Sutton Coldfield Brownies play cat-and-house ...
19 March 2018
A fun-packed feline presentation to a Brownies group began with a run-through of what a cat needs to be happy and healthy, and finished with excited Sprites, Pixies, Hedgehogs and Foxes rushing to the four corners of the hall to put the theory into practice.
And all four Brownie groups succeeded in setting up the ‘purrfect home’ to welcome a new cat into the heart of a pet-loving family.
The brief from Brown Owl Emma Richardson was for the education volunteers to ‘cover why CP has to exist as a charity, how the volunteers help cats, and how to look after cats properly.’
40th Sutton Coldfield Brownies enjoyed a Cats Protection presentation in Walmley given by Pam Wood. At the end of the evening each group was awarded a Cats Protection Certificate which will mean 'brownie points' towards the girls achieving their ‘friend to animals’ badge. The Brownies were delighted with their CP 'goodies' too - masks, badges and a Junior cat care book.
The success of the evening, held in March, was thanks to North Birmingham branch Education Lead, Pam Wood, who devised a practical exercise for the Brownies. This was to make a cat a cosy home - and she sourced enough props to ensure every Brownie group had just what they needed. And with the blankets, beds, brushes and bowls, cat food of course, and a Brownie young leader to act as vet! – ‘cat home corners’ were checked over and passed the ‘volunteer visit’ with flying colours.
Supporting Pam and preparing the certificates was education volunteer and fosterer Sheila Pennell. “This was a new experience for me and very rewarding. It was good to be able to explain our aims – to educate, neuter, and rehome needy and abandoned cats. At least half the Brownies had cats already and their parents were so generous. They brought along lots of food donations and gave us a lovely send-off with thank you cards and chocolates.”
Added Pam: “The Brownies loved the practical exercise as it meant they could dash around and really let off steam. Brownie Georgia told me about her rescue cats, Ronnie and Reggie, and all the girls contributed positively to the presentation. And as we packed up the Girl Guide leaders took our CP details and we’re hoping for a booking for the next ‘guiding’ age group up – teenagers! Another challenge which the North Birmingham education team will welcome.”
Following the event, held in St John’s church hall, Brown Owl Emma sent an e-mail: “Thank you both for coming. The Brownies found it interesting and even the shyer ones obviously enjoyed the evening.
“Our tag line is ‘We discover, we grow’ and the Brownie law is ‘think of others before self and do a good turn every day’. Guides have six laws, and one is ‘being a friend to all animals’ so, along with the dog charity we invited in recently, our Brownies have moved closer to the award of their animal badge.”