Elizabeth Fish

Over 250 Brownies from across Lincolnshire took part in a special space-themed birthday event celebrating 100 years of the girlguiding group.

The 257 girls, aged between seven and 10, plus 72 leaders and helpers from Lincoln and surrounding villages to Sleaford, took part in a Star Quest adventure at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in North Hykeham on March 30.

The group moved through three time zones to find for missing stars, taking part in a number of challenges along the way.

They also learnt about the 100-year history of Brownies, and took part in a number of their favourite activities, such as skipping, hopscotch, designing a new uniform and making chocolate lollies, before ending the day with a final group activity.

All the girls attending were given a Brownie Starquest Badge to add to their collections, which was designed by Georgie and Maisie from Sutton St James Brownies.

County Commissioner Wendy McCallum said: “What a wonderful day seeing all of the Brownies mixing together and having great fun.

“They experienced lots of different activities that were based on their own ideas that were collated earlier in the year. I would like to thank all of the adult volunteers that made this day possible.”

Four pupils from a school in Lincoln attended a special event at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day.

Andy Tallon, Emily Watts, Anna Peachman and Rachel Lawson from William Farr School in Welton, alongside teacher Carole Lymn, joined a host of celebrities and the Royal family for the inter-faith gathering.

The Commonwealth Observance was attended by Her Majesty The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Earl and The Countess of Wessex.

The were speeches from campaigners such as Malala Yousafzai, Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Lord Coe, while MOBO award winner and Brit nominee Laura Mvula performed a specially commissioned poem.

The pupils attended the event after winning an essay writing competition, and sat amongst 1,000 other pupils from across the country.

Headteacher Andy Stones said: “It was a rare and unique opportunity for our pupils to attend such a remarkable event.

“The students chosen thoroughly deserved their day out and we are very proud of them.

“They have come home truly inspired by the event and that only serves to enhance our ethos that hard work and commitment pays dividends for every child.”