3rd Accrington St Paul's

One World One Beat

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:30:00 GMT

How fantastic. Saturday 20th February saw the Brownies from 3rd Accrington St Pauls join up with Brownies , not only form our division but from the North East of England. We attended the One World One Beat celebration in York.

We had an amazing day which involved taking part in a Story Telling workshop, an african drumming workshop and a live link-up with guides from around the world.

When we arrived we evntually (after a short delay) joined a group of Guides from the North East region and watched them perform a story. We then joined in with the excitement and performed an action song with them. It was about fish. If anyone can remember the name - or how it goes can they please let me know - we want to look at it at Brownies.

We then went for lunch in a giagantic marquee before moving on to a room full of African Drums. The men incharge of the workshop did not speak very much but encouraged us to make as much noise as we could - it sounded fantastic - even when Brown Owl was playing on the maracas. Slowly more instruments- all percussion - were introduced and more Brownies were given the opportunity to try them out.

After this we returned to the Big Marquee where we watched a film about Guiding around the world. This was interesting to watch and gave us an insight into the organisation and its aims throughout the world.

The finale was spectacular. It was a performance by some of the performers from the workshops. Our African Drummers were there as were some junk percussionists, some Indian dancers and some martial arts percussionists.

All too soon it was time to make the journey home. This in itself was an adventure which can go towards our Adventure 100 challenge!

If your Brownie took any pictures or has anything to add please email it to me at stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com.

Valentines Camp

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:40:00 GMT

What an amazing weekend. There was fun and excitement to be had by all. This camp was a significant event for many of our Brownies. It was the first time many of them had been away from home with us, probably for many of them at all. We took 13 girls to Waddow Hall near Clitheroe for a Valentines themed camp.

This camp was held in Ribble Lodge where all of the girls slept in the same room on mattresses they had to pull out every night. It was a great opportunity for our younger girls who had the comfort of being surrounded by their friends. It was an introduction to the traditional style of pack holiday generally enjoyed by the Brownies from 3rd Accrington St Pauls. It involved the girls having a routine and doing chores and being split into sixes.

There was lots of excitement as the girls began to arrive and it soon became clear to the leaders this was a weekend without sleep! The girls arrived and were split into sixes with six leaders and an overall patrol leader. They then got into the crafts they made their placemats for the weekend and also designed hama bead coasters - but unfortunately the iron wasn't working correctly so these could not be completed. The girls were also taken on a walk around the site in the search of bats but it was a little cold and dark for them so we were unlucky.

Bed time came far to soon for the eager Brownies. They got themselves ready for bed and made up their beds. The lights were turned out and the fun began! Only one torch was confiscated on this camp which is quite incredible. Some of the Brownies were still talking into the early hours and others were wide awake and talking from the early hours! Nothing new there though!!!!

Saturday morning saw some of the girls looking tired but a breakfast of bacon butties and toast soon cured that. There were crafts to do in the morning after all of the beds and cases had been cleared away. Then it was time to pile into the minibus to take a trip to Clitheroe Castle. This was a fantastic opportunity and the very kind staff allowed us to enjoy our packed lunches in their cafe where it was warm and cosy. We then went to play in the park doen the road where time flew while we were having fun.

Time came for us to take a trip to the swimming baths at Edisford Bridge. The water was a little on the chilly side but very soon our time was up! We got changed and headed back to the minibus. When we returned to Ribble Lodge we got back down to crafts. Then it wsa time for tea.

After tea we made mobiles - the wooden variety! These we decorated and carefully tied before they were hung above our heads. They seemed to take forever but no body complained as they were having too much fun! Too soon it was supper time and the only place you get to toast marshmallows over a tea light is at Brownies!

