Thanks to Suzanne Whitewood for this news from the Brownies. Ed
Brownies from across the Ryde District ventured to Ryde beach recently for the District’s annual sandcastle competition.
For over 40 years the competition has taken place during the summer months with every year having a different theme for the castles or sand sculptures. This year however the event was ‘rained off’ in June but took place in Autumn sunshine.
Jubilee themed
With a theme this year of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee there was plenty of scope for designs by the girls who planned their ‘works of art’ in the sand.
Leaders and helpers stood back and watched in amazement as the sand, pebble, shell and seaweed constructions arose from the beach.
Sand sculptures of Her Majesty complete with crowns were a popular choice with each ‘Six’ interpreting the theme in a different way. There was even a castle designed as a crown.
After much digging and decorating it was a group of Brownies from 8thRyde who came out as the winners with 1st Binstead second and 2nd Ryde (Ryde School) third.
Overall 50 Brownies took part on a fine and sunny evening. Judges were Janet Lovell (Island Commissioner) and her husband Martin.
Presented prizes
Janet presented the Joan Williams Shield to the winning group of girls and the first three teams received prizes. This year’s competition was organised by Ryde District Commissioners (Acting) Julia Downer and Deborah Meadows and the pitches were marked out by Jim Walls.
All the Brownies agreed it was a fun evening and a very good way to make new friends and start the new year of Brownie meetings. After the sandcastle competition everyone enjoyed singing songs on the beach.
Image: © Russell Sach (Girlguiding SW England Region) shows 8th Ryde Brownies with Shield.
