Beano Summer Special 2025

We're into June which means we are officially into summer  that for most of us means mentally at least the whole off school summer holiday period and the memories of going away with your family year on year with all the rituals that involved such as getting new summer cloths for playing on the beach or camp to take with you.

 Back then comics as distinct from magazines often of a commercially exploitative nature ruled the roost so when we landed we made a beeline to the newsagent for some reading matter in case of rain and back then most comics also had summer specials in colour with more stories.

Today that's different so really it's the Beano summer special most go for in in 2025 we run very much the notion of everybody going on their holiday in Beanotown in much the same way that industrial areas the town shut down for a fixed period.

Thus the adventures feature all our comic heroes and heroines often working together to get out of situations in one big adventure and we love adventure don't we?

This year's is up to the usual high standard.

Brownies uniform over the years

 Uniform changes over time, sometimes it reflects wider changes in fashion, sometimes more an attempt to match what various focus groups say youngsters feel more comfortable about being seen in, some times strait from the adults!

Brownie uniforms show this from the Edwardian sailor suit look though various dresses with necker changes throuhgh the controversial Jeff Banks active redesign to today where strangely enough girls felt what had been altered just a decade and bit before looked too boyish!

Will things go full circle in time?

The circle progresses

This is being written in the inbetweeness of what will be a busy weekend here not least with a annual trip out to the seaside and a Nan which we remember.

When it comes to my own there are elements leave me feeling like why are we doing this? 

Some of that lies in mess that is my family, always at war with each other over the silliness of things, petty one upmanship and rank disrespect never mind just refuse to speak to folk for months at a time. 

Indeed often if you'd of said what did I want for a Birthday my honest answer would be a 'Proper family' to belong to and no wonder I feel closer to my age play family. 

They have me properly dressed as little sissy school gurl, just dashing about all impulsively but helping out all the same.

It's not that I'm opposed to the idea of working with what  is, god knows you just have to at times, and not making a bad situation worse by tossing a whole of easy to throw in attitude to the mix it just makes things feel...hollow. 

Mum always said I'm the one that can be counted on to think more about what needs to happen, what would make a difference and just do it and we are, little style.

Part of the reason I cope with much of this mess is actually the people who filled the gaps, providing guidance, an understanding ear and much needed help in developing some self-discipline and usually around  this time I'm reminded of how much I have to be grateful for in that way. 

This year unlike years in the past I do feel I am moving in the right direction, becoming a little more mature than I have been which to tell you the truth has been so embarrassing for those years so I'd like to thank every one who's helped me. 

Here's to all the people who are helping me move on.

Whit

So we had the weekend although the WW2 aeroplane flypast planned for one vintage transport event and another about 10 miles away didn't happen for some reason that was a disappointment as was for that matter the weekends tv beyond the final of The Piano, a undiscovered talent discovery show.

Things at one site were a bit quiet with much of what was posted being more on the "adult" side that wasn't where I really at from the inside because to me Whit brings in things like rambles and the days I'd be at Newcastle carnival as a kid, trying to win plushies, the odd record from the local radio station and buying curios from the past like old dollies.

You'd have raffles and things like the Majorettes in their short skirted uniforms marching in time to a beat, boys brigade, scouts and girl guides doing things and running stores which I loved.

Then in the park a short walk away their were other events and a model railway you could ride on so it's a different thing with me.

No, for me dressing and doing more littles things was more it reading comics, spending a bit of time in the park and listening to the chart rundown with vintage charts that I remember so well.

Just kickin it

Sometimes I prefer to write really rather more about interests as a sissy gurl, not least a little sissy gurl and with me football was one as much that a game of rounders or field hockey had its appeal.

The cooler spell returns here after the last ten days or so so we're not flagging - well apart from the consequences of being up to see Austria win Eurovision 2025 although I wasn't viewing so much as I find flashing lights make me very ill - so we'll be tuned in by the time I have written this for this years WSL FA Cup between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Let's say that's what I follow, had been much good on my feet I'd of been down to the park to play just like modern girls in these parts do and that's what I love about today whereas if you'd of asked for a game back in the day you'd of been told "Girls can't play football" which was a nonsense but was all about keeping advantages for boys and men.

