I joined the brownies when I was 7 in 1979. I had a great time, playing games every week, putting on plays, going on pack holiday to hesley wood scout camp, swimming in the open air (freezing) swimming pool and playing in the adventure playground. I was in the Imps six, but didn;t get many badges.

As I grew older, if not wiser, I joined the Guides in the 'snowdrop' patrol and again had another 4 years of great fun camping, acting and learning new skills. Skills that I still put into use today such as local history knowledge, sewing and first aid. But also softer skills such as leadership, self confidence and time management.

What a great time!!!! I even met the queen once and her short little sister, Princess Margaret.

I would love to hear from any other ex-guiding (& scouting) people on this forum (If you are willing to admit you once wore a woggle!)

Loopy Lou. :wave:

I was in the scouts (And it's a woggle)
In 1972, The 3rd Wentworth group in Chapeltown (Now it is the 82nd Sheffield)

Hangs head in shame - of course its a woggle........ edited my first post so I don't look quite so stupid.

So Viking, did you enjoy the scouts - what did your lot get up to ?

Originally posted by LoopyLou
Hangs head in shame - of course its a woggle........ edited by first post so I don't look quite so stupid.

So Viking, did you enjoy the scouts - what did your lot get up to ?

Loved it, we used to meet every Tuesday night, But it is the camping i remember, in fact i still go camping to this day, and i am bringing my lad up to do the same.

How about Woodcraft Folk people? Just as much fun, but with members of the opposite sex (so, err, even more fun, I guess :))

My daughter is in guides now, its still going strong, things have changed a bit now though, especially with the uniforms.

They are now designed by top designers like Jeff Banks and Ally Capellino and use modern stuff like fleeces and polo shirts.

They have a very good web site too
http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/new/


They have their own pop concert too at the NEC, with top pop acts more details here

Big Gig (http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/xq/asp/sID.436/qx/new/biggig/article.asp)

This year also sees the the International camp come to Chatsworth House, where thousands from all over the world come together.
http://www.peak2005.org.uk/index.shtml

Loopy Lou - its sounds like you are a budding leader, they are crying out for new leaders. In fact we got a letter begging parents to get involved.

Me - I was in the 56th Boys Brigade

Originally posted by DanSumption
How about Woodcraft Folk people? Just as much fun, but with members of the opposite sex (so, err, even more fun, I guess :))

Oh at long last, someone else who was in the Woodcraft Folk!
None of my mates believe me when I talk about it, they all take the mickey, and reckon I've made it all up!

I was in the Intake group for a couple of years - it must have been in the early 80s. I loved it. It set me up for a life of camping and trudging around the countryside. I never did get my firelighting badge though but I do know how to make a shelter out of twigs, leaves and a bin liner! Comes in handy that!

Been in brownies, and guides. Also attended cubs and scouts (Dad is a Scout Leader).

Helped out running numerous pack meetings, used to teach sea scouts to sail. Also been on various camps/jamborees helping out.

Also done Duke Of Edinburgh, Bronze, Silver and Gold and went to St James Palace. Again used to assist with Young Duke of Edinburgh particpants in the training of expedition skills and other criteria.

Not involved at present due to moving as far away as possible from my home town to North Sheffield.

Never mind about wearing woggles, did you actually make your own?

Yup, Woodcraft Folk does exist :) still going strong in fact, I am in the middle of making arrangements to take a group of Woodcraft Folk kids to Germany.

I went to Woodcraft in London (Teddington), but my wife went to a group here in Sheffield: we first met on a Woodcraft exchange trip to India. In fact, her parents also met through Woodcraft Folk: it seems to be the source of a great many lifelong friendships (most of my friends I've stayed in touch with since childhood are ex-Woodcraft or friends of other Woodcraft members, very few are people I met through school or elsewhere), and more than a few marriages.

Originally posted by DanSumption
but with members of the opposite sex (so, err, even more fun, I guess

I think that you will find that the Scouts have been taking girls for the last 10 years or so (admittedly not all troops are there yet)

Let me rephrase that: "have been accepting girls into the organisation"

I know you didn't make them up, badhairday! I've had two experiences of the Woodcraft Folk:-

there were loads of WF members on the Stop the War march in Feb 2003, singing positive songs all the way round the march (which only got a tiny bit annoying after the fifth hour of being jammed next to them!)

I used to work for a young people's drugs project and did a session with a Woodcraft Folk group which shall remain nameless, who were all incredibly interested in everyhting I could tell them about weed in all its forms!

So - they seem like a groovier, leftie version of the brownies/guides, right?

(I was in the Sprites. My Brown Owl was a hero, my sixer was a fascist. People, eh?!)

Joy

Yeah, I did find out recently that they have left-wing/socialist connections. Not that politics bothered me when I was 10 - I just remember it being good fun and teaching me a thing or two about outdoor life.
I remember going camping one weekend - I thought we'd gone miles and we were only at Norton!

I was a Brownie in the 142nd pack at Frecheville. Our Brown Owl was Sally Millward - a wonderful lady who is sadly not with us any more. We went on some wonderful Pack Holidays, and when I went up into the Guides, I eventually graduated to the exalted position of Camp Nurse.

I earned quite a few badges along the way, but mostly it is the singing and the holidays that I remember fondly.

I can't say I approve of the new "casual" uniforms, but if the values and opportunities are the same now as they were then - I recommend that all little girls should join the Brownies!

