Brownies, Rainbows, leaders, former members and supporters of the 10th Newport Brownie Unit have been marking 70 years since the unit – then a Pack – first opened.

In 1955 several Brownie Packs and Guide Companies were already active in Newport, so when two ladies from the Congregational Church set up a new Pack, it was registered as 10th Newport.

Their first meetings were held in the Queen’s Hall, now part of Boots in the High Street. By the time Jean Tayler joined in 1955, the Pack had moved to a Congregational Church Hall, now Caffè Isola. A new hall was later added to the main Congregational Church building in St James Street, now the Man in the Moon, and meetings were also held for a time in a High Street shop. The unit has since moved again and continues to thrive.

Leaders have changed over the decades, but by the early 1980s Felicity Harris (née Blake) was first an assistant leader and then leader. After marrying, she continued until her twin daughters were born. Her daughters later became Brownies, Guides and Young Leaders and now serve as assistant leaders. Felicity has completed more than 40 years of volunteering, while Sarah and Charlotte have each completed ten years.

One of the original Brownies, Jean Tayler, who joined in 1955, was guest of honour at the celebrations. She said she had “really enjoyed” her time as a Brownie, recalling outdoor activities and learning life skills, including darning.

Jean lit seven candles to mark the seven decades of the unit. Refreshments, including a birthday cake, were enjoyed and the girls took part in games.