SHOTTERMILL Brownies Brown Owl Debbie Gale was thrilled to be invited to a royal garden party in recognition of her volunteering work for Girlguiding.

Mrs Gale has been leader in charge of 1st Shottermill Brownies for girls aged seven to 10 years for almost 19 years.

She also runs The Ranger group for girls aged 14 to 18 years.

“I was allowed to take a guest with me to the party,” she said.

“Who else would I choose, but my daughter Emma Gale, who also volunteers for Girlguiding as a leader in charge of 2nd Shottermill Brownies.

“She is known as Fluffy Owl and has been volunteering for 15 years since she was 14 years old.

“My memories of the garden party will live with me for ever.

“We both loved getting dressed up and Emma’s hat was much admired and photographed.

“We had the most wonderful time. We met loads of interesting people, and the weather was perfect, along with the beautiful gardens, which we were free to wander around anywhere we wished.

“The tea was amazing, with beautiful, sandwiches and cakes, all prepared with British ingredients.

“Two military bands were there, playing some wonderful music – everything from an Abba medley to James Bond themes.”

Every summer, The Queen hosts at least three garden parties at Buckingham Palace. and people from all walks of life are invited on the recommendation of a large number of national organisations.

The Lord-Lieutenants in each county, together with the government and organisations such as the Civil Service, Armed Services, Diplomatic Corps, charities and societies, are all invited to make nominations.