IT HAS been a very special time for the Second Preston Brownies recently.

Firstly their Brown Owl Maureen Bond has achieved 20 years of service to the Guide movement, and the occasion was marked by the presentation of a badge and a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Maureen by Commissioner Diane Crumblehome.

There is no doubt that this is a very well deserved honour, and one which will give a great deal of satisfaction to the many girls, some now parents themselves, that were Brownies in those 20 years.

Secondly, a very special Brownie meeting was held at the Scutt Hall, when Ruth Hayes, perhaps better known to Echo readers as Ruth Meech, was made a Barn Owl as assistant to Maureen.

But before this could happen Ruth had to be enrolled as a Guide, as she had not been one in her younger days.

Ruth's daughter Fran proudly led her to make her Guide promise to Maureen in front of all the Brownies and before a beautifully decorated banner with the words "Welcome Barn Owl Ruth".

Husband John and parents Shirley and Richard Meech had been specially invited and were warmly welcomed as honoured guests to witness the ceremony, and afterwards were served tea and delicious home made cakes and biscuits by the Brownies themselves.

The Preston Brownie pack is thriving, and the youngsters obviously enjoy their meetings enormously, which is fine tribute to the leadership.

They meet on every term time Thursday in the Scutt Hall between 5pm and 6.15pm, and there are just a few spaces vacant. Ring Maureen on 834012 or Ruth on 833901 if you would like further information.

I AM TOLD that Aquafit classes have started at the pool in the Riviera Hotel at Bowleaze Cove.

You may not know what Aquafit is - I didn't until I was told that it is low-impact exercise using both the buoyancy and resistance of the water to help you increase your flexibility and fitness.

The classes at The Riviera Hotel take place every Wednesday for one hour starting at 10.45am.

Margaret, the instructor, is qualified to teach both Aquafit and swimming and has over 25 years' teaching experience.

At the moment, only ladies attend the small and friendly classes but all are welcome.

Payment is for each session on the day: £2 for an all-day pass to use the pool plus £3 for the Aquafit class. If you would like further information give ring Margaret on 832944.

  • THE Preston Ladies' Circle will be holding their Easter lunch in the Java Café at Gould's Garden Centre on Wednesday, March 26.

This will be followed by their usual meeting in the village hall at 2.30pm, and I am sure that this lively and welcoming group would be only too happy to see you if you would like to drop in and sample an afternoon in their company.

If you can't make March 26, they meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm in the village hall.