St Peter's Brownies
Log Book 1948 to 1949

March 1948
Last weekend Brown Owl attended a Brownie Guider’s Training at the Kingsley School, Kettering.  The Eagle Owl gave the Guiders lots of new ideas to take back to their Brownies and this Log Book is one of them.

Brownie News From the Past
Our Pack was first registered at Headquarters on May 21^st 1930.  The first Brown Owl was Miss Hurst and Tawny Owl Miss Norris, then Miss W Elliott as another Tawny, who later became Brown Owl.  Miss Shelton then became our Tawny, and in 1946 received her Brown Owl’s warrant.  Margaret Griffith and Joy Fowler are our present Packleaders.

Our Packleaders Left: Margaret Griffiths - Right: Joy Fowler

Church Parade	A Ramble

Our 1st Class Brownies are: Lorna Rolfe Sylvia Skerritt Madge Flawn                                     passed 1947

Lorna has now “Flown Up” to the Guides. Molly Stapleton passed her 1^st Class March 1948.

The Brownie Promise: I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and the King; to help other people every day, especially those at home. The Brownie Law A Brownie gives into the older folk, A Brownie does not give into herself. The Brownie Motto Lend a Hand

This delightful picture appears on the next page of the book. It was drawn by Margaret Shelton and shows the Brownie song together with drawings of the four Sixes. To see a bigger image, please click here.

“The Sleeping Beauty” - Tuesday, January 6^th 1948 .

The Brownies and Guides Pantomime was produced by Miss Elliott, and given at the Church Room on Tues 6^th, Weds 7^th, Thurs 8^th and Sat 10^th.  We gave thirteen performances, visiting Hinwick Hall Home for Crippled Boys, Highfield Road Hall, The Methodist Church, Raunds, Wymington and Higham Ferrers.  £43 was raised towards the Building Fund.

Sixes - March 1948

Elves	Fairies	Imps	Pixies
Molly Stapleton Jill Beetson Pat Frost Margaret Buckley Sheila Lawman Patricia Flaunty	Eileen Linger Christine White Patricia Hart Patricia Mayes Gillian Hart	Maureen Flaunty Megan Evans Valerie Burt Gillian Patenall Janet Cutmore	Madge Flawn Pat Robinson Nicholette Beetson Maureen Clarke Joan Harris Jose Voss

The Brownie Outing 1947

On September 20^th at 7am a coach load of happy Brownies left out church for London, together with the Guides and Parents.  After a short stop for refreshments we reached Parliament Square soon after 10 o’clock, and then walked to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard.  After this we went to the Girl Guide Headquarters where we tried to fit new Brownies with uniforms, and the Brownies bought books, presents to take home, and asked lots of questions.  Next we travelled by buses to the Regents Park Zoo where first of all we had lunch, and then set off to see all we could.  Some of the Brownies had Llama rides, others on the camels and all visited the Lion House, the Children’s Own Corner and the Aquarium.  After tea, we returned to Rushden very tired but hoping for another Outing next year.

The Brownies who went on the outing were:

Gillian Hart, Pat Hart, Pat Frost, Madge Flawn, Eileen Linger, Maureen Clarke, Christine White, Sheila Lawman, Molly Stapleton together with Packleader Joy and Brown Owl.  The cost for each Brownie was 5/-, and help towards the cost of the outing was raised by a Whist Drive organised by Mrs Wood and Miss Shelton.

A trip in the Pony Carriage at the zoo

On the Queen Victoria Memorial Steps

April 12^th 1948 and another Summer Season at Brownies!  Tonight we welcomed to our Pack, Judith Cooper, who is to be a Fairy, Molly left us tonight and tomorrow she is to “fly up” to the Guides with Madge.  Eileen Linger has now passed her 2^nd Class Test, and Maureen Flaunty has received her stripes as Sixer of the Imp six.

April 13 ^th 194 8

The Brownie Pack April 13th 1948

Molly Stapleton and Madge Flawn

Tonight we held a Flying-up Ceremony with the Guides, after welcoming Mrs Tarrant, Jose Voss was enrolled, then Molly and Madge “Flew Up”  Vicky and Jill Beetson received their 1^st year Stars.  After the Guides were enrolled, games were played, the parents joining in.  We were very pleased to see the Vicar & Mrs Heard, Mrs Elliott from St Mary’s, Miss Lovell and a good number of parents not forgetting the Churchwardens.  The evening closed with Campfire.

Church Parade April 1948

During April and May the following Brownies have joined our Pack:

Florence Sayer (Elf)         Joan Harris (Imp)          Joan Fensome (Pixie)

Florence is staying here, whilst on a visit to England, from Bermuda.  We hope that she will be very happy at Rushden.

We have started weekly meetings at Brown Owl’s home firstly sewing for the County Handicraft Exhibition, and later making things for the Children’s Carnival, to be held in the Vicarage Garden on July 3^rd.