I had the worst time of my life in brownies and guides. Mosborough chavs picked on me!
Still, I get the satisfaction of knowing they've had their comeuppance. They probably still live in Mosborough for a start!
Did anyone else go to the camping centre up near Ringinglow

I was in the Life Boys & Boys Brigade at Heeley C of E Gleadless Road.

Originally posted by Bad_Hair_Day
Yeah, I did find out recently that they have left-wing/socialist connections. Not that politics bothered me when I was 10

When I was 7, we were banned from using the schools in our area because our local Tory councillor said that Woodcraft Folk were a political organisation which reminded him of the Hitler Youth. Charming chap that he was.

The organisation is not directly political, but as it has connections with the environmental movement (it was originally set up to help inner-city kids experience the countryside) with the anti-war movement (Woodcraft Folk was a break-off from the Boy Scouts in 1926 because the founder, Leslie Paul, didn't like the Scouts' milataristic ethos and practices), and with the co-operative movement (who I think helped to fund the Woodcraft Folk and were affiliated for many years), so it's certainly left-leaning.

Originally posted by mikey

Loopy Lou - its sounds like you are a budding leader, they are crying out for new leaders. In fact we got a letter begging parents to get involved.


I did used to be a guide leader Mikey, but had to give up a few years ago due to work commitments. I work away quite a bit, sometimes at the last minute, so I'm not relaible enough to take on this sort of role anymore. It wouldn't be fair on the kids.

Skatiechick, I didn't do D of E, instead I took the Queens Guide award, which was very similar. That's how I got to meet princess margaret, as she used to personally present all the awards. ( I did plait my own woggle too!)

Meer, the place at ringinglow was called the 'outdoor activity centre' or OAC and yes I camped their most summers as a teenager. If you got put on 'freda's field' in july or august, you were eaten alive by the midges - as big as horses they were..................
:heyhey:

Yes in 1952 I became a Boy Scout at St Christophers Church Sheffield 57 th ..I later became a Patrol leader of the "Stag Patrol" and later on I became a Senior Scout..Then at the age of 16 & a half I discovered that girls prefered lads in trousers rather than shorts..and I gave up the Scouts and never looked back..I remember I had a superb "Woggle" at the time, made from an old tobacco pipe in the form of a Buffaloes head with ivory horns, I just cut off the stem and drilled out the pipe bowl...It would be worth £100's to a collector today, if I hadn't ruined it.

I was in the Woodcraft Folk in Sheffield some 40 years ago, and can remember camping at Norton.

We also went to to stay at Lockerbrook farm, near Ladybower, and it is still an activity cente owned by the Woodcraft today.

I no longer live in Sheffield, but have recently started camping with the woodcraft again as my six year old daughter joined the local group last year.

I can't remember it being as cold when I camped previously (nothing to do with age), but it was funny how the songs came back to me the first night we sat round the camp fire.

Tazz

I was a 'Pilot' when I was about 9/10 it was great fun! Used to hoist the Union Jack, learn to tie knots and play great games like 'Man Overboard'....suppose you have to say 'person overboard' now.....hmmmm
Have only ever met one other Pilot since those days... friend from Lancashire... so it must have been a countrywide thing.

Anyone out there thinking of becoming a Leader for cubscouts, scouts, rangers, rainbows, brownies or guides.... please do volunteer. As said previously...kids get so much out of it and the leaders are very thin on the ground.

Not a single mention of the Salvation Army's "SUNBEAMS" I know there wasn't just me,where are all the others?

I went to the Brownies once with my two friends they had been going for a long times.
I hated it so much I didnt go again.
We had to sit in corners on chairs and play games! you had to then stand up in front of everyone and share your picture you had draw! My friends did keep going for a long while. But it wasnt for me.

I was in the 1st Beighton Scouts (Cubs) in the late 1950,s.
I Used to love the St George's day marches through the villages led by the Drummers and Buglers, stirring stuff.

Still got my woggle somehere.

All you ex-Woodcraft Folk members, read this (http://www.woodcraft.org.uk/news/article/39) and then please protest to your MP. When I first heard about this, I wasn't sure how relevant or deserved this grant was. But the more I think about it, the more I realise how much the Woodcraft Folk influenced my development as a person, my attitudes towards other people, the environment, involvement in political process and seeing the bigger picture: all things which my school education contributed very little to. When I think of what a small amount of money this is, in terms of national spending, and what a disproportionately large impact it can have on childrens' lives, I struggle to see how it cannot be "value for money".

Originally posted by DanSumption
All you ex-Woodcraft Folk members, read this (http://www.woodcraft.org.uk/news/article/39) and then please protest to your MP. When I first heard about this, I wasn't sure how relevant or deserved this grant was. But the more I think about it, the more I realise how much the Woodcraft Folk influenced my development as a person, my attitudes towards other people, the environment, involvement in political process and seeing the bigger picture: all things which my school education contributed very little to. When I think of what a small amount of money this is, in terms of national spending, and what a disproportionately large impact it can have on childrens' lives, I struggle to see how it cannot be "value for money".

