The blast-off of a manned space rocket blew the rocket to pieces and nearly put a dustbin lid through the windows of the Leavesden Green Primary School on Saturday.

But the spaceman, a ten-year-old Brownie called Pauline Edmonson, of the 23rd Watford pack, emerged unhurt in her uniform.

It was all part of the launching ceremony of the North Watford District Brownies and Guides 21st anniversary celebration called “Go With the Guides”.

But the weather was against them. First the wind delayed the launching ceremony by Mrs Hector Stevens, the County Commissioner of the Herts Girl Guides Association, by blowing the cardboard space rocket to pieces, and then it rained.

When Mrs Stevens did swing the switch to launch the rocket, Pauline emerged with a bouquet which she presented to her. The dustbin lid was blown off by the “bang” which had been concealed in the dustbin.

The idea of the celebration was to show parents and friends what the Guide movement offered to girls of all ages between seven years and 21 years in the 1960s.

The Guides hoped to interest the general public and to recruit new leaders, as they have long waiting lists for their packs and companies, but not enough adult leaders.

In the entrance hall of the school were various displays of Guide activities – including a stand of dolls dressed in the Guide costumes of all the countries in Europe.

[From the Watford Observer of May 25, 1962]