A SPECIAL centenary rose created to celebrate 100 years of girlguiding in the UK was presented to Buckland Abbey by the Tavistock division of the guides, as a thank you for letting them hold their birthday party at the historic venue.

More than 200 young people and adults attended the centenary birthday party last Saturday, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Young Leaders, Guiders and members of the Trefoil Guild. It was held to mark the launch of the centenary year.

Dignitaries present included West Devon mayor Alison Clish-Green with her consort, Tavistock mayor Mandy Govier, county Guiding president and patron Lady Clinton, and county commissioner Sue Bullock.

There were a range of activities laid on, from card making, a photo quiz, a trail and letter boxing to parachute games. The parachute games were held outside but slightly dubious weather meant a move into the Great Barn for the tea and some other activities.

Individual cakes were presented to those present and 100 candles were blown out by the five young people whose birthdays were nearest to the date of the party. Everyone received a goodie bag.

Two guides received their Baden Powell Challenge awards and three guiders received their County Standard awards at the party.

The Centenary Rose presented to the abbey was produced by the Hertfordshire-based nursery Harkness Roses for Girlguiding UK, and is a raspberry pink all-purpose plant particularly suitable for gardening beginners.

Girlguiding UK is the UK's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, with around 575,000 members and recognised volunteers.

It was on the first Saturday in September 1909 that a few groups of determined girls gatecrashed the first Boy Scout Rally at Crystal Palace in London and demanded 'something for the girls'. Just months later the Guide movement was formed. The Tavistock division party was one of 640 held across the UK last weekend.

Further events planned by the Tavistock division for the year of celebration include special camps and a visit to Hampton Court Flower Show.