Brownies' special celebration

Some 60 children and adults '“ one for every year of the 1st Pagham and Aldwick Brownies '“ enjoyed the party.

They played pass the parcel and a getting-to-know-you quiz and enjoyed plenty of chatting as well as cakes and soft drinks to mark the diamond anniversary.

The two cakes were cut by the pack's oldest and youngest members, Caitlin Foulkes (10) and Jodie Preston (7). They were made by Littlehampton Trefoil Guild member Margaret Baker.

Last Thursday's party was held a few days ahead of the anniversary of the pack's actual formation on February 2, 1948.

Among those present at Mosse Hall in St Richard's Way was former Brownie Ali Hawkins (39).

The Nyetimber resident belonged to the pack between 1975 and 78. "I remember it was quite good fun and I enjoyed taking part in the shows we used to do," she said.

"It was about meeting different people from those at school and having a sense of belonging."

She acquired around 12 badges in subjects such as home-making, sewing, cooking and reading.

She explained some aspects of being a Brownie had stayed the same while others had changed.

"The children are far more independent nowadays and the uniform has completely changed," she added.

Former Leader Marilyn Palmer (63) helped out with the pack in the late 1970s and early 80s as well as running the pack in West Meads.

One of her abiding memories was taking part in a striptease in a show.

"We wore long knickers with the words 'The End' on them," she said.

Current Guider Angela Purser said she was confident the pack would still be going strong in another 60 years.

"We are thriving with 29 members and Guiding remains contemporary.

"The girls have a lot of fun, learn new things and develop team work.

"We still do cooking and even sewing but we also have computer badges and environmental work."