Why should we be surprised at these muppets who give out the grants, they are surely not living in the real world. The reasons given quite frankly stink, how on earth could they reject the grant for England yet up the Welsh grant is beyond me.
To contact your MP and complain have a look at this link. http://www.locata.co.uk/commons/

Thanks for that owdlad (I take back everything I've said about you elsewhere). You can also use this site to contact them directly: http://www.faxyourmp.com/

Originally posted by DanSumption
Thanks for that owdlad (I take back everything I've said about you elsewhere). You can also use this site to contact them directly: http://www.faxyourmp.com/

Take it back! Why what have you been saying? nothing bad I hope :o :o :o

Originally posted by owdlad
Take it back! Why what have you been saying? nothing bad I hope :o :o :o

Oh, not much. Just been my usual condescending self :twisted:

Yep me too, I was in the Brownies till about 7years old but I had a facist Brown owl.
She once stapeled me into a crepe paper grass skirt, straight through my waist as well as the skirt.
I was that scared of her I didnt dare say anything, till it was time to take them off and mine wouldnt budge due to the stapel and blood. (not my most pleasent memory)

I moved to the guides early after that incident.
Guides were much better the leader was great.
Probably due to the fact I was the youngest so I got away with murder ha ha.

Originally posted by Lostrider
1st Beighton Scouts (http://www.aburke.freeuk.com/images/cubpic.jpg)


Just look at those knobbly knees ! Dib Dib Dib lost rider.

The brownie dress was a little bit nicer to wear than the uniform you describe.

I can remember most kids in my pack being a bit short of cash so there were lots of 'hand-me-downs' and 'buy big' 'cos you'll grow into it.

Result:
- Younger brownies in dresses down to their ankles - tripping over them when playing games
- older brownies in way to short dresses - that couldn't play the games for fear of being obscene.
- a variety of colours from dark brown to v. light beige depending on how old they were and the number of washes!

The hats were quite sweet though, like french berets.

I do have a picture some where.... will have to dig it out.

I went to Brownies for about 6 weeks and it was ok. But then they made me make some kind of oath, that involved promising to "do my best and do my duty to God and the Queen" or something.

Even when I was 8 I knew that wasn't a promise I was willing to make and ran a country mile...:D

I was in the Brownies & Guides... Followed big Sis...

In Brownies i was a Red Lepricorn...
Guides i was a Blue Tit

Once she left Brownies / Guides i did the same... What a nightmare! lol

Kids eh! :roll:

Was a Cub Scout in the late 70s, 39th Rotherham. Loved it. Camped at Walesby and Thorpe Hesley. Like an earlier poster said, these camps seemed like miles away.

Uniform had not changed since Lostriders days (including the barb wire and the nobbly knees.

Only went to the Scouts for a couple of months, but didn't get on. Where the Cubs was Games, games, games with a few outdoor pursuits thrown in, it seemed like the scouts where the other way round.

Plus the Scouts seemed more millitary and the Falklands war was about to start :D


Found this site that might be of interest to you...
http://www.scoutsreunited.co.uk

Originally posted by SlimboyFat
Plus the Scouts seemed more millitary and the Falklands war was about to start :D
One of the reasons the Woodcraft Folk was started was because the founder (Leslie Paul) was a Scout and he didn't like the militaristic aspects of Scouting.

edit: Oops, just realised that I already said that in this thread! (why doesn't the "Delete now" button work?)

Dan,

Please note the Smiley in My post...

Although the Scouts where a bit more serious (I suppose everything starts getting more serious when you head into your teens) I would hardly class them as a miliitary organisation.

Of all the Drama's and Documentaries I have seen about the Falklands I have never seen anybody worried whether the kneckerchief (spelling???) was straight.. :D

I was in the Brownies and loved it! I was a Scottish Kelpie but was desperate to be in the pixies because their badge was prettier!

I remember there was lots of dancing around a toadstool, polishing 2p pieces with duraglit (never did find out why!) and marching through town once a year with hundreds of other brownies and guides. And heaven help you if you didn't have the right kit in your pockets! A bit of string, a pencil and paper, 10p for the phone and other useful stuff that I forget!

Oh the good old days!

Originally posted by SlimboyFat
Although the Scouts where a bit more serious (I suppose everything starts getting more serious when you head into your teens) I would hardly class them as a miliitary organisation.

I don't know a lot about the history of this, but I imagine they were possibly quite a lot more militaristic in 1926 than they are today. There was certainly more emphasis on uniform, saluting the flag, swearing allegiance to the Queen, and regimented discipline, and also I think preparing young people for military service. The Woodcraft Folk was, in part, a reaction against all of this.

139 th Sharrow, St. John's and I was a scout in the Panther patrol. Have wildly conflicting memories of the time and probably stuck with it because I was really into camping and hiking. We used to play a lethal version of british bulldog and if you'd let your patrol down by not having the correct uniform on or dirty shoes you always came away from 'playing' bulldog somewhat the worse for wear.
Who knows what this handy little phrase refers to?
Never eat shredded wheat

Originally posted by WallBuilder

Who knows what this handy little phrase refers to?
Never eat shredded wheat


N, S, E, W. very useful information if you get lost and have a compass with you.

[i]
Who knows what this handy little phrase refers to?
Never eat shredded wheat [/B]

That brings back some map reading memories, What about

MUGS & GUMA

Loupylou:

I was in both brownies then guides (Whirlowdale Rd, Millhouses) then onto gvc (girls venture corps) which then became ATC Air Training Corps (Totley). I would say they were the some of the best days of my life (sad I know!) but hey it never did me any harm.
THE YEAR MUST HAVE BEEN AROUND 1976/7 ???
I can still even remember my Girl Guide Promise....

Never had any photos though, it would be nice if someone has some they can post on here.

I did most of my badges (never kept them) and then when I got into the ATC did my Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Do you know they are held in high regard when you actually apply for jobs!!

Shows we have discipline.... well lets face it emptying toilet/buckets in the sess pit at camp shows fantastic commitment and discipline!! I think we camped at Whitely Woods but Iam not sure
:loopy: :loopy:

DIB DIB DIB :thumbsup:

I think they have changed the old promise and laws now - to make them more multi-cultural and modern for todays kids to relate to.

