Award given to Peterborough 'Brown Owl' for 50 years of dedicated service to Girlguiding

‘Brown Owl’ Angela Cowling was handed the recognition at a recent awards ceremony for volunteers at Girlguiding Cambridgeshire West.

For half a century, Angela has been supporting local girls – with the majority of these years being spent with the 1st Welland Brownies in Dogsthorpe, which Angela opened with her mum Ivy Cowling in 1977.

Following in her mum’s footsteps, Angela joined Brownies at age nine, working towards her Adult Leader’s Certificate when she turned 18, and becoming Brown Owl when her mum retired in 1986.

But Girlguiding has been part of Angela’s life before she was even born, as she explains: “I first attended a Brownie meeting before I was born," she said. “My mum was a Unit Helper at the 4th Peterborough St Mark's Brownie Unit when she found out that she was expecting me. In 1976, 4th Peterborough St Mark's Brownies closed owing to low numbers and I moved with my mum to start a brand new Brownie Pack - 1st Welland Brownies, Dogsthorpe. When my mum eventually retired in 1986, I became Brown Owl. Our unit will be 50 years old on September 7!”

“I am proud to have been involved with 1st Welland Brownies from the very beginning but have fond memories of 4th Peterborough St. Mark's as well. Although my mum has since passed away, I have her to thank for encouraging me.”

Speaking about the award, Angela, 69, went on: “I feel very honoured. I am sure I can speak for many others when I say we volunteer because we enjoy what we do to help young girls - some of whom go on to become leaders themselves.

“It is very encouraging to watch all the girls who join us grow from shy seven year-olds into confident 10 years-olds. I have had children of former Brownies wanting to join and their mum's ask ‘do you remember me?’ It does make me feel old though!”

Angela says she has so many amusing and emotional memories from her 50 years in Girlguiding that she could “write a book”.

“There are so many memories, but one thing that always makes me smile is when you see Brownies past and present in the street and they call out ‘Hello Brown Owl’,” she added.

Congratulating Angela on her long service award, Rudy Boddington, the County Commissioner for Girlguiding Cambridgeshire West said: “Dedicating 50 years of your life to helping 'all girls know they can achieve anything,' is an incredible achievement and service to your local community.

"Giving 50 years service to your community is no mean feat on its own, however nearly all of those have been with the same unit! Angela and her mum opened 1st Welland Brownies (Dogsthorpe) in 1977, and after her mum retired Angela became the Brown Owl. Countless families and generations have passed through 1st Welland Brownies in this time and I'm sure many will remember Brown Owl!”