BLIDWORTH: Urgent plea to save Brownie group

The group, which meets on Tuesdays at the St Andrew’s Mission Hall, is under threat as one of their unit leaders is due to retire in July.

For decades the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have provided a forum for girls and young women to be entertained and educated across the county and country.

“The group itself is flourishing and the girls really enjoy the activities they do, so it would be a huge shame if that came to an end,” said Girlguiding UK’s divisional commissioner for the Mansfield area, Sarah Clarkson.

“The lady who has run the group is retiring after a number of years and if we could get two or three new volunteers it would be fantastic.

“You don’t need any qualifications and we will provide all the training and support needed. People just need a sense of fun and an interest in working with children, whether they can spare an hour a week or a lot more.”

Brownies membership is open to girls between the ages of seven and 10 and is part of Girlguiding UK, which is recognised as one of the leading charities for girls and young women in the country.

Groups from all over the Mansfield area, including Blidworth, are to contribute to an exhibition marking 100 years of existence.

Called ‘The Big Brownie Birthday’, it will be held in Mansfield Museum between 1st and 29th March.

Kathy Straw, a leader in Blidworth said: “The skills, experiences and qualifications I’ve gained through guiding have been invaluable and it’s unbelievably rewarding to see Brownies grow in confidence and raise their aspirations.

“It’s particularly special to be involved during The Big Brownie Birthday, because there’s loads going on.”

For more information visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus, call 0800 1695901 or meet the Brownies at St Andrew’s Mission Hall on 1st March from 10am to 3pm.