The multi-cultural vibe is a good one as I remember it was a very 'white' organisation with its links very much in the christian faith.

As a leader, I used to be involved in a brownie unit in a multi-racial area but never had any kids from non-white families, which was a real shame. Learning to live with each other as kids has got to mean a better future in the long run.

The brownie law went something like this.....
******A brownie guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day.*****

I think everyone on the forum should try to live by this law for the next 24 hours and report back how much richer their life is as a result!!!!!

(If you have read danny wallace's "random acts of kindness" you might be more up for this!)

I was in Girls Brigade for too many years when i was younger,,
Same sort of thing as Guides i think but in a church... !!!

Until i was old enough to escape,, and buy th e first bottle of white lightening...
lol !!!
Oh dear what a Chav...
=0)

Originally posted by LoopyLou
I think they have changed the old promise and laws now - to make them more multi-cultural and modern for todays kids to relate to.

The multi-cultural vibe is a good one as I remember it was a very 'white' organisation with its links very much in the christian faith.

The girl Guides still are, well at least my daughter, who's in the Rainbows gets asked to attend Church Parade, and last year my wife got a telling off by the head rainbow leader because my daughter hadn't attended.

Very few non-whites attend Rainbows or Brownies, even though we live in a very multi-cultural area.

Tazz

I was in the 61st scout group (cubs) on Standon Road in wincobank. Based in an imposing and musty Victorian House, with the side garden hosting a flagstaff and small pond.

In the house were models of bridges made of timber and a dog, of which I was scared. I only joined to get out of Sunshine corner on a Monday evening and I don't think I lasted much more than a few weeks.

Ive been a rainbow, brownie, guides (14 years ive been in guiding) and now working on my Queens Guide Award and a guider for both rainbows & guides

Originally posted by Robbinabobin
I was a 'Pilot' when I was about 9/10 it was great fun! Used to hoist the Union Jack, learn to tie knots and play great games like 'Man Overboard'....suppose you have to say 'person overboard' now.....hmmmm


You still call "Man Overboard" because if it' a Woman, you keep stum...
<<<<<< Waits for Girls to bite <<<<.

I was in the scouts for a few years, but if i knew then what I know now, I would have joined the Brownies.:hihi:

Loopy Lou I was also a brownie and a guide and am now ascout leader but I hasten to add much older than you and yes I still wear a woggle:thumbsup:

i was in the scouts, also have a photo of me in my boys brigade uniform LOLOLOL

i look like a thunderbird

Was in the cubs for the whole of two weeks.
Didn't go to Sunday School so they kicked me out.
:nono: :nono:

I was in the 277th Sutton scouts wisewood the scoutmaster was brilliant and called Roger Nowell, Ian Laughton and myself were at the time (1957 ish) the youngest first class scouts at the age of 12 yrs. We used to go to Hesley woods camping and i thoght we had gone a million miles away,we had terrific times.
My eldest brother went to the Jamboree in Sutton coldfield too.

Originally posted by hayley
Ive been a rainbow, brownie, guides (14 years ive been in guiding) and now working on my Queens Guide Award and a guider for both rainbows & guides

Hi Hayley,

I did the queens quide award too. One of the first to get the (then) new style award in the senior section.

I had to....
decorate my bedroom
learn sign language
work at a school for the deaf
organise a exploration weekend for guides in york
complete a recycling project
can't remember what else but it took about 2 years to complete, right in the middle of doing a levels too, but most of the skills proved useful later in life.

Good luck with your award.

Loopy Lou.

Originally posted by viking
You still call "Man Overboard" because if it' a Woman, you keep stum...
<<<<<< Waits for Girls to bite <<<<.

I was in the scouts for a few years, but if i knew then what I know now, I would have joined the Brownies.:hihi:


* * Girl Biting****;)

It's a good job we can get our swimmers badge in the brownies and guides then....... so that we don't have to rely on you MEN to rescue us!!!!!:D

Mmmm Vikings in the brownies - sounds like chaos to me

I look back very happily on my times in the brownies (11th Sheffield) and the guides (1st Gleadless)
The brownie Guider was a lady named Mrs Lowe, who gave up lots of her time over at least 30 years to bring community and life skills to groups of girls. She could be quite strict but also full of love with a good heart.

Within Guiding, I made some good friends and met some inspirational leaders and role models. :clap:

Loopy Lou.

Whereabouts was 277 Sutton? I'm with 150th on Worrall Toad but didn't know therehad been another group so close. We are celebrating our 80years of scouting this year.:clap: :clap:

Worrall Road NOT Worrall toad!:(

Hi Scout!

Just for a moment I thought that the toadstools had unusual names in Sheffield.

In our pack we had a papier mache toadstool to dance around -usually ' Who goes there Pumpernickle?'......

In the Brownie Handbook there was tell of the packs who had dispensed with the toadstool for a fairy lake (made using a sheet of mirror and dried flowers) - our disappointment not to have a fairy lake was of the highest order.

I think that we were the only pack in the UK ro dispense with camping entirely in favour of knitting (v badly) squares to make up blankets and keeping shoes polished. However dreams of a possible fairy lake kept us going....................

Iwas in Sheffield 5th Girls Brigade at Valentine Crescent run by Miss Swift and Pat Hall. My brithers were in 231st Barnley road scout group run by Harry Kelford or Skip as we called him Maureen.

