Could you be the new leader of the pack?

A Weymouth Brownie pack is going to close unless a volunteer can be found to take it over.

Second Preston Brownies, which meets in the Scutt Hall every Thursday evening, has been part of Preston village life for many years, but its current leaders have had to stand down because of other commitments.

Ruth Hayes, who has helped run the pack for the past 10 years with Maureen Bond, said: “I’ve had to stop running the brownie pack because of family and work commitments.

“I’m really sad to do so because unless someone else can be found, it will close.

“There have been Brownie packs in Preston for decades – I was a Brownie at the Scutt Hall 40 years ago! – and it would be a terrible shame if the tradition stopped here.”

The Brownies go back more than 100 years are part of the Girl Guiding movement, aimed at girls aged between seven and 10.

They meet once a week during school term and take part in a wide range of activities, working towards badges, enjoying trips out, get-togethers with other packs, and sometimes taking part in pack holidays.

Ruth said: “Running a pack is voluntary, and requires a commitment, as you need to plan each week’s activity and manage finances, as well as any health and safety issues.

“However, it is great fun, there are so many laughs and the parents are all incredibly supportive.

“You do get a lot of support from other leaders and the wider Guiding community locally. And although it sounds a bit of a cliché, it’s really good to see the girls having a great time together and playing a part in their local community.”

Newcomers to Guiding will be trained in running a pack, and all volunteers are DBS checked before they start working with the girls.

If you are interested in helping keep Second Preston Brownies running, please email

dorsetguidingls@btconnect.com by Monday, August 8.

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