Stalwart Guider receives her MBE (From Worcester News)

Stalwart Guider receives her MBE

6:00pm Sunday 21st October 2012 in Worcester

A LONG time Girl Guider has spoken of her pride at being officially honoured by Royalty during an investiture ceremony.

Elizabeth Bolland, of Badsey, near Evesham, was made an MBE for services to young people when the Queen’s Birthday Honours list was announced in June.

Now she has been given her award by Prince Charles in a glittering ceremony at Windsor Castle.

The Prince of Wales flew from Scotland to stand in for the Queen who was reported to be suffering from chronic back pain which forced her to make the rare decision to cancel a public appearance.

Mrs Bolland said the last-minute change made it no less of an occasion.

“I was not disappointed at all because I am quite a Royalist and I am grateful for the honour. It was typical palace in that it went like clockwork – it was absolutely wonderful.

“Prince Charles spoke with every recipient and he was actually very informed because he was asking about the waiting lists for the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and if there was one in Worcester-shire.

“He also asked if I was still active and when I replied ‘yes sir’ he said ‘thank god for people like you’.”

Mrs Bolland has been involved in the Girl Guide movement for almost 60 years.

During that time she has served as the division commissioner for Girl Guides, the Guiding development adviser, the marketing and PR officer for the Pershore and Evesham area and lately became the district commissioner.