Yes I was in the rainbows and the brownies.........was thrown out and barred from both. I hated both of them was very boring, used to keep us busy by asking us to look for leaves or whatever, then when I was in the brownies brown owl was an evil lesbian and tried to make us walk to rother valley so I ran home.

Just for the record I wasn't a bad child, just not easily amused.

Was in 230th Gleadless Cubs & Air Scouts in the 70's on Gleadless Road. Enjoyed it. Still got my old uniforms wrapped up at my parents house.

I was in 270th Intake scouts in the early to mid 70's. It was run by John Whitham, excellent chap and leader. My most fond memory is the annual camp in 1975, we went to Guernsey. The weather was fantastic and Vazon Bay where we were camping was deserted.

I went to the Brownies at Springfield School & then the Girl Guides after, both in the 70's. " I promise that I will do my best, do my duty to God & serve the queen or something like that. I had loads of badges, went camping & was a sixer & seconder.
Brown owl, Snowy owl & Baden Powell all that.
There doesn't seem to be much of it about nowadays.

It’s a long time ago and I cnnot remember details but I was Senor Sixer in the Psalter Lane Cubs before the second world war. It was great! I wore my uniform and cap with pride!

Originally posted by stevo
I was in the 61st scout group (cubs) on Standon Road in wincobank. Based in an imposing and musty Victorian House, with the side garden hosting a flagstaff and small pond.


Still there, still imposing & musty! (not sure about the pond though!)

I was very briefly in the Brownies who met at Carrwood Road and later I was in the 31st Sheffield Girls Brigade at Trinity Firvale.

I was in the cubs that met at Crooks Congregational Church hall. I was only in for a short time, then we moved to Wath on Dearne. There I joined the army cadets.

I was in Thurlstone Brownies, cant remember the number etc, and then in 53rd Barnsley Guides which gradually went downhill so I left, still the same now, when I was there 6 attended and 3 of them were sisters!

I joined the brownies, long ago now. I only went a few times though cos although it was in the church hall just behind where we lived the Goodies were on the same night as brownies. Goodies won. what can I say I liked them. Brownies came second. :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

I loved the Brownies. Liked playing games (still do!) captains coming, keeper of the keys etc etc. I went to Springwood church in Aston and then later to Aston C of E school. Hilda Jack ( the councillor - edit oops she's the Rotherham Major?????) got very cross with me when i defected to Sheila Staniforth's guides four months early but she'd held back the incentive of being a sixer to try to keep me and i wasn't going to wait any longer.
I was in the imps at brownies. Can't remember at guides.
My favourite part of guides was that I then helped out with brownies. I think i only left them as puberty kicked in and my shirt got a bit tight. My mum, wise to the fact I was probably going to leave anyway, refused to buy me a new one.
I actually put that i was in the guides on my first CV - lol!

I went to Brownies and Guides at Trinity Church, Hillsborough and then to guides at Wadsley Church. I only bothered doing about 3 badges but I was the proud owner of the only 'Poultry Keeper' badge in South Yorkshire!

We used to go camping which I really enjoyed - sometimes in Whiteley Woods and other times just in some farmer's field full of cowpats - it was great. I hear that nowadays they want proper beds and toilets, fast food and cinema trips as part of the deal. We made do with a chemical loo and a rousing chorus of 'ging gang goolie' . . . . .all together now . . . .

oopspardon was Ann Bailey your guide captain?

I was in the 61st scout group (cubs) on Standon Road in wincobank. Based in an imposing and musty Victorian House, with the side garden hosting a flagstaff and small pond.

In the house were models of bridges made of timber and a dog, of which I was scared. I only joined to get out of Sunshine corner on a Monday evening and I don't think I lasted much more than a few weeks.
I used to live a cross the road from the scout house, i joined for one week i did'nt get on with don taylor, with hind sight though i can see why he was so up tight he was a tax man :hihi: his son's where ok keep seeing martin now an again and i still see ron gaucher he was a true scout master .
anyway steveo what's yer second name? you can tell mine.
catch yer later Glynn

oopspardon was Ann Bailey your guide captain?

Hi Scout, Yes Anne Bailey was guide captain at Wadsley. I'm still in touch with her and her daughter who was in my class at junior school.

lol at some of the posts.....:D

I wanted to be a brownie, but the meetings clashed with the time my mum went to nightschool so i couldnt keep it up. was also slightly put off by our neighbours at the time, who were devout church goers and who spent all their spare time with girls and boys brigade....used to take the pip out of em at the time, but now see what good work they did.

my daughter has joined a great brownie pack in a very multi-cultural area - a fab mix of cultures and they all get along brilliantly, and its great to see a big group of such friendly, happy girls all playing together. Got a good leader too, and the guiders who help are a fantastic bunch of young women!

cant wait for my twins boys to turn 6 next feb, then they can join the scouts (or is it cubs?) and that will be an hour and a half of free time more for me!!!

:D

I was never going to really make Girl Guide material. :D

Hello Oopspardon, were you there at the same time as Nicola Sherwood or Alison Wright? There are a few years difference between these two girls!!

Whereabouts was 277 Sutton? I'm with 150th on Worrall Toad but didn't know therehad been another group so close. We are celebrating our 80years of scouting this year.:clap: :clap:

It was on Dunnella rd. top of Wadsley lane area (wisewood)

Dear All,

If you know of any 5-14 yr old girls in the Abbeydale Road/Heely/Bramall Lane/Sharrow/Millhouses areas who would like to be Rainbows, Brownies or Guides then PM me.