Bedtime! Within half an hour of the girls getting into bed they were all asleep! They were so tired they slept until 8am the next morning! After they had had breakfast and carried out their chores we all went grass sledging. This was much harder than normal due to the wet weather we have experienced! After grass sledging we went to play in the adventure playground before going to the shop to spend our money. Again the time flew and we returned for our lunch as parents started to arrive. There was so much fun to be had. If your Brownie has anything to say or any pictures please let me know by emailing - stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com.

Christmas Camp

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:02:00 GMT

What an amazing weekend for all. There were Brownies from 3rd Accrington St Pauls and URC. They came together to celebrate an amazing period of time. This was the chance for them to attend the first Christmas Camp.

When the Brownies arrived it was Christmas Eve. They arrived at the Adventure House at Waddow Hall for a chilled out, relaxed, pamper weekend. They were allowed to bring there games consoles and uniform was not required! The girls chose their own rooms and set about making their beds up. After the girls had unpacked they entered the Activity Room to create their own personal place mat for Christmas Dinner. Then parts and costumes were allocated to the girls who wanted to take part in our Donkey Story performance. Then the Karaoke machine made its first appearance of the weekend. Many of the girls had a go at singing and event the leaders joined in.

On Saturday it was Christmas Day. The day was destined to be leisurely. The girls were invited to a buffet style breakfast as they wished. There was toast, crumpets and pancakes available as well as cereal and juice. After breakfast the girls had presents to open. Father Christmas had made an appearance and left a wide array of presents for the Brownies and the leaders! When all of the presents were opened it was time for crafts. The girls made stars out of art straws, Christmas Wreaths and cracker style hats.

Lunch was soup and a crusty roll, followed by an angel biscuit. The girls were given a biscuit and things to decorate them with. They enjoyed making the biscuits. After lunch was over the girls were given some free time. They used the time practising the Donkey Story and relaxing in their rooms.

We spent some time in the park and the girls were allowed to visit the shop in small groups to spend their pocket money. After the shop it was another dress rehearsal and then it was time for the girls to get themselves ready for the Christmas Dinner and the New Year Ball. They spent time applying make-up and nail varnish. They also styled each others hair before putting on their party frocks and preparing for their dinner.

Dinner time came and all of the Brownies and Leaders and special guests sat down for their Christmas Dinner, complete with sprouts! Dinner was finished and between the courses the lights went out and a birthday cake and presents were brought out for Brown Owl. She was very surprised, she thought we were bringing out the Christmas Pudding!

As the girls left the Dining Room they moved into the Ballroom. There were some fairground style games and the Karaoke machine made a reappearance! The girls danced and sang until the chocolate fountain was brought out. They had the chance to dip fruit and biscuits into the runny chocolate before everyone joined in a circle for a traditional bringing in of the New Year. A rendition of Auld Lang Syne!

Sunday morning brought New Years Day. The girls slept late before bacon butties were offered as one of the many breakfast options. After breakfast the girls packed before taking part in a princess themed wide game. To warm them up they were given hot drinks and biscuits before moving to the activity room to complete Christmas themed puzzles and watch a film.

Before long it was time to go home. The leaders were left to clean up and move out. What a fantastic weekend it was! Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

Christmas Experience

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:33:00 GMT

On Thursday 3rd December 20 Brownies from 3rd Accrington St Paul's attended the Christmas Experience at Bowley Scout Camp in Great Harwood. They were treated to a fantastic time in a magical winter wonderland.

On arrival the Brownies met in the Lodge. They were invited to watch a film as they anticipated their exciting experience. After what seemed like hour it was our turn. We set off in groups and were entertained by many magical creatures from Christmas trees to elves! We entered the Sport Barn and were immediately transferred to another world. The girls climbed on board a sleigh to have the official photo taken - the sleigh was being pulled by a giant huskey!

After the photographs were taken we were taken to a table where we made Christmas tree decorations in the shape of Santa heads. We then entertained our selves while we waited to go into the main part of the experience. From here we progressed to Santa's Post Office. Here we were asked by Chunkie Elf and his apprentice to write our letters to Santa. We then placed our letters in the post box before they were collected by the Post Elf.

