17th Sheffield Brownies – Annual Report - Chris Venables and Poppy Cole.
Our Monday Brownie unit continues to thrive with the help of Emily Woods, our Young Leader, and several students who come and share their skills whenever they can. Last summer term we had many outdoor meetings toasting marshmallows, den building, following trails and weaselling up on Higger Tor. We were pleased to see Brownies participating in St Andrew’s Psalter Lane’s Remembrance Service
Our Camps have included a sleepover in St Andrew’s Hall, Pack Holiday at Girlguiding’s Outdoor Activities Centre and this coming week-end (22-23 April) a sleepover in London. Our plans include lots of walking around St James’ Park and Westminster visiting Number 10, the Jewel Tower and the Household Cavalry Museum. On Sunday we’ll watch the Horse Guards Parade and hopefully catch a glimpse of London Marathon’s elite runners on the Mall before catching the coach back from Victoria Coach Station.
Poppy, my co-leader, will miss much of this term as she is expecting her first baby in June. I hope, however, that she will restart in September, otherwise I’ll be searching for another helper.
St Andrew’s Hall activities - Chris Venables
No new Brownie leader was found to replace Kay Smith so her Friday Brownie unit hasn’t restarted post-Covid.
The 17th Sheffield Guide numbers are gradually increasing as they enjoy a varied programme of activities.
The 72nd Scouts groups are thriving and their help in the community, including at the Nether Edge Festival’s Picnic in the Park, in Chelsea Park each September, is much appreciated. Unfortunately, due to new regulations, their very popular Bonfire and Firework Display in Chelsea Park was cancelled at the last minute but it should be held again in November 2023.
A small group of leaders and Scout parents are responsible for the running of St Andrew’s Hall. This involves much voluntary work as they continue to improve the facilities to cater for the wide range of groups who meet in the hall.