We have 2 Rainbow (5-7yrs), 3 Brownie (7-10yrs) and 2 Guide (10-14yrs) units in these areas and we are always looking for new girls.

If you remember having lots of fun when you were younger let me assure you it is still great and as mentioned previously, Girlguiding UK has been updated to be just what 21st century girls and young women want.

Here is a statement about our aim
"Membership of Girlguiding UK is open to any girl or woman regardless of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstance."

Also if you are over 18 and interested in working with children we are crying out for 50 000 new leaders countrywide.

I wanted to put the url of girlguiding UK in but I can't until I have made 15+ posts. Maybe someone else could put it up for me if you are in to it.

:D

I was in the boys brigade in the early 70`s but i didn`t like it as they made me go to church. I just wanted to play games and march through the estate with the band.

i was a brownie in the 70s,with mi little brown dress,belt and a silly yellow tie thing,with a badge on,
aw what a good little girl a was then:hihi:

Dear All,

If you know of any 5-14 yr old girls in the Abbeydale Road/Heely/Bramall Lane/Sharrow/Millhouses areas who would like to be Rainbows, Brownies or Guides then PM me.

We have 2 Rainbow (5-7yrs), 3 Brownie (7-10yrs) and 2 Guide (10-14yrs) units in these areas and we are always looking for new girls.

If you remember having lots of fun when you were younger let me assure you it is still great and as mentioned previously, Girlguiding UK has been updated to be just what 21st century girls and young women want.

Here is a statement about our aim
"Membership of Girlguiding UK is open to any girl or woman regardless of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstance."

Also if you are over 18 and interested in working with children we are crying out for 50 000 new leaders countrywide.

I wanted to put the url of girlguiding UK in but I can't until I have made 15+ posts. Maybe someone else could put it up for me if you are in to it.

:D
thought I'd bring this back up!!!

Official Site (www.girlguiding.org.uk)

Sheffield Site (www.sheffieldguides.org.uk)

We really are crying out for volunteers to help - not neccesarily running meetings, there are other ways of helping out too :thumbsup:

I've got a husband scoutleader, a daughter who went all the way through beavers till she was too old to be a scout. One son is a cub soon to be a Scout but he has had to change cub packs 3 times because of shortage of leaders and he didn't want to be in the same troup as his father. My husband often has to cancel meetings because of shortage of leaders and there is such a long waiting list those at the end of the list will probably never get in. Many troups have closed due to shortage of leaders. Scouts aren't like they were in the 1920s or indeed the 1970s. They've moved with the times. There is still a great demand from the children to join. It's the adults who are letting them down. If you are a parent have you thought of even doing 2 nights a year just to help?

Whereabouts was 277 Sutton? I'm with 150th on Worrall Toad but didn't know therehad been another group so close. We are celebrating our 80years of scouting this year.:clap: :clap:

Is 150th the one next to the church? I assume it is. My son goes on a friday night (so i should know really shouldn't i). Recently been on the camp and still hasn't shut up about it :help: He absolutly loved it and i'd recommend scouts to anyone!

Yay I love this thread. I used to be in the girl guides at polycarps church. My dad used to be a cub leader at 150th wadsley and my brothers were cubs. My kids will definatly be joining just because i still want to be a girl guide lol. The days of cooking mars bars in banana skins and eggs in orange skins.

i loved been in the brownies when i was younger, i was the sixer of the kelpies which i loved & i always thought it was the best group because the badge was red. i went to the high green group which was in the CofE church hall, cant remember the number, i will have to have a look on my badge sash which i still have at home. i started off in my sister horible brown dress shirt then the uniform changed to brown collouts & yellow sweatshirt which i remember buying with my 7th birthday money.

i always loved the brownie camp weekend at whitley woods i think it was. we always stayed in the big house thing they had there (all brownies have to, cant remember why my aunt will probabley tell me as she is still snowie owl there), the dorms were amazing.

i fondley remember the trip to london we had & stayed at the baden powell house. we all had a great time especially invading harrods, i especially remember many of the girls asking for carrier bags from harrods & i actually managed to find something for a £5.

221st frechville - friday night mob, all the catholics had to be a Tuesday night members 'cos of mass.

i was a memeber of the mighty 46th Rotherham............ Cubs & Scouts

I was in the 238th Sheffield (Hillsborough) cubs from 1955 to 1959. We were a "free" pack (not affiliated to a church etc.) and we used to meet every Thursday in a hut in Avondale Road, 50 yards from where I lived in Dykes Hall Road. When the lease on the hut ran out and it became a garage (it's still there) we moved to the basement of Owlerton Vicarage (but we were still "free"). We took with us all our equipment and "tranklements" which apart from the usual flags, poles, wide-brimmed hats, sporty things etc. included a pair of kudu horns which, we fantasised, were from a kudu shot by Baden-Powell on a nighttime foray from besieged Mafeking in 1900. (When I finally made it to Mafeking in 1999 I got stuck in a traffic jam - times change). We all LOVED our "Akela", Miss Eva Mills. She was middle-aged, thin as Olive Oyl and with a heart of gold. My proudest moment was holding one tassel of the flag when all the Sheffield cubs and scouts assembled in the City Hall for the visit of Lord Rowallan (Chief Scout - splendid chap) in 1958. The previous year we had all gone to Sutton Coldfield for the 1907-1957 Jubilee Jamboree - this year will be the centenary. I remember all the smart, well-scrubbed, uniformed scouts, cubs etc. waiting on Platform 6 at the Midland Station for the steam-hauled special train to come in, complete with special headboard (for the benefit of fellow "Anoraks" it was a Black 5). The jamboree was a huge affair in Sutton Park; I still have my book with autographs of scouts and guides from all over the world (Pennsylvania to Borneo, Switzerland to New Zealand). On another occasion we all piled into the back of a van (goodness knows what the 'elf & safety people would think now) for the trip to Mount Tabor Methodist Church, Wordsworth Avenue, for a special service. The minister must have been a good preacher as I can still remember the theme of his sermon. They were happy days. Eva Mills died in 1981, aged almost 80. Lovely person.

