Nineteen members of the 8th Truro Methodist Brownie Pack visited Truro Cathedral to show their support for the ongoing roof appeal and created two artworks on the back of slates soon to be laid on the cathedral’s new roof.

Lynne Bray, the group’s Tawny Owl, said: “Our family recently came in to take part in sign-a-slate after hearing about the roof appeal. It was whilst we were writing on our family slate that my daughter came up with the idea that it might be something our Brownie Group wanted to take part in.”

Mandy Richards, Brown Owl, and Lynne spoke to the girls to see if they would like to participate and received a resounding "yes."

“The girls all thought it was a great idea,” added Lynne. “The cathedral plays a huge role in our community and is special to each of us in different ways. The girls all wanted to help support the appeal and thought it ‘very cool’ to be able to take part in a way that would mean their messages remain part of the cathedral for years to come.”

In preparation for their visit, each of the girls drew a message or picture for the slates using their Brownie membership as inspiration. Lynne then combined each of the elements into two overall designs which the girls copied onto the final slates.

“Every member of our pack has been involved and each girl here tonight has drawn on the slates." said Lynne. "It's lovely to think that for generations to come the girls will be able to come into the cathedral with their family, perhaps children and grandchildren, and tell them the story of how somewhere up on the roof is a slate that they wrote messages on when they were young girls as part of a Brownie group. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support the cathedral and its appeal and a lasting legacy for our group.”

The roof appeal was officially launched at the end of July and the sign-a-slate element is proving very popular with over 1,200 individuals taking part already, but 8th Truro Methodist is the first Brownie group to participate.

Lizzie Arthur, education officer for Truro Cathedral, said: “It has been an absolute joy to welcome Mandy, Lynne and all the girls to the cathedral to take part in sign-a-slate. The artworks they have created are very special indeed and each of the girls should feel really proud of what they have contributed, both to the beautiful designs and to the overall appeal.”

Anyone wishing to take part in sign-a-slate can do so by simply coming into the cathedral and visiting the Slate Station, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm, or you can find out more by visiting the dedicated appeal website www.tcroofappeal.org.uk.

If you’re a community group and would like to arrange a group visit to Sign-A-Slate, please email appeal@trurocathedral.org.uk.