Generations unite to celebrate 100 years of Portchester Brownies

MEMBERS of a Brownies group have celebrated their centenary year. Â
Picture: Sarah StandingPicture: Sarah Standing
Picture: Sarah Standing

FIRST Portchester Brownies held a special commemorative event at Northern Junior School.

They welcomed back former Brownies and volunteers dating back over 50 years.

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To see our full picture gallery from the day click on the link at the top of the article or the icon on the main picture.

Heather Scott, 60, is the longest serving Brownies guide and has an association with 1st Portchester Brownies since 1965. 

'˜I first joined the group as a Brownie in the sixties. I took on the role of brown owl in 1975 before I moved on to another branch three years ago,' she said.

Joan Moss, 91, was Heather's tawny owl when she joined the group in 1965.

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'˜It was great to see so many faces from the past which brought back lots of memories,' added Heather.

Pride of place was reserved for Anne Parminter, the longest living brown owl, who had the honour of cutting the cake.

The event was organised by current leader Elaine Crowe and assistant Sharon Hargreaves.

'˜We had a celebration to mark 70, 80 and 90 years old and so it was brilliant to be involved in celebrating our centenary. It has been a really jolly occasion and great to see so many generations of Brownies here,' said Sharon.

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With more than 100 guests attending the event, Sharon explained they used social media to promote the reunion.

'˜We used Facebook to make initial contact with people who then passed the message on,' said Sharon.

To celebrate the centenary the children wore an array of uniforms dating back to 1918 when the Brownies were known as Rose Buds. The festivities culminated in traditional style with a range of songs around a camp fire.

Sharon feels group has always provided enrichment activities for their girls.

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'˜We always go away to Meonstoke in the first week of the summer holidays. As well as the outdoor activities the girls learn about cleaning up and cooking for themselves,' said Sharon.

Opening the event was former district commissioner for the Brownies, Beverley Kent.

'˜First Portchester has helped and supported a lot of girls over the years and it is wonderful to see how you have all grown up and progressed through life,' said Beverley.