The 10th Newport Brownies have celebrated an impressive 70 years since the unit – then known as a Pack – first opened in 1955.
Brownies, Rainbows, Leaders, former members and long-time supporters came together to mark the milestone, reflecting on seven decades of fun, friendship and service in the heart of Newport.
The unit was formed in 1955 when 2 members of the Congregational Church decided to establish a new Brownie Pack for local girls. With several Packs and Guide Companies already active in the town, the new unit was officially registered as the 10th Newport.
Early meetings took place in the Queen’s Hall – now part of Boots on Newport High Street – before the Pack moved to the Congregational Church Hall, the site where Caffè Isola stands today. As the church expanded, meetings later shifted to the new hall on St James Street (now The Man in the Moon), and eventually to a shop building on the High Street. In more recent years, the unit has settled at its current home, where it continues to flourish.
Leadership has evolved through the decades, but one name stands out: Felicity Harris (née Blake). She joined as Assistant Leader in the early 1980s before becoming Leader, stepping back only briefly when her twin daughters were born. Her passion for guiding saw her return just weeks later, and more than 40 years on she remains at the helm. Her daughters, Sarah and Charlotte, followed in her footsteps as Brownies, Guides, Young Leaders and now serve as Assistant Leaders themselves, each with a decade of volunteering behind them.
A special guest at the anniversary celebration was original Brownie Jean Tayler, who joined the Pack in 1955.
In a speech to the group, she said:
“I really enjoyed my time as a Brownie. We spent lots of time enjoying the outdoors and I learned life skills which have helped me throughout. I especially remember learning how to darn, but I don’t do much darning now!”
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Jean had the honour of lighting 7 candles – one for each decade of the 10th Newport Brownies’ history. Celebrations continued with refreshments, a birthday cake and games enjoyed by all.
The event served as both a look back on 70 years of memories and a celebration of the unit’s vibrant future.
