Girl Guides in Sunderland honour Queen on her 90th birthday

The 19th Sunderland Rainbow Unit and 16th and 19th Sunderland Brownie units had intended to hold an outdoor street party in honour of Her Royal Highness.

It was meant to take place outside St Gabriel’s Church in St Luke’s Road, Pallion, but had to be moved indoor due to rain.

But that didn’t dampen the spirits of the children or their families who turned up to take part in the celebration.

About 100 people were involved in the get together in which games, music and fun featured.

Joanne Macdonald, Rainbow and Brownie leader at St Gabriel’s, told the Echo: “It’s been a brilliant day and the feedback we’ve had from the children and families has been amazing.

“Because of the big car park outside we would have liked to do things there, but thankfully we had a contingency plan when we saw it was raining.

“We played reverse bingo, had a crown competiton and a Queen quiz as well.

“We also had royal music, bagpipe music and party songs played too.

“The whole day has been very traditional and there has been a lot of fun and laughter thanks to a really good turnout.”

The girls had earlier this year sent the Queen a birthday card for her other birthday in April, while they also created candles to pass on to Her Royal Highness.

“We received a lovely later from the Queen’s lady-in-waiting in which she wished us luck for the party,” said Joanne.

“And the Queen even sent us a card with a personal message saying thank you for wishing her well.”

The Royal Family have been involved with the Guide movement ever since the Queen was young.
“The Queen herself was a Guide and I know that Princess Margaret was the first Brownie from the Royals to go into the Guide movement.

“Sophie (the Countess of Wessex, the Queen’s granddaughter) is now the patron of the organisation.”