Brownie Leader:   Nicola Vango

Brownie Leader:   Tel: (01787) 227374

Assistant Leader: Deana McGrath

Assistant Leader: Tel: (01787) 227069

Unit helper: Jo Balch.

Welcome to 1st Bures Brownies. We meet every Tuesday evening from six o’clock until half past seven (term time only). We are based at the Scout & Guide Headquarters at The Croft (off The High) in Bures St Mary. The meeting starts with our Brownie song, and we have pow-wows, where the Brownies and their Leaders sit together in a circle to plan their adventures, trips out and activities for the following term. We also have a parents’ rota for those who are able to help out with the unit a couple of times a year.

UNIFORM

Brownies have a choice of clothes to wear including:

Tops: short and long sleeved.

Jacket

Trousers

Gilet

Skort (shorts/skirt)

Sash

Baseball Cap

Brownies should wear what they feel comfortable in. Sensible footwear is required. The uniform can be obtained from:

Green’s clothing, 5, Gaol Lane, Sudbury.
Tel: (01787) 881500

meet the leaders:

(From left to right):
Jo Balch (Unit Helper), Nicola Vango (Brownie Leader) and Deana McGrath (Assistant Leader)

The current Brownie Pack
(Feb 2005)

JOINING

We currently have a waiting list for joining Brownies, which runs in order of each child’s date of birth. We supply:

Brownie box (yellow)

Adventure and Badge book

1st Bures Brownies name tag

Sixer/Seconder Badges

Sew-on Badges for achievements

Promise Badge

ENROLMENT

All Brownies have a settling-in period of 4-6 weeks, and are then enrolled during a special promise celebration, when they will be given their Promise Badge. We give notice to parents and family who wish to attend this short ceremony.

ACTIVITIES

We try to give plenty of notice of any outdoor activities, and it is essential that parents sign a consent form. If we return late due to any unforeseen circumstance, we will make telephone contact with one or two of the parents to spread the word. There may also be occasions when parents are required to assist with transportation to events.

CAMPING

At present we have not obtained a licence to do camping or sleepover activities, but it is something we are hoping to complete.

ATTENDANCE

It is important that your child attends Brownies regularly, to gain maximum benefit from the programme of activities, particularly as much of the Badge work involves working as a team (or six). If your child is on holiday, or is sick, please telephone us before the meeting. It is especially nice if all the Brownies participate in the Bures carnival (July), and the Remembrance Sunday Service/Parade (November). If your child has decided to leave, it would be appreciated if you would let us know, so we can say a proper goodbye.

Our meeting place: The Scout & Guide Headquarters, The Croft, Bures

Brownies taking part in the
Bures Carnival - July 2004.

The theme was Olympics.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

These are currently (2008) £20 per term. Subscriptions are payable to 1st Bures Brownies. Subscription money pays for census, insurance, craft materials, Badges, books, etc.

ACCESS TO THE SCOUT & GUIDE HEADQUARTERS

Entrance by car is from the Sudbury road (B1508) just past the cottages (Croft End). Exit is via The Croft. This in effect makes a 'one-way system' on Brownie nights. Drop-offs and pick-ups must therefore be kept brief to prevent hold-ups. If you require to see a Leader at the end of the meeting please come a little earlier and park in the car park – to avoid hold ups with other parents. Speed limit down The Croft is 10mph.

       SUPPORTERS COMMITTEE

We would like to welcome all parents to serve on the supporters’ committee, to help raise money for new equipment, running costs, and the organising of events. Informal meetings are held six times a year at the Eight Bells public house! During the year, a few work mornings are organised, to help keep the hut clean and tidy, and parents are welcome to help.

       MONEY RAISED

We do much fundraising throughout the year. Last year we did a Christmas quiz, Mr Man challenge, and we held a stall at Bures School Christmas Fair. We raised approximately £500. This is being spent on new outdoor equipment, balls, skipping ropes, hoops, parachute, and other craft materials.