Our next stop was a visit to Rudolph. We had a chat with Rudolph and asked him some questions, including how old he was and how he had got his red nose! From Rudolph we received a present which was a bag of Reindeer Poo!!!!! We then moved onto visit the Sweet Shop. There we got to make some candy canes in the magical machine. Shannon got 2 as the machine spat two out at her!

From the Sweet Shop we moved on to see Mrs Christmas in the kitchen. Here we were given the chance to decorate a Christmas Tree biscuit. After the biscuit was bagged we moved into another room where the Baby Jesus was asleep. Here we learnt about the Christingle and even made our own!

Then it was time. We moved into our final room. When we got into the room the great man himself was missing. Some of the girls went to investigate and leave him his favourite treats. All of a sudden his elves moved his screen and out he popped. The girls were then invited to sit on the floor around Santa where they received their final gift of the day.

We must thank all of the people involved in bringing us this magnificent, opportunity.From the car park attendants up to Father Christmas himself! It truly is a magnificent experience and takes a lot of time and effort to put in place. Without the people who give up their time it would not be possible so thank you very much from all at 3rd Accrington St Paul's Brownies!

Growing Guiding

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:05:00 GMT

In our weekly meetings the Brownies have been working on the Adventure 100 badge. Here are links to videos they have made to advertise Guiding. Please click on the group names and numbers at the bottom of this article to download the video. The group numbers are not the group numbers they were given in the meetings but refer to the order in which they completed their performances.

Group 1 was made up of 5 girls. It was made up of
Alisha, Abi, Libby, Ellie and Olivia.

Group 2 was made up of 6 girls. They were
Chloe, Jamie, Kira, Maisie, Courtney and Katie.

Group 3 was also made up of 6 girls,
Naomi, Cara, Emily, Shannon, Sahara and Halle.

Group 4 was the smallest group and consisted of
Lauren, Zoe, Madelyn and Sophie.

Some of the groups were missing members but the girls did a fabulous job regardless. Have a look and see if they have done what they set out to do and encouraged more members to join!

These video's will only be available for a limited time. Please let us know what you think! If you cannot access these please let me know and I can see if I can get them to you in an alternate format!

Laughing Owl

Harvest Church Parade

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:41:00 GMT

Thank you to the Brownies who attended the Harvest Church Parade. they brought some fantastic gifts to be distributed by the Church at a later date. The Church was packed with people and our Brownies attended wearing their new Centenary neckers and full uniform.

During the service some of our Brownies were involved in reading the prayers and one was all dressed up with the Rose Queen as one of the attendants. The Brownies brought some wonderful gifts to add to those of the rest of the congregation.

All of the uniformed organisations had decorated a window in Church and the Brownies window was wonderful. With our very own Wise Owl as one of the central figures. The bonus was that the display still looked good and none of the pieces had fallen off and disappeared. Our window was focusing on the Brownie story and had a mirror as a pond and leaves that the girls had written sections of the story on. There were also the flowers the girls had made and bugs. Well what pond scene would be complete without bugs?

Mayor's Carboot Sale

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:57:00 GMT

On Saturday 19th September the Mayor's Carboot sale was held on the playing field behind our half built Institute. Where you there? Did you see your Owl's on a fundraising mission? We were there with a teddy tombola and a few other bits raising money for you!

There were lots of stalls their even though the weather forecast was not fantastic! The rain held off until the event ended and the field was emptied. We were there with a Teddy Tombola with the star prize (a giant, blue shark) being won and much loved. We also had a giant blow-up basketball and basket with prizes being awarded for those who could hit the target. It proved a very popular attraction and being next to the food area brought us a few extra visitors. We were fundraising for the centenary events we will be taking part in to reduce the costs for everyone.