That was lovely wadsleyite. I sometimes think we learnt more at cubs, guides, woodcraft etc then we did at school.

I was only in the Brownies for about 6 months, but in the Guides for a number of years. I remember I started when the group was really new and there were only about 6 of us. I really enjoyed it at first as we did a really good mix of different activities. However as time went on and the group got bigger all we ever seemed to do was play skipping games. There were a few very dominant girls who were only interested in this and the guide leader always just let them get on with it. Plus we never ever went camping. I remember going to a camp site once where we put the tent up, had a BBQ and then took the tent back down again and went home! I left in the end because it got so boring.

Was a brownie and girl guide at Darnall Congs and loved every minute of it. Oxford and Cambridge was one of my favourite games, and I loved the "camp fire" singing!

i was in the brownies back in the fifties .we groups in our pack i was an elf cant rember doing anything else but play games tho. we held our meetings in the local church hall .saddly the hall was burnt down by children about ten years ago.i dont think theres a brownie pack anymore

my daughter was in the brownies and the guides.she went to switzerland with the guides for 10 days.theymet up with guides from all over the world.she loved it.

I was in the 159th Neepsend as a Cub round about 1958/59 and went on to be a Scout. It was great fun for a kid growing up at that time, camping, hiking, Jamborees, Gang Shows, getting badges, bob-a-job week etc etc.
I remember going on a 10 day camping holiday in approx 1965 to Germany and Austria for £24 all-in.
Going to Hesley Woods at Chapeltown at weekends was a great adventure even though it was only about 5 miles from home.
The Scout leader was a chap called Brian Clayton-I'll never forget him-he was devoted to scouting-does anyone know him and is he still around ?

I was in the 159th Neepsend as a Cub round about 1958/59 and went on to be a Scout. It was great fun for a kid growing up at that time, camping, hiking, Jamborees, Gang Shows, getting badges, bob-a-job week etc etc.
I remember going on a 10 day camping holiday in approx 1965 to Germany and Austria for £24 all-in.
Going to Hesley Woods at Chapeltown at weekends was a great adventure even though it was only about 5 miles from home.
The Scout leader was a chap called Brian Clayton-I'll never forget him-he was devoted to scouting-does anyone know him and is he still around ?

I was a girl guide at St Oswalds 79/80. I was upset because I couldn't do my First Aid badge because I had a broken arm.

I was in 85th St Cuthberts Brownies, Guides & Rangers. Had some great times in the 1980's & 90's. Gwen Sanderson & Linda Elms were the brown owl & guide captain.

i was a Brownie and then a Guide at 99th Abbeydale, which met in the church hall alongside St John's Abbeydale. I tracked it down during my visit back to Sheffield last Summer after 24 years.

I remember a joint Christmas party with the Scouts and a game of spin the bottle - I had to kiss the '"heart-throb" of the Scouts and absolutely died of embarassment as I had never kissed a boy before (I was only 12)

I later ran a Guide company but dropped out because I didn't like the senior leaders and their attitudes.

Is 150th the one next to the church? I assume it is. My son goes on a friday night (so i should know really shouldn't i). Recently been on the camp and still hasn't shut up about it :help: He absolutly loved it and i'd recommend scouts to anyone!

Hi I'm Roger Nowill.
I started the 277th Sutton Scout Group and we used to meet at the Sutton Institute Hall on Dunella Road.
Together with my father, Harry, and a lot of help from the boys parents, we raised funds and bought an old run down schoolroom in Beechwood Road, which we all did up and made into a super Scout Hall
Alas the Scouting fraternaty merged Troops and the 277th was no more.
This merger took place long after I had left.
The 150th Troop was, I believe Wadsley Church Troop

I was in the 277th Sutton scouts wisewood the scoutmaster was brilliant and called Roger Nowell, Ian Laughton and myself were at the time (1957 ish) the youngest first class scouts at the age of 12 yrs. We used to go to Hesley woods camping and i thoght we had gone a million miles away,we had terrific times.
My eldest brother went to the Jamboree in Sutton coldfield too.

Hi.
Roger Nowill here.
So glad that you have good memories of the 277th
I have now moved back to Sheffield and live in Aston.
Hope to hear more from you soon

I had the worst time of my life in brownies and guides. Mosborough chavs picked on me!
Still, I get the satisfaction of knowing they've had their comeuppance. They probably still live in Mosborough for a start!
Did anyone else go to the camping centre up near Ringinglow

That's called the OAC (Outdoor Activity Centre).

I took my Brownies and Guides up there a few weekends ago.

It's brilliant and like a second home to me, spent so many weekends and even whole weeks there when I was a Brownie and Guide and eventually grew up to become Guider in the same unit!

Was a brownie and girl guide at Darnall Congs and loved every minute of it. Oxford and Cambridge was one of my favourite games, and I loved the "camp fire" singing!

What's Darnall Congs?

I was in the scouts (And it's a woggle)
In 1972, The 3rd Wentworth group in Chapeltown (Now it is the 82nd Sheffield)

I was in the guides about that time in chapeltown And before that in the Brownies. We used to meet at Lound School.

