Shipston Brownies bid a sad farewell to Brown Owl

After an incredible 26 years as a volunteer with the girl guiding movement, Judith Jackson, aka Brown Owl, retired from her position as pack leader in July. At a special ceremony held in the Scout Hut, Shipston Brownies said farewell in style, before presenting Judith with thank you gifts.

Judith first started volunteering with brownies 26 years ago, taking on the role of Brown Owl when the then leader left.  Since then, she has been responsible for organising a huge variety of activities for her pack and is very popular with brownies young and old. Judith is also a district commissioner for Shipston, Tysoe and Brailes and will continue in this role.

In 2009, Judith was awarded the County Commissioner award. Closer to home, Judith’s contribution both to Brownies and other community groups was formally recognised with the awarding of the Anne Sankey Medal in 2013.

Judith leaves behind her a strong pack which will now be led by Lisa Mitchell and Nicola Davies. Both Lisa and Nicola, whose daughters attend Brownies, were keen to ensure the excellent work done by Judith over the years continues. Nicola was a member of Judith’s first pack back in 1989 and said: “I have fond memories of those days so I’m honoured to be joining Lisa in taking over from her. Judith has done an amazing job, she’s going to be a huge act to follow!”

Mayor, Jackie Warner, presented Judith with a thank you gift and said: “I was delighted to attend Judith’s farewell presentation. It is clear how fond the girls are of Judith and she will be greatly missed.”