Centenary Launch

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:50:00 GMT

The Centenary of Girl Guiding is a huge year of events for any girl or woman involved! On Friday last week (4th September) it was 100 years since a group of girls appeared at a Scout rally at Crystal Palace run by Lord Baden Powell. Girls were not allowed to do anything adventurous in those days and the Scouts were off camping, running and enjoying themselves. Girls were not allowed to go out without a chaperone to make sure they didn't carry out anything improper.He decided to set up an all girl group with the help of his sister. Brownies followed two years later as Rosebuds.

The centenary launch 100 event for all of Lancashire East brought together about 2500 members of Girl Guiding in the area. It was attended by Brownie, Rainbows, Guides and members of the Senior Section. The event ran all day, with the Rainbows going first, then Brownies, then the Guides arriving in time for a giant showcase event showing how Girl Guiding has moved on. It even starred Akela as Lord Baden Powell.

Our Brownies got to take part in a number of activities before the show. We first visited Chris and Bobby. Chris is blind and Bobby was his beautiful black Labrador/Retriever cross guide dog. I promised them I would make them famous and the pictures can be found in our gallery. They gave a talk about Bobby's role and how he helps Chris. We then moved on to another tent where we learnt to sign the alphabet. The men who were in there were deaf and gave us a talk about how it felt to be deaf through their interpreter. We then learnt how to sign out names as well as saying thank you and how to clap.

After that we moved on to find Tawny Owl. She was dressed up in an old Guider Uniform and was with a traditional camp. Full of canvas tents and proper bedding rolls. There was lots to see and learn. It was a little bit different to our modern and light weight camp from a few weeks ago.

Then we moved onto the physical activities. We got to go ice-skating! There was an ice-rink set up right where Brown Owl's tent was when we went on summer camp! This was fantastic! The girls were allowed on to the ice with brownies from other areas and they never stopped laughing. I can't help but feel some of the falls must have hurt but apparently not.

After ice-skating we moved on to the banner making area. We were given a large piece of felt and some stencils. The girls were invited to decorate the banners with sponges and paint. They looked brilliant when they were finished and we were supposed to bring them home but forgot them. Hopefully Brown Owl will retrieve them. Banner making kept us dry as there was a torrential downpour while we were doing it.

After the banner making it was the show and a number of our girls were given a cameo role in the show when they entered the stage at the end in football kit and carrying footballs. The owls were worried about the weather as the field was getting quite wet but as we took our places, the sun began to peek through the clouds and by the end of the show the sky was blue and the sun was beaming.

After the show it was party time! We went onto one of the camp-sites to party inside a big marquee with a DJ called Mad Merv! We danced to lots of traditional party songs. With Wise Owl doing a fantastic zombie impression during Thriller (we have photo's in our gallery).

Then, far too soon, it was time to come home. All wet and muddy but with huge smiles on faces. The day was spectacular and we saw lots of familiar faces on the staff. We need to say thank you to Brown Owl who was very important in the planning of the event and the running of it! So thank you to everyone who made the day as special as it turned out to be!

Summer Camp

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:11:00 GMT

What a week! I'm off on holiday tomorrow to recover! We have just returned from the most action packed Summer Camp ever. It was an amazing 5 days of excitement and adventure and to add to the excitement we are going to be on the radio.

Summer Camp was a massive event which brought together Brownies from 3 different areas of Accrington. Many of the girls stayed in the beautiful Adventure House at Waddow Hall, the rest and some of the leaders spent an amazing time camping in the adjacent field. The weather was occasionally wet, yet the Brownies managed to keep their tent cleaner than mine!!! All the activities were carried out together in the House but as the interest in the camp was so vast we couldn't all fit!

The girls took part in some amazing adventurous activities, these included the crate challenge and the rock climbing (any reviews of these would be much appreciated)! There were also more sedate activites, for example space hoppers and scooters. There were lots of other activities available and they only lasted 2 days!