Of course it could work the other way and that was wrong too.

If you have the ability and are prepared to put the effort in, why shouldn't you follow what interests you just because someone has sex based issues?

Anyway Chelsea won 3-0! Way to go.

Can we have some commonsense?

After a hot week and an odd event elsewhere one returns to topic that do matter, that are not just about a fantasy but things that affect a good number of people adults and children that have enraged folks for often different sets of reasons.

Not every one of us is comfortable in our own skins from birth or perhaps after a few years of childhood even if you may elect to show any aspect or undertake any work around it until a good number of years.

We shouldn't forget children are in a power imbalence as in practical terms parents rule the roost not merely the sensible stuff like brushing your teeth and no hitting but other things like exactly what you may wear, which toys you may select to play with and even your mannerisms.

People do report some 157 children are on a trans care waiting list  but while some may in time totally transition how many more would get by by just being allowed to wear, play with and express themselves as they really are with no fuss? 

 

Being...you

It's a hot week following on from a rather hot weekend so I thought we'd look a bit at something we all struggle with which is self acceptance that goes beyond the battles many of us have had with parents, siblings, partners (for some) accepting us as we are.

Sometimes we cannot get one image out of our heads, the one we first saw being as most of us were raised as boys and so no matter what we may do when it comes to how we present such as our outfits, frilly, more school or office wear or whatever that one thought enters our heads when we look in the mirror.

If I were a betting type I'd lay a tenner on you like me looking as they do in the mirror thinking, whatever I do, I don't look the gurl I feel oblivious to the manner self image issues girls face when they feel they're unfeminine share much in common with what we battle with.

It's more about how we project our feminine side outside, with how we walk, how we relate to others and having a sense of confidence in us being us, not anyone else that makes it possible for others to see us as us no matter what outfit we're wearing whither or not we get complements for our looks or not.

Being is just going "out there" and just being our authentic selves and how we present is part of that not the main thing.

Redefining a part of a Little Gurls uniform

Last week was a bit of a tonic given some of the things I was dealing with but it does start a bit of this weeks blog off for the way in which some of those I know and one person in particular who does host events which are much appreciated have a very old school view on how "girls" (or Gurls for that matter) should dress.

Some of this does come from their own recollection of how girls dressed for school a good number of decades ago when parents and especially schools had very prescriptive requirements about uniform items even going so far as to specify your underwear!

In her world girls only wear gym knickers and p.e skirts for games and only play traditional girls games such as hockey, netball and rounders although some girls did play cricket but today things are different.

My local combined infant & junior school sets shorts (never skirts) as a requirement for games and many girls play football as the women's game has become very popular.

I've always enjoyed following and playing football too so in looking at what a little sissy gurl "should" wear I have arrived at the conclusion there is no reason why I shouldn't wear girls football shorts cut very differently than the long legged boys ones.

Thus I bought these in a suitable size as the side hip panels are elasticated as is the gusset for a snug more girlie fit and they are noticeably shorter more like those boys and men wore from the 60's to 1994 but with a more rounded off cut featuring modern less itchy material.

Sissies like me *should* wear girls shorts more and leave boys behind as part of our feminization.

St George and Easter redux

Two things this week on the blog thanks to scheduling and fixed dates one being that Last Wednesday was St. Georges Day, our patron saint here in England.

As the Eternal Brownie, I marked it too here as did thousands of brownies and guides, many march with flags, even more read about and create things about St Georges life passing on that knowledge about a part of our identity.

No, he wasn't caught on the hop this year just that Easter was a week later when we all got together after arriving on Friday having gotten a taxi and caught the train down so I would be less rushed which also had the benefit of enjoying a fish and part battered chip meal was people talked.

