Lifelong Brownie Peggy at the palace to pick up MBE

LIFELONG Brownie Peggy Calland received her most prestigious badge to date after being honoured at Buckingham Palace.
Peggy meeting Prince CharlesPeggy meeting Prince Charles
Peggy meeting Prince Charles

The 81-year-old was given an MBE for services to the community in recognition of her dedication to the 63rd Rotherham Thorpe Hesley Brownies and Guides troupe, which she founded in 1965. 

Grandmother-of-five Peggy was named in last year's Queen's birthday honours list and last Thursday picked up the award.

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The Prince of Wales, who hosted the ceremony honouring deserving people from across the country, decorated Peggy with her MBE (pictured).

Peggy said: "It was a lovely day, I really enjoyed it.

"It's difficult to remember what Prince Charles said to me. It was all a bit of a whirlwind." 

Peggy said she set up the group after moving to Thorpe Hesley in 1960 from Grenoside, adding: "The vicar wanted something for girls as he had just started a choir for the boys."

Watching on at the palace were proud offspring Christine Harris (55), Martin Calland (53) and Julie Calland (50), who treated their mum to dinner at The Ritz afterwards.

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Julie fondly remembers growing up and watching her dedicated mum invest her time in the group, which she and Christine were also part of.

Julie added: "She still goes down now and helps the group out, even if it's just making the tea."

Sue Milnes, commissioner for Girlguiding Rotherham division, said: "We are delighted Peggy has received this recognition for her 50 years service as a girlguiding volunteer at Thorpe Hesley." 

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