Palmers Green resident and 'Brown Owl' Dorren Oatham receives a British Empire Medal

5th February 2015

As featured in our February Palmers Green & Southgate LIFE magazine.

Congratulations to Doreen Oatham, a grandmother of six, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Girl Guide movement and the local community.

Doreen who divides her time between helping run church events and leading a troupe of Brownies will attend the Tower of London for the medal presentation followed, in May, by the Queens Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

As well as her involvement with the Brownies for over 36 years, Doreen drives elderly people to luncheon clubs and has organised big Christmas parties for the community at St Monica’s church, in Stonard Road, Palmers Green.

As leader of the Southgate based Brownie pack – Doreen said "I really enjoy it, a lot of girls are very shy but by the end of the first term it's amazing how they have grown in confidence. There are more activities available than ever before including camping, and opportunities to travel abroad with the Guides."

Doreen has made many friends over the years volunteering with Brownies. Last year, which was the Brownies’ 100th anniversary saw a huge get-together in Alexandra Palace, where girls from across the capital got together with a day of abseiling, climbing and zorbing.

The St Monica’s Brownies, Southgate, meet every Wednesday, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at their headquarters in Cannon Road next to St Monica's School. There are a total of 30 girls aged between 7-10 years. St Monica's Brownies are currently looking for additional volunteers to help out. If you are interested please pop along on a Wednesday evening to find out more.