Saturday was the start of events proper and I was up just after six, possibly the earliest cos I go by British Cat Time - when you can see things you get moving - so after the last person arrived we started with an Easter Egg Hunt which the first step was to assemble your basket and having done that I found seven of them hidden all over the place.

We then retired for home made burgers with onion that we ate outside that were most scrumptious .

We then had to throw a bean bag at the rabbit to score points which wasn't my strong point  before the egg and spoon race which you could I was more slow and steady before the outdoor darts which I wasn't too bad at  

Then each time had to retrieve a deck using a pole with chain but it soon transpired the chain was too long and heavy although one person did seem to develop a knack for it.

Then we had Tin Can Alley where one team member managed get a ball through the centre of the tins leaving those around the edges in a perfect inverted V shape and I knocked most of them off which was something!

We were treated to small creme eggs and a gingerbread bunny.

We then enjoyed an enjoyable bring a long a few things buffet  which I had B-B que chicken, pork pie salad and sausage roll before playing Easter bingo  and Family Favourites.

After much talk we got to sleep - for me opposite the fire - just before midnight and I was up for oatcakes and bacon before we went to the local pub for a meal which for me was a turkey roast and sticky toffee treacle pudding.

After that we made our ways home with Debbie kindly providing three of us a lift to the station.

Thanks to Jennifer for organizing the party and everyone contributing to a highly enjoyable event.
 

Easter for Brownies

Brownie units and their leaders can incorporate Easter themes and activities into their programs, often by completing an Easter-themed badge or challenge. Activities can include crafts like decorating animal jars or creating Easter egg treasure hunts. Brownie badges may also include information about the Christian holiday of Easter and its symbols. 

Here's a more detailed look at how Brownies and Guides might celebrate Easter:

Badge and Challenges:

Easter Badge:

Girlguiding offers an Easter holiday woven badge, which Brownies can earn by learning about Easter traditions and symbols. 

Easter Challenge Badge:

Some local Girlguiding groups create specific challenge badges for Easter, like the "Eggstraordinary Easter Challenge Badge from Girlguiding Hertfordshire". 

Take Action Make a Change:

Some challenge badges can be linked to the "Take Action Make a Change" program, allowing Brownies to work on a project with a specific Easter theme. 

Activities:

Crafts:

Brownies can make Easter-themed crafts, such as tissue paper animal jars to hold treats. 

Treasure Hunts:

Plan Easter egg treasure hunts, where clues lead to chocolate eggs or other rewards, or even challenges to complete. 

Egg Decorating:

Brownies can decorate eggs using various methods, like blowing out the egg and then painting it. 

Learning about Easter:

The Easter badge and challenge badges provide opportunities to learn about the Christian holiday of Easter, including its symbols like eggs, candles, and lilies. 

The way across Easter

There will be a bit of a delay in just over a weeks time as I'll be away for a few days which is pretty much my want although parts were not in my original plans and that does have a bit of an knock on effect when it comes to making and getting blogs published.

A lot of that really stems from perhaps unlike a few you read, this is very much the blog of a for real little sissy gurl who has a life beyond social media and the internet and chunks of this blog are about actual real life happenings that have actual meaning to me.

With blogging I don't write to order or for the entertainment of others it is more about me, my life and my feelings as someone who accepts freely they are a sissy and that is that.

It is highly likely that this sissy will have to spend a chunk of a day as a sissified school gurl doing her work for a school mistress, having school dinners, having hur work and behaviour corrected and that will be a wonderful thing.

Plushies and food

After last weekends activity and some follow up stuff like sorting the Outbound ticket for Easter's get together we're taking things a bit steadily and resting the paw after mentioning it to one person this week and combing my dollies hair a bit as they soon get tangled (and that's not as good as the movie!).

One great thing about small plushies is you can indulge your inner little girl side with cuteness without taking up loads of space and the other is they fit well between the sheets when you need something to hug at night.

People have been talking a bit this week about school dinners (din-dins to me) which varied a fair bit as at school one, they were brought part cooked and reheated so fleshy things like fish tended to be a bit dry and we carried them to a table in a community centre.

