BRIDGWATER’S Brownies have been finding ways to keep in touch and earn badges despite lockdown.

The girls of the 7th Bridgwater St John’s Brownie Group were devastated when the pandemic meant they could no longer meet.

To compensate the leaders set up virtual Brownies.

Over half of the girls check in via the internet every Monday evening where they natter, play games and generally catch up with each other.

Outside of the online meetings the girls have been taking part in many activities, either linked to the Brownie programme or completing fun challenge badges.

Esme, aged 10, was due to leave Brownies to move to Guides at Easter and her dream was to achieve as many badges as possible before she left.

Brownie leader Tamsen Wetherall said; “She worked hard and completed all 18 interest badges being the first girl in the unit to ever achieve this.

“She has also managed to gain the highest Brownie award of the Brownie Gold Award.”

Hot on her tail was Mercedes, aged 8, who just a few days later also completed all 18 interest badges.

Mrs Wetherall added: “During lockdown all the girls have been working hard to achieve badges with more than 200 waiting to be presented when we can meet again.

“This includes some Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. The girls are looking forward to a virtual sleepover in a few weeks time and completing even more badges.”

In January, the leader of the 7th Bridgwater St John’s Brownie Group, Tamsen Wetherall, 53, was awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to charitable fundraising and Girlguiding in Bridgwater.