A RIGHT royal occasion was recalled by a member of Skelmanthorpe Wives’ Group.
The group heard a talk last Monday by member Ruth Firth, who got a royal invitation to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Ruth received notification last February from the Department of Health informing her that she had been nominated to attend the event in recognition of her contribution to the local community over many years.
Ruth recently retired from the NHS after many years’ service.
The official invitation came addressed to Mrs Jennifer Ruth Firth, from the Lord Chamberlain’s office, inviting her to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 19, 2011.
Ruth and her husband Gary travelled to London on a three-day trip and on the day of the garden party they walked around the grounds and saw a scenic lake with flamingos on it and beautiful parklands with lawned areas and magnificent herbaceous borders surrounding the palace.
At 4pm the National Anthem was played and the Royal Family arrived with the Queen, dressed in a lovely shade of green, followed by Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Anne.
Ruth said that it was lovely to see so many people from different parts of the country and also people of different nationalities, some in traditional dress, whilst everyone dressed very smartly. There were two military bands which played whilst people met and talked to the Royal Family and tea was served in marquees.
Ruth also enjoyed seeing the Yeomen of the Guard in their ceremonial dress. On leaving the garden party Ruth and Gary were able to walk through the entrance to the Palace and see the ‘Changing of the Guard’. During their trip to London they also enjoyed afternoon tea at the Ritz. A vote of thanks was proposed by the hosts for the evening, Alex Gracey, Anne Wadsworth and Jean Leach, who also provided refreshments.
