BROWNIES: In an era of fashion, pop and computers you may think that girls are no longer interested in being Brownies. But, as VICTORIA TAGG found, you would be wrong.

Hundreds of girls are unable to join the Brownies because there are not enough leaders to look after them.

In the Swindon area nearly 500 five to 26-year-olds are on the waiting list to join the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and the senior section.

The image of these youth organisations designed for fun and learning has changed over the years.

Gone are the days when Brownies, dressed in brown tunics and woolly hats, danced around a toadstool singing songs. Now the uniform is brighter and more flexible and the girls even have sleepovers.

This week has been Girlguiding Recruit-ment Week, and Girlguiding UK hopes to attract 80 more volunteer leaders and helpers to meet the demand locally.

Gwen Knight, 65, is known as Brown Owl to 24 seven to 10-year-olds, who meet one night a week in the Bath Road Methodist Church in Old Town.

The former geography teacher at The Ridge-way School has fond memories of her days as a Brownie in the 1940s.

Miss Knight said: "I remember meeting in a hut in someone's back garden. We cooked sausages and tomatoes outside. I also recall making Christmas stockings for the elderly."

Miss Knight enjoyed the experience so much that she joined the Guides at 11 and went on to become an assistant Brownie leader at 18.

She has led Brownie packs across the country ever since.

But Miss Knight will retire in February after 47 years of service.

She said: "Above all Brownies is fun. I got so much out of being a leader lots of confidence and so many wonderful friendships."

It is not just the uniform which has changed beyond recognition. The activities are also different.

Miss Knight said: "In the past we used to open with the motto: 'We're the Brownies, here's our aim. Lend a hand and play the game.'

Now the girls like to choose their own rhymes, like: 'Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.'"

The girls will organise fun days and host concerts or plays. Recently they arranged a charity sleepover to support Children in Need.

Miss Knight said: "Each Brownie pack is free to make it their own. There is so much scope for creativity, the girls love it."

Members still work to be awarded some 53 badges, for anything from entertaining to computer skills.

Cooking is another popular activity and the girls make cakes and biscuits, or a full meal on their fun days. Drawing from other cultures, Brownies play foreign games.

Miss Knight said: "It is a truly international experience. One popular game, called Mice and Mealies, originates from South Africa. It involves picking up dried peas with one hand. It is more difficult than it sounds."

With obesity and the couch potato syndrome increasing among children, the Brownies also presents an opportunity for exercise.

Games like British Bulldog and Beware Lightning involve plenty of running around.

Miss Knight will certainly miss the good humour and lively sense of community.

She said: "I thoroughly recommend becoming a leader. The camaraderie is so great, I never contemplated leaving until reaching retirement. But the friendships I have made here will last forever."

When Brownies reach 11, they have the chance to join the Guides.

Kathryn Blanford, 23, from Highworth, did just that and is now an adult leader in the Ranger Guides.

They are aged between 14 and 26 and meet fortnightly at St Philip's Church in Stratton St Margaret.

Miss Blanford said: "The opportunities are endless and it's great fun."

Abseiling, canoeing and trampolining are just some of the activities on offer.

She said: "There is far more to Guides than craft making and cooking. We have links with Ranger Guides abroad, so exchange visits can be arranged."

If you want to become a leader for Rainbows, Brownies or Guides, call 01249 721262.

www.girlguiding.org.uk