THIS year marked 60 years of a special messaging service operated by Girlguiding Cornwall at the Royal Cornwall Show.

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

This year Girlguides came from all over Cornwall to help out, including from Jacobstow and Tregadillett.

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 & West Show, which was held at Launceston.

Around 200 Cornish Girlguides and leaders were involved at the show and their role has expanded significantly since the 1950s. The team currently runs the well-used flower crèche in the popular 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.

A new uniform celebrated the occasion and was worn by the team at the show, sponsored by Cornwall Screenprint and Embroidery.