Enjoying the museum out of hours

Brownies arrived from Denmead, Waterlooville, Portsdown and Purbrook for an evening of adventurous activities.

They learnt about the important role which Ports-mouth and Gosport played during World War Two, and the role played by those who lived and worked there.

All their efforts went towards their culture interest badge. They baked carrot cookies and found out about food rationing.

They learned that sweet treats during the war REALLY were a treat!

They also got to explore the museum by hunting mice (not real ones of course!), and handle artefacts, many of which the girls had not seen before.

The Brownies had the opportunity to dress up in uniforms of the time, not just military, but also those who worked in munitions (the mainstay of Priddy’s Hard).

Under the guidance of museum staff, the girls looked at toys for children during the war, and how many were handmade 
from general items around the house.

To illustrate this, they each made a doll using old-fashioned clothes pegs. Everyone then watched a movie, munching on the carrot cookies made earlier.

Come bed time, everyone camped out amongst the exhibits, which was very exciting.

The Brownies (and the leaders) were all pretty tired by this point with many dropping off to sleep very quickly!

It was an early start the following morning to ensure that they were out before the museum opened to visitors.

When asked what the best bit was, one Brownie couldn’t decide and just said ‘everything!’, so it was clear a fabulous time had been had by all who attended.

Claire Lyne, a Brownie leader from Denmead, said: ‘This was an exciting opportunity to experience a local museum out of hours whilst joining together with other Brownies units and meeting new people.

‘The girls learnt a lot about what life was like during the war for people living in the area.

‘Finding out that they would not have had sweets or new toys had a real impact on them.

‘We are so lucky to be able to use our local historic places for these kind of events.’

For more information about how to get involved in Girlguiding, go to girlguiding.org.uk