'I've been here forever' - Brownies volunteer celebrates 60 years with South Tyneside group
A “shellshocked” volunteer has been surprised after celebrating 60 years with the Brownies.
A South Tyneside volunteer is celebrating 60 years of commitment to the Brownies.
Muriel Metcalfe started volunteering with the girl guides group at the age of 15 and celebrated her sixth decade in service with a surprise award at Hedworthfield Community Association to commemorate her time in the group.
“I was shellshocked” said Muriel, talking about the prize.
“I’ve done it for so long and I don’t expect anything. I do it because it’s my hobby and I’ve done it forever and hopefully I’ve got many years still to do!”
The 75-year-old Muriel was born in South Shields and started in the group through a church group near Tyne Dock.
She left school at 15 and took over the group at the same age after the previous leader left for university. She ran a guides group, but gave that up after having children of her own.
“In those days there were no qualifications or anything like that, you just did it!”
She now does regular examinations to continue her role in the group including first aid training.
She adds she is still questioned by her two children - now in their 40s - about her upcoming courses and qualifications.
“I want to give these children lifelong skills. That’s what it’s all about” she adds before praising her team: “I have three ladies who work with me and without them brownies couldn’t go on. I couldn’t do this on my own.”
“It carries them through life and I’ve now got children who are grandchildren to people I had in the brownies!
“I could be walking along King Street and I’ll hear people shouting ‘brown owl’ to me” she adds, referring to the name of her role.
“I’ll turn around and it’s a woman, not a child! Even when they’ve left Brownies and have children of their own they’ll still call me Brown Owl.”
“It’s a big part of my life” continued Muriel.
“I’ve got people who are in the fire brigade, teachers, nurses. It’s not all through me, it’s school as well, but I hope Brownies have given them something along the way.”