Wigan youth group leader enjoys royal visit

Marian Brown and husband Philip at the garden party at Buckingham Palace

Marian Brown and her husband Philip basked in warm sunshine as they enjoyed the special occasion on Tuesday.

Mrs Brown was invited for her involvement with the 14th Wigan Boys’ Brigade at St Matthew’s Church in Highfield, which she joined in 1970.

She said: “It was absolutely amazing, it really was.”

The couple, who live in Pemberton, travelled to London and had a look around the gardens at the palace once the gates opened.

A massive 8,000 people attended the garden party, with representatives from a range of organisations, including the church, the law, charities and the Army.

The Queen spent around 90 minutes meeting guests, along with Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

While the Browns did not meet royalty, they were in close proximity to them and managed to take some photographs.

Mrs Brown said: “There were so many people there. It was a really good experience. It was marvellous.”

Plenty of food was served during the afternoon - despite Mrs Brown being warned that she might leave hungry.

And ice cream was provided to help keep the guests cool in the spring sunshine.

Mrs Brown said: “There was no alcohol but food and drinks were flowing all afternoon. There were bands playing and the weather was gorgeous.”

The Browns were able to walk through the palace after the garden party to leave via the front door.

Mrs Brown, 61, was initially a member of the Brownies, but moved to the Boys’ Brigade when she was 14 as they were looking for someone to play the piano.

She has been involved ever since, becoming warrant officer, lieutenant, junior section officer-in-charge, secretary, treasurer and press officer.

She said: “I really like it. I have no children myself and I love children. I have done 45 years of teaching with the Sunday school as well. I love being with children.”

Mrs Brown was nominated to attend the garden party by the Boys’ Brigade, after a nomination in 2012 proved to be unsuccessful, and was delighted to be invited this time.