2nd Copythorne Brownies celebrate their golden year with party

A NEW Forest girlguiding group was joined by members past and present to mark its 50th birthday.

The 2nd Copythorne Brownies first met on 1st March 1974 and for some years there were two packs in the area, but they later merged.

The group also moved from its location at Bartley School to Stanleys Own headquarters, where it still resides.

To mark the special anniversary, the Brownies had a celebration evening, inviting families and friends to join them alongside Rainbows, Guides, local supporters and previous leaders.

More than 70 guests attended and enjoyed party food and drinks while the children took part in a variety of crafts including making a friendship bracelet and bead jewellery, and decorating a bookmark, cake or biscuit.

Current leader in charge Tracy Hodgson thanked everyone for attending and for their shared belief in Girlguiding and what it offers.

She then introduced Emma from Foxies Future, who spoke about the campaign to buy Foxlease after Girlguiding's shock closure and planned sale of the activity centre at Lyndhurst.

The Brownies also organised some games, which raised £150 for the campaign.

Assistant leader June Virrill and unit helper Pam Hodgson were presented with flowers as thanks for all their help and support to the group, while Yvonne King, one of the original leaders, did the honours of cutting the first of five birthday cakes.