School number was a lot better as we had somewhere to sit in school, cleared tables and generally one or two of us would be given the food in order and then serve the children on tables first on real plates. I liked the fish cakes and semolina pudding and jam.

School three was similar except you ate at tables in a hall and there exceptions for diabetics and certain religious customs  and was first place I encountered Manchester Tart.

I still have cravings for school dinners.

Eat out and play!

 

Well I did get away this weekend although the best laid plans of Mice were rather turned on their heads not by the taxi that was dead on time but by the startling discovery upon arrival at the train station my train, the only valid journey on the ticket, was one hour and 8 minutes delayed that really messed up my arrangements. 

A word with the Avanti West Coast person on platform, approaching from a diplomatic niceties angle than four letter word coated rant secured a result - talking with the guard of of London North Western trains go me accepted on their train, a telephone call to the person due to pick me up from a different station the one I was now on my way to 

I caught a cab to their place, texted them and duly waited. 

This was as well as the original train was cancelled later on!

After a quick  tidying up, we settled down Faggots and Pies before settling down to watch a bit of tv.

Saturday was when it was all going to happen as we'd planned for a leisurely drive to Buckinghamshire but having had breakfast, picked up picnic food such as pies from the local butchers but no sooner than we'd left their we encountered tailback traffic from outer Wolverhampton, through Stourbridge to Pedmore before getting to Hagley and the approach to the M5.

Over forty-five minutes to get just under ten miles!!!

Fortunately a few roadworks and diversions aside  we did arrive on time, actually we got there before the host did.

I elected to wear a plaid school skirt and opaque white tights given this was a public setting so anything too "short little girl dress" would stand out in a bad way but sufficiently little sissy gurl for me to comfortable being me.

An enjoyable time was spend talking about various things, the tenth anniversary of the of Lillian our common friend, as we eat and had drinks as Mr Paul, Sammy and few others fly a kite and Dizzy want around chasing toys and meeting other dogs.

It got a bit windy, a good job we erected two windbrakes, but by half three temperatures had started to drop so apart from holding my skirt so it didn't balloon up, we were starting to feel chilly so we said our goodbyes before making our way back for fish cake and chips.

Sunday was affected as it was the start of British Summer Time so all the clocks and my watch needed setting and we lost an hour. 

I was up at just past seven, fixed some breakfast  and made plans to be out to drop me off at Wolverhampton station and undertake a few things of their own.

Thanks Sammy for the event and my friend for arrangements.

Changes at Blue Peter

The weekend started pretty much with waking up to reports from various weekend newspapers that the long running children's tv program, Blue Peter will cease to make live programs from its studio at Salford, Lancashire and instead be entirely pre-recorded.

Shockingly last Friday's show was actually the last live one although neither presenters, the children taking part or us the viewers actually knew as none of us were informed.

It remains unclear as to what exactly the role of all three presenters, Abby, Joel and Shini will be beyond being in any pre-recorded clip as each will need to be "anchored" to form a cohesive program whither or not it is shown first on iPlayer online or transmitted on a traditional 'linear' tv channel.

It is understood that the BBC is planning on axing the BBC CBBC channel for 6 to 12 year olds and going digital only at some future point, a channel that was first established in 2002 and the movement of all children's programming to it in 2012 after the "digital switchover" 

It's not as if Blue Peter has never had pre-recorded segments shot on film or tape from the 1960's onwards as those of us can recall things like John Noakes climbing Nelson's Column, the many summer expeditions that of necessity had to be or trips to various places but being live gave it an edge, the sense o f not knowing what was going to happen next.

It made for memorable interviews on set, the possibility of a fluffed line or a animal misbehaving that as children we just laughed out loud at.

One memorable live show had people on from GirlGuiding in December 1970 where a camp fire was light as brownies and girl guides all sang around as nobody noticed until it was a bit late the campfire was getting out of control right next to them!

Things like "The Big Badge Wall" that celebrates achievements from posted art and details of challenges undertaken take on more as presenter show the weeks outstanding recipients as children cheer as they do for an artist performing or a live presenter challenge.