Scouts was my way to get away as a kid, I was in 105 (I think) High Green, (Mid-70's) we were in the Scout hut across from the Pack Horse Pub (Packhorse Lane) next to WMC

I remember going over to the packhorse pub after Cubs/Scout knocking on the hatch to buy a packet of crisps.

Hesley woods: I kissed my first girl there, a girl guide from Huddesfield. I don't why I remember this but I remember eating Swiss Cheese for the first time (posh Eh!)

And one night there was a band on next door at the WMC and the scout master kept shouting what a load of crap they were and how loud they were and what kind of stupid name is Def Leppard.

I got my Chief Scouts award in 1979, it was a big deal because it got us in the paper.

I hope I adequately bored everyone with my trip down memory Lane?

StJohn

I remember my days as a boy scout :)

Wasnt in Sheffield but during my formative years in Southampton. Mid 1960s and I was about, ** ahem years old! I was around 10 when I left if I recall correctly and I continued the progression through into the Scouts where I had the time of my life and got plenty of free weekends camping out of the clutches of my dear parents!

What's Darnall Congs?

Darnall congregational church I assume.

What's Darnall Congs?

Sorry, Darnall Congs was the Church pack of guides I belonged to, Darnall Congregational Church, it was at the bottom of Prince of Wales Road

Darnall congregational church I assume.

Yes Tooeg, you're right as I have just replied to the previous question. Happy days were spent there!

darnall congs unit is still running but we're now the 157th darnall brownies and the 11th Sheffield guides - if you want more info contact us at darnallbrownies_guides@hotmail.co.uk thanks.

yes i was in the Guides for almost a year having a great time untill they found out i was a BOY:cool::cool::cool:

I was never going to really make Girl Guide material. :D

I definitely wasn't! i went to the brownies around 1977, at the scout hut on Charlotte Road, for quite a while and got a few badges but then mischief got the better of me and i was thrown out and told never to darken their doorstep again so there was no way they'd let me join the guides :blush:

Iwent to the cubs once in the 30's,when I was about 10,but when they started 'Dib dib dobbing',I knew it was'nt for me,and never went back.

Scouting for me - 221st Frechville. Friday night troop.

did anyone go to 85th st cuthberts?

St Oswalds Abbeydale Road!! 35th Sheffield pack. I ONCE went camping to
Bretton Park Wakefield, it was the most miserable time of my life!! Slept in
Bell tents, it poured with rain, I have never seen so many baked beans in my life, we had real latrines, ( you took a shovel with you Yuk!!) we all washed in the same water. Suffice to say I have never been under canvas since, and at 63 I don't intend to start now! Five of the longest days of my life!!!!!

Iwas in Sheffield 5th Girls Brigade at Valentine Crescent run by Miss Swift and Pat Hall. My brithers were in 231st Barnley road scout group run by Harry Kelford or Skip as we called him Maureen. Hello robmaujac what were your brother's names ? I might recall them what years are we talking, I can remember Harry Kalford [skip].

Does anyone know how to find out about girl guide groups and which areas,Looking for one near to brightside,meadowhall or chapeltown.

[QUOTE=locket;2385207]I was in 85th St Cuthberts Brownies, Guides & Rangers. Had some great times in the 1980's & 90's. Gwen Sanderson & Linda Elms were the brown owl & guide captain.[/QUOI


I was in the 85th St Cuthberts Brownies too in the 80s, I have got a lovely group photo of everyone stood outside the Church & I still have my Brownie guide book too ahhh!!

I was briefly a girl guide at Jordanthorpe in the early 70's. One camp was one too many for me.

I joined the scouts think i went once

Hi.
Roger Nowill here.
So glad that you have good memories of the 277th
I have now moved back to Sheffield and live in Aston.
Hope to hear more from you soon

Hi Roger, I remember my dad and I helping to do up the house on Beechwood road on a Saturday and going to the dances there on a Tuesday? night.
When I was with the 277th we used to meet at Malin Bridge School and the others leaders I remember were, Wak, Steve and Barry. Hope you are keeping well Phil(48 col av)

I joined the brownies when I was a young lad (oop's )

A tad off topic but it may be Interesting to some.
In Indonesia all School children are automatically members of the scouting movement.
Every Friday and Saturday they wear scout uniform at school instead of normal uniform.
I understand the Indonesian government thinks it's good for the kids.
The kids seem to agree.

I was a cub in the early 50's at the church on the Manor. I forget the name of the church; I wanted to say St. Aiden's but I think that is on City Road isn't it? I wanted to go on to become a scout but there was nothing local to me (Richmond).

Mike

I was a cub in the early 50's at the church on the Manor. I forget the name of the church; I wanted to say St. Aiden's but I think that is on City Road isn't it? I wanted to go on to become a scout but there was nothing local to me (Richmond).

Mike

Was it St Swithins church on Basseldene Road ??

I went to the brownies/guides there during the late 80's..:)

I used to go to Girl Guides at Clay St Methodist Church, Attercliffe. When our neighbour saw me in my uniform he would say "G.L.B" (that was on my cap) " here she is Girls Love Boys"
I had to stop going when I got into my teens cos my dad really believed that I was only using it as an excuse to meet lads afterwards.:roll:....same as he thought about Sunday School. My parents thought I was a right little flirt for some reason.:(

Was it St Swithins church on Basseldene Road ??

I went to the brownies/guides there during the late 80's..:)

Bang on! Yes it was, thank you

Mike