Shropshire Brownies on parade for anniversary fun

And Saturday saw them out in force for a big birthday party as they marked 100 years since Brownies were formed by Lord Baden-Powell.

Headed by enthusiastic county commissioner Elaine Brannan, the girls were hands-on for a great day at Telford College of Arts and Technology.

Through regular meetings, special events, day trips, sleepovers, camps and holidays, Brownies constantly learn new hobbies, play music, explore other cultures and create adventures.

And even a bumper birthday is put to good use to learn and absorb as well as play. As seen on the Astroturf of a sports hall where Shropshire archer, Olympian Alison Williamson had them lining up not just for her autograph but to learn the skills of bows and arrows – what an opportunity to be tutored by a champion.

Everyone the imaginative Brownie complex, were fascinated at one ultimate challenge.

Elaine explained: "They've been told that there was a terrible disaster over New Zealand and all the stars had disappeared. So they had to rescue the missing stars and had 12 hours to do it so that we could have them ready for our night."

Even on a warm spring morning, we all wanted to stay gazing for stars and the Brownies loved it – excitedly appearing from the darkness to show evidence of their success each time a shining star was found.

When Brownies were started in 1914, it completed the age range for girls in Scouting. They were first run by Agnes, Lord Baden-Powell's sister and in 1918, his wife Lady Olave, took over the responsibility for the Girl Guides and so inherited the Brownies.

Originally they were called Rosebuds but were renamed by Lord Baden-Powell from a book of the same name where children learn they can be helpful Brownies or lazy boggarts.

All these years on, about 1800 girls across Shropshire continue the proud traditions of being helpful, industrious, showing initiative . . . and having fun.

And they have such good examples. Like county commissioner Elaine, Shropshire's president of Girlguiding, Lady Jane Heber-Percy, former commissioner Anne Flint and former county officers Eileen Gillam and Dorothy Lee, who have lifetimes of service between them and who all came along to the big birthday.

Mrs Flint – mother-in-law of Shropshire's present High Sheriff Diana Flint who was also there – has a very special story. She says: "During the war I did Sea Rangers with Princess Margaret and the Queen. But I became an Army wife and we travelled a lot, moving every two or three years. So I didn't get more closely involved until we came to Shropshire."

As a well-respected former County Commissioner, Mrs Flint is remembered with great affection.

Volunteers turned out to support the party and Brown Owls guarding their happy charges including Catherine Roberts from Meole Brace and Pam Griffin from Baschurch who recalled: "I joined on my seventh birthday and have been involved ever since. My mum has always been a senior guider, as well."

As the celebrations reached their climax, Elaine said: "I can't tell you how fantastic the college have been. They provided us with the most wonderful resources and did so much towards setting everything up, we really are so grateful to them. Then to see all these smiling faces with the Brownies having such a fantastic time is wonderful and makes it all worthwhile."

Which is just how the rest of us felt. Happy birthday, Brownies!