In August this year (remember the warm weather??) Sarah Kirkaldy of 8th Ramsgate Brownies wrote a letter to the Ramsgate Masonic Centre requesting financial assistance for the new Brownie troop she was creating just around the corner from our hall. The letter was not addressed to any one lodge and so the craft lodges that meet at the Ramsgate Centre decided to take equal ownership.
Sarah (Brown Owl) & Sherri (Snowy Owl) both live in Ramsgate and had both been involved in other Brownie troops in the past. Being regular attendees at Holy Trinity Church they identified the area as one that would benefit from a local Brownie group and took the bold step of setting up 8th Ramsgate.
Operating out of Holy Trinity church in Ramsgate, they understood the various social and financial issues faced by all of us, but more particularly, low-income households in the area. And as the new unit would be starting from scratch, they were keen to seek funding to help launch the project.
The Brownie programme is an exciting way to teach girl various skills to enable them to be active members of our future world. Many Brownies become Guides and beyond this, Rangers and then Young Leaders. Sarah and Sherri have had to start their new Troop with a smattering of second-hand equipment lent to them by other troops, but we identified the skill builder sets, badge books, activity cards and even a new Banner so that the girls could take pride in their new Troop. 8th Ramsgate Brownies now meets weekly and has already invested 12 girls into its unit with more set to join soon.
Led by Nigel Mann, (Royal Navy Lodge), James Ross (St Lawrence lodge), David Boswell, (Lewises Lodge) and Simon Johnson (Porta Sapientiae Lodge) the Ramsgate Masonic Centre collectively donated £700 towards the costs of this initial equipment and will continue to support the Troop when called upon.
Speaking at the presentation, Sarah expressed her gratitude and gave a brief explanation of the activities and what this means for the families and young people.
As Masons we are delighted to support Sarah, Sherri, the other leaders and the Brownies of 8th Ramsgate. To make a small difference to our local community and to assist these girls to better themselves and benefit from the practical education that the Brownie organisation provides, as well as enjoying the camaraderie of their new friends.
8th Ramsgate Brownies – Do your best !!
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