Broadmayne Brownies

The Brownie Unit opened in October 1953, but then registration was cancelled due to lack of adult help. It re-opened in 1966 and was again closed. It was suspended in 1992 and was opened again in 1994 when I then joined the group. A public meeting was held in Broadmayne Church Hall and information circulated to local people by our District Commissioner, Mrs Whittingham. We asked for names of girls who were interested in joining and immediately had an offer of help from Mrs Marilyn Porter who became our Unit Helper and then Guider. Also on the team was Nicolette Flatman who was our Assistant Guider. We moved from the hall to Broadmayne school as there was more room in the assembly hall there and, of course, we could use the playing field in summer. Mrs Porter has now retired from the Unit although she has a county appointment, so is still active in the movement; we have been joined by Mrs Susan Bishop who is now my assistant Guider.

The Brownies work through a system of journeys; Footpath, Road and Highway. Each has eight challenges to do and they get harder as they progress. They also enjoy singing together, making things, learning about the World, road safety, how to look after the countryside and a myriad of other things as well.

To celebrate the Millennium, the Brownies have had a special project to complete. This entails building an Internet web site, sending postcards to other Brownies across the world, writing a poem about ‘Brownies in the Future’ and joining in a Campfire which is to be held in the summertime, 2000. There will be hundreds of such campfires taking place all over the country at the same time. They will earn a badge while doing the challenge and when completed they will get a certificate.

While this is going on they also continue with the normal Brownie routine, including extra challenges. In August of this year 2000, our Unit is going to London to visit the Guide Heritage Centre and all the girls are looking forward to it.