Harpenden Brownies celebrate organisation’s 100th birthday

Blasting off on a space-themed adventure more than 100 Brownies, Rainbows and Guides gathered to celebrate the organisation’s centenary.

Youngsters aged five to 14 from Harpenden Central District were transported to outer space for the Star Quest adventure, an inter-galactic journey which saw them travel through three time zones in the hunt for missing stars before enjoying an Out of this World Lunch.

Harpenden Mayor Mary Maynard joined the girls for the afternoon session and cutting the cake as part of a local celebration of The Big Brownie Birthday.

Futuristic and historical themed activities for the day included learning about the history of the Brownies, an edible campfire, and making a large 100 out of recycled magazines.

Mollie, eight, said: “My favourite things were the tattoos and making my own drink.”

Central district commissioner for Girlguiding Maria Moyses said: “It was brilliant to see a hundred girls celebrating 100 years of Brownies in the centre of Harpenden.”

“The girls had great fun trying activities from the past, present and future and went home with electronics, badges and of course cake.”

The following week Brownies from North Harpenden held their own festivities to mark the occasion.

The girls made bubble mixture, learned tricks with bubbles and created giant bubbles big enough for a Brownie to stand in.

Later they used various equipment to create stomp rockets and watched as they zoomed into the sky, before the afternoon concluded with a traditional tea, singing round the campfire and a birthday cake in the shape of an owl.

Leader Frances Gee said: “It was fantastic to see all the girls having so much fun both indoors and outdoors, celebrating 100 years of Brownies with their Guiding friends.”