AN INVITE to a Buckingham Palace garden party was the icing on the cake for Valerie Ellis, who celebrated 50 years as a leader of Girl Guides and Brownies.
Valerie, 67, of Kendal, was to enjoy tea and sandwiches in the palace grounds yesterday (Wednesday, May 20) in recognition of her dedication to Girlguiding. Valerie, who planned to wear a smart purple outfit and black fascinator, told the Gazette that she was feeling rather 'nervous' about the royal occasion.
After joining the Guides aged 14, Valerie eventually became a leader at Milnthorpe and later took on county roles such as arts advisor, badge advisor and chairman of training.
Until retiring last year she led 5th Kendal Brownies, of St Thomas's Church, Kendal. Some of the girls gathered to give a cheery send-off to Valerie and her friend and Guide leader Cobi Harteveld, who was to be her guest at the palace.
Valerie told the Gazette that "friendship and seeing what the girls can achieve" had been the highlights of her half-century in Girlguiding.
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