On June 21^st we held our first “Out of Doors” evening.  Packleaders laid a trail, and the Brownies and Brown Owl followed, we went round the “Spinneys” and had a picnic supper, arriving home very tired and rather late.

July 3^{rd -} The Church Carnival and Sale of Work

Several of the Brownies entered in the Fancy Dress Parade, Gillian Hart winning a prize, and others entered in the “Talent Spotting”.  Janet Cutmore and Patricia Hart gaining a 1^st prize for their dance.  Janet again 2^nd for dancing and Maureen Clainky (?) 3^rd for reciting.  Sheila Lawman and Patricia Robinson took part in the opening ceremony.  The Brownies had their stall, and we handed in the total sum of £4.14s.6½d towards the General and Lady Worker Funds, which was raised as follows:

Pixies 9/1½d             Elves 18/6d

Fairies 13/1½d          Imps 6/9d

            Remainder £2.7/6½d

A further 5/5½d was handed in on July 9^th

Monday 5^th July

Tonight all the Brownies received a note for the Parents inviting them to the Brownie Revels of July 19^th.  Also telling them about a Picnic on July 26^th and a special Church Parade for the Sunday School Festival on July 18^th, not forgetting the August Holidays, after which we shall commence our meetings again on September 6^th.

1948 Brownie Revels

Yesterday, July 10^th, the Annual Brownie Revels were held in St Mary’s Institute, Rushden.  Unfortunately the weather was so cold that we had to abandon any hopes of revels in the Rectory Paddock, but all the same we had a very nice afternoon.  Miss C Wilson McQueen of Thrapston was the Guest of Honour.  This year’s revels were based on the King’s Birthday Party (the King being our District Captain – Miss Morris), who had with “him” a pretty little Queen.  After the “Drive Past” before the Royal Throne by 1^st Rushden, 2^nd Rushden, Raunds, Stanwick, Irthlingborough and Higham Ferrers, we all joined in the Fairy Ring, which was followed by the game – “I wouldn’t be a Girl”.  Then all the Packs entertained.  Our Pack representing India and Canada among the Countries and the King’s Servant’s – Waitresses and Hairdressers.  After a short interval for tea the afternoon finished with a short campfire.  The Pixies were the Hairdressers; Imps – Waitresses, Fairies – Canada and the Elves – India.  We were very pleased to see so many Parents and Friends there, and thank the members of the Trefoil Guild for getting the tea.

July 19^th

Tonight five Brownies were enrolled by St Mary’s Brown Owl (Mrs J Elliott) and Eileen Linger received her 4 year star.  A large number of parents and friends were present and we were very pleased to see them.  Maureen Flavity  read the prayers and we demonstrated a new game – “Hey Little Lassie”.  The evening closed with a Campfire.

Brownies enrolled – Florence Sayer, Patricia Flavity, Janet Cutmore, Judith Cooper and Joan Fensome.

July 26^th

Monday and the beginning of the heatwave!  We all met at the Church and walked to the Hall Park, where we met St Mary’s Brownies.  After a number of games we all sat down to eat our suppers, then had more games until it was time to come home.

We meet again after the holidays, on September 6^th.

SEPTEMBER 1948

This month we are pleased to welcome to our Pack, Five new Brownies:

Anita Sackett, Tina Glidle, Jean Stimpson, Suzanne Daws, Patricia Bazeley

Anita is already a Brownie, as she belonged to a Pack in Malta, where she lived until a short time ago.

Now that the Headquarters in London require extra help, we have increased the weekly subscription to 1½d

November 4^th

To help our Pack Funds a Beetle Drive was arranged.  Many thanks to all the Parents who helped to raise £5.1.6d.  We can now make arrangements for a Xmas Party!!

At the Church Bazaar on December 14^th the Brownies staged a “Magic Wishing Well”, and together with the Guides Effort we were able to hand in about £2 to the Bishop’s Reconstruction Appeal.

During November, we were very sorry to lose one of the Elves – Florence.  After several months in Rushden, she has returned to her Parents in Bermuda.  Best wishes to her on her plane journey to New York by herself.  We do hope that Florence will rejoin the Movement again in Bermuda.

On December 20^th the following Brownies were enrolled:

Tina Glidle, Jean Stimpson, Suzanne Daws, Patricia Hart

Tuesday, December 21^st was the date of the Annual District Carol Service, which was held in our church this year.  The Revd Heard took the service, and gave the talk, and the nine lessons were read by various members of the movement.

Maureen Clarke and Gillian Beetson have now left the Brownies to join the Guides.

Thursday 23^rd December

The Annual Xmas Party – We sat down to an excellent tea arranged by the Mothers, when the guests included
The Rev & Mrs Heard, Sister Branch, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Fox, Mrs Wills, Mrs Dickens and Mrs Elliott.  After tea games were played, and later we all enjoyed a film show.  At the finish of the Party, all the guests and Brownies received a present from the Xmas Tree, and the Mothers a calendar which the Brownies had made at the Pack Meetings.

