The Brownies made the Brownie promise and Commissioner Nancy Tucker pinned their Brownie badge onto yellow ties the girls wore with their uniform. Beverly Teale was Tawny Owl, myself Marcelle Pile was Brown Owl.

The Brownie ceremonies were always held in front of the Brownie Toadstool.

The cutting of a cake then continued the enrolling ceremony. Afternoon tea followed and then Brownie games.

In the 1960s mothers didn’t go out to work so we had lots of support from parents to keep our Brownie pack afloat. In those far-off days children believed in keeping their Brownie promises.

There was innocence, which unfortunately in today’s society seems to have been lost. There was such a lot Brownie activity played outdoors.

Also the Brownies would work toward collecting Brownie badges.

These included cooking, health and tracking.

The girls were never bored and were taught to help one another and respect each other.

I think that life was a lot easier and simpler in those days.

I remember a lot of laughter and goodwill during my four years as Brownie Owl.

Marcelle Pile

WISE OWL is endeavouring to put together Nyngan’s guiding history and is seeking photos or stories or items of interest from past Guides, Brownies and Leaders, especially the early units. Phone 68321418.