Who could fill Denise’s shoes as Brownie leader?

I AM writing to the Newbury Weekly News for two reasons.

Firstly, to publicly praise a resident of Thatcham: Denise Newport.

She has been a Brownies leader for 46 years and at Christmas is stepping down from those duties.

Denise has led 5th Thatcham Brownies since its inception in 1984.

She has been able to inspire so many girls that on several occasions the pack had members who were daughters of girls Denise had led when they themselves were Brownies.

I was encouraged to become involved in Girlguiding by Denise and it has been an amazing journey.

Thatcham is extremely lucky to have so many willing adults who give up their own time to give enjoyment and so many challenges to so many girls

and young women in our area. Secondly, it is my hope that someone reading this might feel they could volunteer to try to fill Denise’s shoes – a difficult job, but anyone thinking they could have a go would be hugely supported and encouraged, with online training and coaching available to all.

It would be tragic for 5th Thatcham Brownies to close after such a long and illustrious history, so do please consider offering your help to keep the unit going into 2021.

In the first instance, contact http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ to hear more about being a volunteer with the Brownies and to ask any questions you may have.

Everyone who knows her wishes Denise a very happy retirement, and

she will be sorely missed.

STEPHANIE STEEVENSON Park Lane Thatcham