Piddlehinton Brownies need new leader to keep going (From Dorset Echo)

Piddlehinton Brownies need new leader to keep going

4:00pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News By Harry Hogger

A DORSET Brownie pack faces an uncertain future if it is unable to enlist a new recruit.

Girls from Piddlehinton claim their group is the ‘best club ever’ but attempts to keep the pack going could be scuppered if a second leader, known as a Tawny Owl, does not come forward.

The pack seemed set to have its last meeting in June 2012 as the previous leaders were due to retire but when local resident Shelley Poole heard the news she took it on.

She said: “I was both a Brownie and Guide myself as a girl and had many wonderful experiences that I will never forget.”

However, despite pack leader Shelley’s efforts since taking over in 2012, each Brownie group must have two female adults present at each meeting by law so she needs to recruit a second leader to keep it going.

The Brown Owl said: “The parents of the Brownies are really helpful and supportive, and I have a wonderful young helper who is known as Barn Owl.

“But a leader who could help on a regular basis could play a really important part in ensuring meetings are as much fun as they can be.

“I would love to have a fellow volunteer to share ideas and plan activities with.”

The Tawny Owl would help the girls work towards badges as well as playing games and cooking, singing songs and getting out and about.

District commissioner for the Piddle Valley Sue Hennessy said: “Seeing how the girls develop skills and grow in confidence has brought me great satisfaction during the time I have been a volunteer for Girlguiding.

“It is a great contribution we adult women can make to our community.

“Without question the rewards exceed the time and effort we give to our young people.”

Piddlehinton Brownies meet on Wednesdays during term time.

Volunteers must be aged over 18, female and willing to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau Check.

Full training will be provided and there will be support available from the local guiding community.

Anyone interested in lending a hand is asked to contact Shelley on 07796 690211 or email shelleytheowl@gmail .com.

Parents with daughters interested in joining the Brownie pack are also invited to get in touch.