Brownies and Guides

A Brownie Pack was started at St. Ninian’s in January 1963 by Mrs. Phyllis Henderson. In 1967 Mrs. Jean Brown became Brown Owl, at which time Sheena Carson was her Tawny Owl. When Sheena was married in 1968 the Brownies formed a guard of honour for her.

In 1971, Mrs. Irene Currie took over the leadership of the Pack until her move to Inverness—shire at her retirement in 1985.

The present Brown Owl is Mrs. Ursula Pitt who with Tawny Owl Miss Vivienne Jelf is continuing the high standard maintained through the years. At present there is a full Pack with a waiting list.

12th Solihull (St. Ninian’s) Guide Company was formed under the leadership of Miss Stella Simpson on 23rd February 1965 as a ‘closed’ unit for the girls of the Church. She was soon to be assisted by Mrs. Unsworth. Originally there were about 12 girls, but the unit was subsequently opened to all girls which increased the numbers. Within the first year or so they had enjoyed their first camp at Shrewsbury with other companies from the district.

In December 1966, the leadership was taken over by Mrs. Singleton and a year later by Miss Sheena Chambers.

From 1968 - 70 Mrs. Margaret Miller became Guide Leader. During this time, the number increased to 30. Also during this period, Miss Morse, the District Commissioner, started the presentation of a cup for the Guide unit which had achieved most during the year. In 1969 this was awarded to St. Ninian’s Guide Company.

12th Solihull (St. Ninian’s) Guide Company was formed under the leadership of Miss Stella Simpson on 23rd February 1965 as a

 ‘closed’ unit for the girls of the Church. She was soon to be assisted by Mrs. Unsworth. Originally there were about 12 girls, but the unit was subsequently opened to all girls which increased the numbers. Within the first year or so they had enjoyed their first camp at Shrewsbury with other companies from the district.

In December 1966, the leadership was taken over by Mrs. Singleton and a year later by Miss Sheena Chambers.

From 1968 - 70 Mrs. Margaret Miller became Guide Leader. During this time, the number increased to 30. Also during this period, Miss Morse, the District Commissioner, started the presentation of a cup for the Guide unit which had achieved most during the year. In 1969 this was awarded to St. Ninian’s Guide Company.

From 1970, Miss Lillian Stafford looked after the company for eight years during which time it acquired more camping equipment.  In 1978, Mrs. Anne Legg took over and during her time three girls, Lynne and Lucy Samworth and Jenny Gibson, obtained their Queen’s Guide award.

In 1982 Mrs. Helen Blythe became Guide Leader and looked after the company until 1984 with the assistance of Mrs. Gill Gibson who has continued to help the present Guide Leader, Mrs. Diana Dicker.  There are 28 girls in the company enjoying such activities as craft work, home—making, giving service, cooking indoors and outdoors (the latter being very popular). For the last two years, they have had successful camps when they joined with the Guides from Hobs Moat United Reformed Church.