After Xmas we meet again on Januray 24^th.

1949

Early in the New Year some of the Pack, together with the Guides tppl [art om the Pantomime “Dick Whittington” – a very enjoyable show produced by Miss Elliott.  About £50 was raised, and part of this sum was donated to the Highfield Church, the Sunday School and the “Bishop’s Appeal Fund”. (Editor's note: to see the Programme of this Pantomime, please click here.)

Owing to Brown Owl having the “Measles” we were unable to commence meetings on Jan 24^th as arranged, but started eventually on Feb 7^th.  This year we have one new Brownie – Gillian Brown, who has joined the Elves.

On Feb 12^th the Brownies were invited to a Birthday Party by the Higham Ferrers Pack.

We now have two new Packleaders – Joan Linger and Josephine Abram.

THINKING DAY – 1949

For our Thinking Day we arranged a short ceremony taken from the Guider, four Brownies representing the North South East and West.  These characters brought a gift from their countries.  Matches from Sweden, Oranges from South Africa, Tea from China and Wheat from Canada.  Then the four lit candles to show that they were thinking of their Brownie friends all over the world.  The following verse was recited by all the Pack at the end. 

‘With a big Brownie Smile

All over my face

I mean to make friendships

All over the place.’

During Easter week, the Guides and Brownies held an “AT HOME” – and the Guides gave a short sketch, also the Brownies, which was entitled “The Brown Mouse”.  Those taking part were Maureen Flaunty, Eileen Linger, Christine White, Jean Stimpson, Pat Robinson, Pat Frost, Joan Fensome, Janet Cutmore and Jean Harvis.  The proceeds were divided and we kept £3.7.6d towards our Garden Party Effort.

Easter Sunday 1949 after Church Parade.

On St George’s Day Sunday we joined the Scouts, Guides and Cubs for a service in the St Mary’s Church, Higham Ferrers.

JUMBLE SALE held on May 21^st
Our funds have now profited by £7.10.0., this being the amount raised.  Many thanks to all our willing helpers!

Eileen Linger and Maureen Flaunty have now been successful in passing their FIRST CLASS Test – comgratulations to both.

Three wishes If I had of Wishes three I would wish for you and me, To have a cottage on our own A cottage built of wood and stone. If I had of Wishes three, I would wish, just for me, To have a pair of ballet shoes And any frock for me to choose. These are the Wishes three I would wish if a fairy, light and airy Would bring to me these Wishes three. by Jean Harris

July 2^nd 1949

A GREAT DAY!!!  We went on the train to Wellingborough and after a picnic tea, formed a guard of honour to greet the Chief.  Later we entertained with Singing Games and came home on the train.  The Chief shook hands with the First Class Brownies.  The snap shows our Pack with the garland of flowers and evergreens.

On July 9^th at our annual Garden Party, we were successful in gaining 2^nd prize for the best decorated stall.  £4.7.6 was raised by the sale of articles we had made, plus £3.7.6 from the “At Home”.  Several of our Brownies gained prizes in the Fancy Dress Competition and the Talent Spotting.

This Summer we have had several picnics at the Park, and have enjoyed ourselves very much.  At the end of July we said goodbye to Pack Leader Joan Linger, and Brownies Margaret Buckby, Eileen Linger, Jean Stimpson, Valerie Burt and Megan Evans.  Pat Robinson and Pat Frost have passed the Second Class Test and have been chosen as Sixers.

Above: The Pack July 1949 Below: Supper Time	Above: With Brown Owl on a very hot day Below: With Pack Leaders Jose and Joan

We have now commenced Brownies again after a lovely holiday and a wonderful summer.  Although we have lost several old Brownies we have also gained new ones:

Julia Inchley, Diana Thompson, Diane Davis

Also, a new Pack Leader – Madge Flawn (once a 1^st Class Brownie)

At the Revels held on October 1^st, at Higham Ferrers, we were very lucky to win the Brownie District Shield. 
Mrs Cooper judged, and the “drive past” was taken by Mrs R Chamberlain, of the Local Association.  Mrs Webb was also present.  After the competition, based on second class, we had a picnic tea and later singing games.  Maureen Flaunty received the shield on behalf of the Pack from Mrs Chamberlain.

Line drawing of the Brownies' Houses

November 14^th

Enrolment of Julia Inchley, Diana Thompson and Diane Davis.  Two Year stars were presented to Shelia Lawman and Christine White, Maureen Flaunty has now left the Pack to become a Guider, also Jean Harris and Gillian Grant have left.  Two Tawny Owls from St Mary’s Pack are now visiting us every other week, and we are very glad to have their help.  A Mother’s Meeting also help later on in the evening was attended by seventeen!  This was to discuss the Christmas Party or rather a “New Year’s Eve Party” the date being fixed for Sat 31^st Dec 1949.

If you have any memories to share, please contact us.

Concert by Rushden Mission Band