Guides back after surge in brownies

A GUIDES group that folded a year ago is back after its sister brownies pack saw numbers triple in six months. The Third Dagenham, Guides, for 10 to 14-year-olds, are being relaunched this month at Dagenham Parish Church Hall, Exeter Road, Dagenham. The u

A GUIDES group that folded a year ago is back after its sister brownies pack saw numbers triple in six months.

The Third Dagenham, Guides, for 10 to 14-year-olds, are being relaunched this month at Dagenham Parish Church Hall, Exeter Road, Dagenham.

The unit disappeared after volunteers moved on. The Third Dagenham, Brownies had nine members in September, but after being more active in the community their ranks have risen to 32 .

The guides enjoy outings, trips, concerts, sleepovers and will help customers pack their shopping at Morrison's supermarket, Wood Lane, Dagenham, on March 21.

Leader Vicki Thomas, 24, puts down her professional success as a primary school teacher to the skills she gained when she was a brownie.

Miss Thomas, of Oval Road North, Dagenham, said: "When I was growing up I was looking forward to the meetings every Thursday. I learned quite a few new skills, like working as part of a team, crafts and going out."

Last month the brownies had a sleepover at the Guide Association's headquarters in London and spent time at its activity centre, Icando.

As part of the trip they saw the musical Wicked.