Olave Soames was born on the 22nd February 1889, the same day as Robert Baden-Powell.
In January 1912, Olave met Robert Baden- Powell on an ocean liner. She was 23, he was 55. The married in secret on the 30 October 1912. The scouts and Guides in England each donated a penny each to buy them a wedding gift of a car.
Did you know!! Their first born son, Peter, was named after both of their favourite character Peter-Pan.
Though initially turned down at her offer to help with guiding movement, Olave begun organising guiding in Sussex. She then went on to be the Chief Guide.
Awards:
In 1932, she was awarded Dame Grand Cross of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by King George V.
Later she was also awarded by Finland.
The Order of the White Rose of Finland & Peru
The Order of the Sun
For forty years Olave led the Guide movement.
She suffered a heart attack which was followed on by her diagnosis of diabetes which she eventually died from (25 June 1977). She was buried alongside Lord Baden-Powell in Kenya.
The 22nd of February is Thinking Day. A day remembering and celebrating their work of the Guides & Scouts.
In January 1912, Olave met Robert Baden- Powell on an ocean liner. She was 23, he was 55. The married in secret on the 30 October 1912. The scouts and Guides in England each donated a penny each to buy them a wedding gift of a car.
Did you know!! Their first born son, Peter, was named after both of their favourite character Peter-Pan.
Though initially turned down at her offer to help with guiding movement, Olave begun organising guiding in Sussex. She then went on to be the Chief Guide.
Awards:
In 1932, she was awarded Dame Grand Cross of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by King George V.
Later she was also awarded by Finland.
The Order of the White Rose of Finland & Peru
The Order of the Sun
For forty years Olave led the Guide movement.
She suffered a heart attack which was followed on by her diagnosis of diabetes which she eventually died from (25 June 1977). She was buried alongside Lord Baden-Powell in Kenya.
The 22nd of February is Thinking Day. A day remembering and celebrating their work of the Guides & Scouts.
The Ice cream Fund
Established in Australia. Everyone was asked to donate the amount of money for a ice cream. The donation were then presented to Olave in a giant Ice-Cream |
Interesting Facts
Olave learned to play the violin. Her first Violin was called Diana. The Violin is available for loan for those who are seriously learning to play the violin prior to them having their own instrument |