On June 30th, 2026, the wonderful group at 1st Halstead Brownies welcomed two very special guests: Derrick Yapp and his trusty, four-legged assistant, Willow the dog. Derrick visited the unit to deliver an engaging presentation about the vital work of the RSPCA and their local branch.
Hands-On (and Paws-On) Learning
The core of the visit was teaching the girls about the five key welfare needs of animals. While slides are great, nothing beats a real-life demonstration! Willow was the undisputed star of the show, eagerly helping Derrick illustrate what animals need to stay healthy and happy.
To show the importance of exercise and mental stimulation, Derrick took the fun outdoors for alively demonstration game with Willow’s favourite ball. It was a massive hit, with both the Brownies and Willow giving the exercise portion of the evening an enthusiastic double-thumbs-up!
Earning Their Stripes (and Badges!)
It wasn’t just a fun evening – it was also a highly productive one. The girls have been working hard on their personal development, and Derrick’s visit fit perfectly into their current goals.
Following the visit, Brownies Leader Poppy Hillman-Crouch shared some fantastic news: “Just thought I’d mention we were working on our Stage 3 Influence badge. And some of the girls have put your visit towards their charities and Animal Helper badge!” Knowing that the visit helped spark a passion for animal advocacy in these young helpers made the experience incredibly rewarding for Derrick.
Heartwarming Generosity
Before Derrick and Willow said their goodbyes, Poppy presented them with some incredibly thoughtful gifts that left both of them with wagging tails:
- A generous donation to the local RSPCA branch to help continue caring for animals in need.
- A bag of delicious dog treats for Willow (which she happily verified as top-tier quality).
- A box of chocolates for Derrick to fuel his next presentation!
Looking to the Future
Derrick had an absolutely fantastic time with the 1st Halstead Brownies. Their energy, curiosity, and love for animals were incredibly inspiring. He is now greatly looking forward to hearing about all the creative fundraising ideas the Brownies come up with next to support local animals. Thank you so much for having them, 1st Halstead — you are true animal champions!
Would your group, club, or school love to learn more about animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA? Derrick hosts engaging, age-appropriate talks and presentations for audiences of all ages—from youth groups and schools to adult community clubs.
If you are interested in booking a talk, please get in touch! Drop us an email at
income.generation@rspca-northessex.org.uk to arrange a visit.