The first day was all about settling in. The second day we had a morning of crafts where the girls made bugs and flowers to decorate the outside of the building.In the afternoon it was the less adventurous of the activities - the grass sledging and the lawn games to name a few! Wednesday was a busy day we walked to Edisford Bridge where we had a picnic and fun in the sun before a swim in the pool to relax! A perfect end to the day was a rather warm camp fire!

Thursday was also very busy. The girls and leaders took part in a Big Cook Little Cook challenge - French Bread Pizza followed by the amazing Chocolate Pizza. After lunch we had a visit from the BBC who were making a programme to celebrate the centenary. While the BBC were visiting we took part in the more adventurous of the activities, the rock climbing, abseiling, low ropes and archery.The day ended in a party. Not just any party though, it was themed on Britains Got Talent. Throughout the week the girls were given the opportunity to perfect an act to perform before the waiting crowd! Congratulations to Cara who was declared the winner and took home an amazing trophy! Check out our gallery to see if you recognise any of our famous visitors!

Our final day was Friday. It was eviction day from the Big Brother House and the girls tidied out their rooms before being collected at 11am, all looking very tired! On the whole it was an amazing week thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended! If anyone would like to submit a review of the camp or any pictures we can add to our gallery please pass them to Laughing Owl or email:

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com

I apologise for the delay in posting this. I had a complete hard drive failure and was unable to make the page live!

Sausage Sizzle

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:37:00 GMT

On Tuesday 14th July we were invited to take part in aSausage Sizzle with the Cubs and Beavers from St Pauls Barnfield. They were attending Bowley Scout Camp in Great Harwood to celebrate the end of their term. We were invited to join them and out sing them at their campfire. Although only 5 Brownies turned up we gave it our best shot at their indoor campfire.

We were invited to help build the campfire while the sausages were cooking on our new Barbeque that has been bought by the Owls and the Cub leaders with the proceeds of their fundraising efforts! As the sausages were cooking the clouds came over. We were quickly hurried inside and as the last person entered the Lodge at Bowley the rain started and didn't stop for an hour. The leaders used the indoor facilities to cook the sausages and everyone was sat in a circle where we had roaring renditions of some familiar camp fire songs. Then it was food time - sausage buns with ketchup and drinks.

Before the end of the night one of the Cubs took part in his moving up ceremony, while the rain had stopped. He was celebrating his final night as a Cub and will be joining the Scouts in September. We were invited to join in the celebration. So for a wonderful night we must say thank you to the Cubs and Beavers for inviting us to join them.

Beach Party

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:13:00 GMT

Thursday 9th July was our last meeting this term - boo hoo! The girls decided to have a Hawaiian style beach party. As the weather wasn't too hot our Owls decorated the Institute. It was un-recognisable! There were palm trees and sea on view everywhere. There were parrots dangling from the ceiling and even the Owls (well some of them) were dressed ready for the beach.

The Brownies arrived with arm fulls of food dressed in Swimming Costumes, grass skirts and flip-flops. It was really impressive to see the girls getting in to the spirit of the evening. We kicked off with dancing to Hawaiian music (then it progressed to country music suitable for line dancing as the CD was scratched!) which was so much fun. We then had a go at the Limbo! Some of the Brownies were really good but not as good as the Owls (they cheated!).

We then had Mocktails - non alcoholic drinks! We had sparkly straws and lots of fruit. The we had food! There was a huge variety of different things - not sure how much was authentic Hawaiian but we can make it!

We had another go with the Limbo and Amy won again, she was far too flexible. Then it was time to go home! That was the end of another term!

Church Parade

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:31:00 GMT

Following the Church service we took the Brownies and Cubs for a walk and a picnic in the glorious sunshine. We walked from the institute to the park at the bottom of the Coppice where we were encourages to stop and enjoy the sun by the Brownies and Cubs. We sat and watched while the Brownies played in the park, and on the grass in the surrounding areas. They also spent a period of time rolling down a grassy slope and even managed to get Brown Owl and Wise Owl involved in the fun!

