The Honourable Gwenllian Philipps - Legend
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The Hon. Gwenllian Philipps was born on 13th August 1916 and died at Boughrood, Llyswen, Brecon on 4th August 2013. She was the daughter of the First Baron Milford (1874 – 1960) by his wife the former Ethel Georgina Speke.
She was a former Subaltern, A.T.S. and was awarded the War Medal 1939-1945 and the 1939-1945 Star. She was a Justice of the Peace for Radnorshire, County Councillor for Radnorshire (1959 – 1964), High Sheriff for Radnorshire (1970 – 1971) and was awarded an OBE (civil) in 1962.
Miss Philipps held Unit appointments as a Guide Captain for the 1st Builth Wells Guides, Sea Ranger Lieutenant and then Captain for the Llangorse Sea Rangers. She was County Commissioner for both Radnorshire and Breconshire at various times and in later years became the President of Breconshire and then Patron of that county.
During her time as Sea Ranger Adviser for Wales, she travelled with the World Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell during her tour of Australia and the Pacific Region in the 1950s.
As International Adviser for Wales she encouraged and supported members to travel to overseas events. Ex-Guides in Breconshire and Radnorshire have happy memories of trips to Switzerland that she organised. For many of these girls it would have been their first overseas holiday experience.
Miss Philipps was the Chief Commissioner for Wales from 1964 to 1975. During this time a Wales Adventure Camp was held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, at which the World Chief Guide attended.
She was Treasurer for Wales for many years. Guiding in Wales benefitted from her careful management of our affairs where she always supported projects that encouraged the girls and leaders. She worked with others when we took over
Broneirion in 1947 and was a great supporter of camps and events there. The Trefoil Guild appointed her as their President and Wales recognised her work by naming the camp site at Broneirion, Cae Gwenllian and entering her into the Olave Baden-Powell Society.
Miss Gwenllian Philipps, Gwen, The Honourable or Captain was known by many in Wales and will be remembered with gratitude, respect and thanksgiving.