national concert for Girl Guides Australia, Encore ’83.

It was an interesting journey for the small, tight-knit group. We had a fantastic Guiding troop led by our adventurous leader, Denise Mandersloot, who was great fun.

Here is where this story begins. Denise’s uncle was the musical director for the very popular TV show New Faces on Channel 9. He wrote us a piece of music, especially for the event. It was titled The Undera Waltz.

We practised our hearts out, and everyone got involved. Parents made costumes, ran us to rehearsals and performances, and even interviews with The News. (That’s where the attached photo comes from.)

The first level of competition was in Shepparton, against many other acts, and having made it through, we headed to an even bigger competition in Melbourne. We were up against girls from the likes of Toorak Grammar, who had an extensive performance background.

I don’t know if it was a unique piece of music or those fabulous costumes, but we won and made it to the national performance of Encore ’83.

We headed off to Tasmania with a large contingent of family and friends with us. We were billeted out to Guiding families in Tasmania, and in my case, there were two other Victorian Guides with me.

We performed really well but did have a giggle when we saw that the program had our song listed as The Under Sea Waltz. They obviously thought that ‘Undera’ was a typo.

I grew up with Guiding, as my mum has been a part of the movement for over 50 years, and while Encore ’83 was a highlight, my whole Guiding experience was brilliant, interesting and great fun. I was with an amazing group of people who, I think, would all say the same thing.

Paula

The purpose of Guiding

I was aware that Guides should ‘be prepared’; however, I was seeking a mission — an overall purpose; so I contacted Girl Guides Victoria, which supplied the following:

Guiding provides a brave space where they can try new things and feel comfortable and supported doing so, learn essential life skills that come in handy throughout their lives and future careers, make a genuine difference within their local communities and enjoy plenty of laughter and friendships along the way.

Like everything, Guiding has changed with the times, from the uniform we wear to the activities and experiences we offer. But the heart of Guiding and our commitment to giving Guides new experiences, new challenges and new ways to grow and discover their potential has never changed.

I thank Girl Guides Victoria for that; it sums it up beautifully.

The nasty secret tax on dying

I was, of course, pleased to see Kim O’Keeffe’s letter in the newspaper (July 30). However, we will need more than this. We need John Pesutto and Peter Walsh to stand up. I’ve just had a phone call, on my personal mobile, from a gentleman I hadn’t heard from previously. Obviously, he has contacts! In short, he said, “Marnie, you are not a dumb chick, and you can clearly see what has happened here. Give up, mate!” I don’t think I can! Here’s an email you might like to try: john.pesutto@parliament.vic.gov.au

Okay, everyone, that’s it for this week. Bring on spring — and may it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Letter: Town Talk. The News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.

Phone: Send a text to 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back if you wish.)