This year marks 60 years of a special messaging service operated by Girlguiding Cornwall at Cornwall’s largest annual event.

Each year members of Girlguiding run the messenger service at the Royal Cornwall Show, ensuring information and results from the numerous competitive classes held across the 96-acre showground get quickly to where they need to be.

The service first appeared at the Royal Cornwall Show in 1957 at Wadebridge. At that time the show took place at a different location each year, finally settling at its current permanent showground at Wadebridge in 1960 where most of the Guiding service has taken place.

The idea was spawned from the guides’ involvement in the same role at the 1955 Bath and West Show which was held at Launceston.

Around 200 Cornish Girlguides and leaders will be involved at the show and their role has expanded significantly since the 1950s.

The team currently runs the well-used flower crèche in the flower show marquee.

This facility allows visitors to buy plants and flowers and leave them in a cool place so they can enjoy the rest of the show before collecting their purchases on their way home.

Members also run the flower show’s catering service, help operate the children’s crèche within the family area and assist show-goers in finding their seat in the main ring grandstand.

Two years ago show organisers asked Cornwall Guiding to join their team of show hosts who provide information and answer visitors’ questions at the show’s busy entry points. 

Christopher Riddle, secretary of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association said: ’The messenger service has played a significant part in the smooth running of the show over the past six decades. We rely on so many volunteers who give up their time, energy and expertise to make the event possible, so we thank the young people from Cornwall Girlguiding and their leaders for their dedicated service over such a long period.’

To find out more about Girlguiding Cornwall please visit www.girlguidingcornwall.org.uk

For more information about this year’s Royal Cornwall Show (June 8 to 10) please visit www.royalcornwall.co.uk