That is very stuff that will be lost from now on, the edge of the seat feel we get and which as children we so compared to a continuity linked series of pre-recorded items.

As ever the groan ups show their lack of understanding of what makes great tv even though we all know the world has changed since we first started watching not least how we do but we all saw saw things at the same time for very first time live.

Anyone who reads the BP Fan Club pages knows seeing and chatting about these live bits gets them so excited and happy. Many adults love live shows too for similar reasons but middle age preduces seem to think glorified podcasts are all we want.

This is a very retrograde step.

bb

Observations

Another week and a bit of  a follow up from last week in some respects following on from the period just before I was away.

Interestingly since the week before and the period after Camp I have been getting up a good deal earlier  by at least a good hour which isn't just a matter of things such as bright mornings although at the end of the month that finger turning ritual of setting every clock and watch to Daylight Saving aka British Summer Time Begins where we kid ourselves the night is so much brighter.

It's not a trick I fall for but when official time is altered you can't live as if it hasn't really as transport goes to it - railways being what moved the UK to a standardized time in the first place - and shows on the radio and tv are listed to that too.

No it's something that has been talked about in the context of high school children,  namely the tendency to check before bed and then having taken a device to bed to start waking up around three and rationalize looking around the likes of news sites saying I'll just have a quick look and soon a few hours goes by and maybe you crash to sleep.

Then you wake up quite a bit later as you've hit deep sleep later than you would of so you start the day late having had less sleep.

Given my spoon issues anyway it's not good so I'm keeping the electrics downstairs at night.

Perhaps I need old school parenting?

Tammy needs the swish of the cane at times.

Birthday edition

 

It's been a pretty warm over the last week indeed temperatures were as high as 17 degrees c at one point so I was outside enjoying myself but that wasn't all I did.

Well it was my birthday last week so there were celebrations so thanks to the  SH, EB, GT forums and LGC Discord group for your kind birthday wishes.

There was some money to pay for some presents such as a triple lp set and a few things coming as there were some delays that also included two cards.

 

I got this five cd  set of albums by the great Jazz player John Coltrane to replace a poor sounding set I have for a good number of years having been brought up on Jazz, playing dads records during school hols.

I have arriving three other discs that were a part of the original set plus a mid sixties title which rounds off that little project.

I did have this recent recording of William Walton's Violin Concerto with the Sinfonia of London conducted by John Wilson which is really well played.

I also had some white chocolate bars and a Toberone.

Thinking Day thoughts

After last week's exciting littles adventure report, this week I wish to return to something that has been a series of posts within this blog from the start.

You cannot escape being something of an eternal Brownie  when you are "little" me and that is in differing ways a part of who I am so we've written about Girlguiding, what it means to me and how as a lifelong sissy elements have been problematic although I'm now at peace with it.

Today we look at something important - Founder's Day.

The day itself, 22 February, marks the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouts. It’s a birthday he shared with his wife, Olave, on the far right of this picture,  who was World Chief Guide, which is why the day is special for Guides too who call it Thinking Day.

As is traditional,the Scouts  took part in the Annual Wreath Laying Service at the Baden-Powell Memorial at Westminster Abbey represented vy Welsh Explorers, while Girlguides like us reflecting on what he gave us when he set out the principals for scouting and started our movement.

It is  a day to renew your Promise, and think about how Scouting has and still does have the potential to change lives and society in general for the better in whar are troubling times with conflicts and challenges not least that involving our planet.

What might you need on an camping trip with your mates?

Here it seems American Girl Scouts have gathered much you will such as matches, maps, eating and cooking utensils (you may well need to eat something!) and a good first aid kit as you may be a few miles from a chemist or doctor.

A compass really is a must as is a torch, guides on indentifying trees and plants and penknife.

Little Sissy's Winter away days

This week we'll go back to last week although it felt more like December  looking at how being away was involving a train journey part of the way before I was kindly given a lift for the reminder stopping off at Tintern Abbey near Chepstow enroute.

