Mrs Jean Bowers

A POPULAR and long-serving member of Girlguiding, Mrs Bowers died at home in Trowbridge on January 2 aged 71. She was the Brown Owl leader to both 1st and 6th Trowbridge, St Thomas’ Brownie Packs for many years and a much-loved granny, mum and wife to Nick.

In a Girl Guiding career of over 50 years, Jean held many senior appointments: adviser, trainer of adult volunteers, commissioner at various levels, culminating with a tour of duty as County Commissioner for Wiltshire South, 2007-2011.

Always full of ideas and inspiration, Jean featured in several articles in the Wiltshire Times over the years; for example, receiving a leader award at the Wiltshire Young People’s Awards 2005 and being interviewed for a My Wiltshire Life article in November 2007.

Jean’s senior appointments were never allowed to divert attention from her commitment to the two Brownie Packs she led.

One of her Brownies, now a young adult, wrote this reflection on the effect of spending time in Jean’s company: “My memories of Jean are mostly of her as my Brown Owl - I say my Brown Owl because it always felt like I was special.

“When I look back, it’s clear that Jean’s superpower was making each little girl feel like they were capable of anything, when in reality she meant that for many thousands of us.”

Jean seemed to have her own five essentials: family, friends, Guiding, gardens and adventures. She was happiest when a day contained as many of these as possible.

Jean loved family holidays and would often begin planning the next one as soon as she returned home.

An enthusiastic and capable gardener, her own garden was always immaculate and a source of much pleasure and contentment. As was visiting and admiring other fine gardens open for the public to enjoy.

Jean taught at the Parochial School (now Bellefield Primary) for several years and, following taking some time off to raise her own family, she returned to teaching part-time at Roundstone Prep School.

In later life, Jean retired from leading the Brownie packs that for many years had been a principal focus of her Guiding activities, but retained membership of the Trefoil Guild , Guiding for Adults.

Here again, she was soon involved in a leadership role, encouraging and co-ordinating the activities of the many Guilds around the South West Region.

Jean will be missed by many whose own lives were enriched by meeting with her. Donations in her memory can be made via www.jeanbowers.muchloved.com The proceeds will be distributed to two of Jean’s favourite charities, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Dorothy House.