A GRAND DAY OUT

 

On 2 June 2015 Pat Gooding and I were delighted to have the opportunity to attend a Royal Garden Tea Party.

 

The invitation came via the WI who were hosting a centenary tea party at Buckingham Palace; each branch of the WI were allocated 1 ticket each with a reserve place should numbers allow.  Along with our tickets we received information on the protocol for the day including dress code; we were both delighted to have the opportunity to dress up in our finery.

 

Over 8,000 members of the WI attended and the queue to get into Buckingham Palace stretched for some way but it was a good opportunity to chat to others, many of whom had come some way and were making an occasion of the event by staying in London for a few days, some were also attending the WI AGM the following day at the Royal Albert Hall where HM the Queen was the guest of honour.

 

Once inside Buckingham Palace grounds we went through the Palace into the garden and joined the crowds who were eager to catch a glimpse of the royal party.  The Duchess of Cornwall, The Countess of Wessex, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Gloucester split up into 2 groups and made their way through the crowds to the royal tea tent.  Pat was thrilled when the Duchess of Cornwall shook her hand as she passed along the throng of ladies.

 

At this point the clouds loomed and it looked very much that rain was likely, but luckily the strong winds kept the rain at bay.  Many had to sprint after their hats as gusts of winds played havoc with our headwear.

 

We made our way to our designated tea tent and enjoyed ice cream, sandwiches, cakes and tea.  Although there had been strict instructions that no photographs should be taken, once the royal party had left we were all able to take photos of one another to mark the occasion.

 

It was certainly a day to remember; Pat and I are both fans of the Royal family and will talk about the day for some time to come.

 

Terrie Duncan