It is is a ruin undertaking as can be evidenced from the scaffolding renovation works part structural and part to restore elements lost in previous attempts.

It's pretty big, very much self contained settlement although finding it took a bit of doing as the signing wasn't obvious.

We called in the cafe adjacent to it for a bite to eat as it had been a good while since we'd eaten and I had a "White Monk's Breakfast" which was the local form of the traditional a full bacon and egg "English" fried breakfast that was extremely good.
 

 When we got to the Eleventh Century manor house we were staying at we did explore the extensive grounds there were a lot of snowdrops and daffodils out looking towards the local fields and hills.

That's where I stayed!

Fortunately for sissikins, there were lots of dollies and a forest of pink everything's which was great for getting very little which is something I've been needing to be honest.

 I did mention the time seemed different and it was cos it was Christmas and everything was centred around that so we had a tree that was decorated.

Santa came with presents such as a super gurlie activity set with colouring book and green bag plus a little princess was bag and a Christmas box on Christmas eve that had scrumptious amounts of chocolates in it.

There were arts and crafts sessions that included making decorations such as chains, things for the tree such as my Cat one, making place mats for Christmas dinner and so on that was fun.

We did Home Economics, making Mince pies, decorating Ginger biscuits with seasonal art, cup cakes and even making our very own Pizzas from dough so with a great issue with cheese mine was tomato, turkey and ham.

We held games with a twist on musical chairs, quiz's, landing a jelly object on a Christmas tree target and getting a pin on the top of the donkey. The team I was part of came second in the General Knowledge quiz.

 Catering was by us and we had a traditional very tasty Christmas Dinner with Christmas pudding  and turkey, ham and salad with chips Boxing day meal. Well we had plenty of turkey and ham so you might as well us it which our parents always did!

It felt like it really was Christmas all over again for this sissy.

Thoughts on leaving

Technically I should be leaving today but actually we are going to gift shop that also has a restaurant first after packing my case and uber cute Hello Kitty tote bag ready for off in the early evening and I am dressed as me, feminine, gurlish, little me on view to all young and old given it's half term in schools this week and it's beautiful. 

Being that Gurl really is the thing and generally few care abut the back story as you just "be" and act as you "are" just respecting some more adult styles aren't really the best choice for mixed company even if there's nothing intrinsically wrong with them.

I'll write something about the week next week but Tammy was out and deserves to be.

hhh

Playtime

 

Well, I used to have my own swing but not since a few years ago when it started to come apart and major redesign work was going on in the garden so these days I try to grab moments in the park and that as really this more what I'm about.

Having fun as this gurl.

You do notice things that are going on around you when that's the case such as the disputes between different members of the bird family, squirrels climbing trees, going along fence posts and burying their acorns and the odd cat on patrol.

That really is what the next six days will be about for me when I'm away, very much to play and have more child like fun and play games.

That's what I call cool!

How it is

 For me even pretending to be a grown up is just utterly futile cos it ain't even in me so it's best to just go and play having fun just like I did the first time I was this old.

Now which one shall I pick? Decisions, decisions!

Blow conventions: I'm still a kid at heart.

More scouting!

 

Although emblems do change and so does the World Map  thanks to geo-politics, this nice set does go to show the extent that girls around the world have thie own opportunities though dedicated organizations in Scouting be it GirlGuiding or as in the United States of America, Girl Scouts.

Although the relationship with Scouts in some parts of the world remains tetchy with the latter departing from the views of Baden Powell who favoured having seperate bodies for boys and girls with collaberation it is good to know GirlGuiding for Girls remains popular.

Why shouldn't girls have thier on spaces and programs?

Communication isn't always clear especially when relaying information which scouts can expect to be involved in some sometimes it makes sense to spell out phonetically things and just sounding a letter isn't clear like M and N getting mixed up.

Thankfully there is an international standard where every letter is spelt out using names and here it is which also has a pennant.

Learning it is very useful and actually I do know it off by heart!