95-year-old Constance Gardner was filled with ‘happy memories’ when the Bicester Brownies reunited her with the Trefoil badge, depicting the Brownies promise symbol, which Constance had misplaced after she was originally awarded it over 80 years ago.
Constance, known as Con, lives at Launton Grange care home in Bicester where the Brownies group are regular visitors.
When the staff at Launton Grange and the group leaders at the Bicester Brownies heard Con’s tales of her days as a Brownie and her lost Trefoil badge, they knew they had to help.
On their next visit to Launton Grange, the Bicester Brownies proudly awarded Con with a new Trefoil badge, which they had managed to locate despite the design no longer being in circulation. Con said,
‘I was so touched that someone would go to so much effort to find something that meant so much to me. I am very grateful to everyone involved, and I cannot wait for the girls to come back and sing us some more songs.’
Con’s love for the Brownies remained strong through her adult years; Con’s daughter followed in her footsteps, becoming a Brownie herself, as did her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She said,
‘The children were very friendly, they enjoyed singing and had so many sensible questions. They had so much confidence! Having the girls here brought back so many happy memories of when I was a child.
‘The best parts of being a Brownie were singing and learning new things. We used to have a campfire and dance around the toadstools. I learnt how to tie knots and how to set a table correctly for royalty; if I ever had a chance to meet the King, I would know how to lay a table correctly!’
Elizabeth Joanna from the Bicester Brownies said,
‘It was a privilege to reunite Con with her Trefoil badge and hear the residents talk about their experiences with the Brownies! We’re looking forward to coming back to Launton Grange to show her all the different uniforms from throughout the years.’
Stephanie Eley, the Home Manager at Launton Grange, said,
‘We can’t thank the Bicester Brownies enough for their generosity and kindness. It was wonderful to see the joy on Con’s face when she was presented with her badge – she immediately called her family to tell them all about it!
‘We hope to see the Bicester Brownies again very soon.’
To find out more about Launton Grange, please visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk, call 01869 227150 or email launton.grange@idealcarehomes.co.uk
Launton Grange is a residential and dementia care home located in Bicester and rated Good by the Care Quality Commission. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and freely accessible gardens, Launton Grange delivers person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.