At 12pm we sat and ate our picnic, the sun still beaming on us! The Brownies then played for another hour before we decided to walk home. The decision was made that we would walk half way up the Coppice before walking past the pond and home. This seemed reasonable enough until someone turned a tap on above us. We had been walking for 5 minutes when it began to drizzle. Within 2 minutes the rain was torrential. We tried walking fasted but we still got wet! We returned to the Institute at about 20 past 2 and were greeted by lots of laughing parents. Thankfully everyone seemed to find it amusing, even the leaders who were soaked to the skin!

Mayor's Parade

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:16:00 GMT

On Sunday 17th May members of 3rd Accrington St Paul's Brownies took part in the Mayor's Parade. The parade took them from Eagle Street past the Town Hall to St James' Church for a short service and then back along the procession route to Eagle Street for a drink and a biscuit.

The parade involved parading past the new Mayor where he received a salute from all of the members of the uniformed organisations as well as the Brownies. When we reached the Church we formed two lines and saluted the Mayor and his party as they passed into the Church. We then entered the Church and sat through the short service during which we were entertained by a school choir - including one of our Brownies. There was a blessing for the new Mayor before we filtered out of the Church to make our way past the Mayor to the place we began.

There was an amazing turn out by the uniformed organisations from Hyndburn and a special thank you goes out to the 4 Brownies from 3rd Accrington St Pauls. Thankfully the weather stayed fine (almost) and the parade was a success. It was nice to support the new Mayor, who is married to one of our Beaver leaders, as he has included Guiding and Scouting in his charities for this year. It is also nice to wish him luck in his time as mayor.

Mass Enrolment

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:53:00 GMT

On Thursday 14th May 13 members of 3rd Accrington St Pauls Brownies became full members of the organisation. They made their promises in front of the rest of the group and were given their promise badge and their six badges.

Thirteen of our Brownies took part in a traditional enrolment ceremony. They were asked to spin on the spot while reciting the lines:

The children raced over to the pool. Betty did exactly as the Owl had said:

"Twist me and turn me and show me the elf, I looked in the water and there saw myself".

taken from the Brownie story. They then recited the Brownie Law and then made their promises. As there were so many Brownies to enrol they took part in small groups. There are photo's of each group in the gallery.

When a Brownie makes her promise she becomes part of the organisation of GirlGuidingUK. Congratulations and welcome to all the girls who went through the process.

May Camp

stpaulsbrownies@googlemail.com — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:30:00 GMT

On Friday 1st May some of the Brownies attended our very first camp under canvas alongside our cubs and the Brownies from URC. By attending they became the first Brownies in Hyndburn to experience this. They attended the camp at Waddow Guide Camp on the North Riding Campsite from Friday to Sunday. The weather was good, a few showers but nothing was going to dampen the spirits of any of the campers!

The theme for the weekend was pirates although we carried out very few of the planned activities due to the excitement of carrying out a weekend under canvas. We hired a variety of the on-site activities, including bouldering, the trampolines, scooters, space hoppers the putting green and grass sledging. The Brownies spent 2 hours exploring the different activities and loved every minute they spent on them. We also went to Edisford Bridge swimming pool where we spent an hour washing! This ensured that every child went home clean and with a wet towel!

The weekend coincided with the annual Scarecrow Festival in Waddington, which we took time to visit. The Brownies entered their boats into the competition. When we arrived they had to put the boats out in heats, 7 extras. One of our cubs won 3rd prize for his boats design. We had a number of Brownies in the final, although we did not win. We had a huge amount of fun cheering our boats (made from junk) down the stream against the very professional entries made by the village children.

The weekend passes in a flash with lots of smiley faces and tired leaders. The food was good and the excitement even better. Hopefully this will lead to more nights under canvas in our special sound proof tents!