Two of our very special Volunteers were invited to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party a few weeks ago. Suki Smith, a Volunteer driver who has been helping out at Cotswold Friends for the past 15 years, tells us about her experience.

“I would like to say an enormous Thank You to you and your whole team for nominating me to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party for 15 years Voluntary Driving for Cotswold Friends. I had the most marvellous and memorable day. I took my sister Mandy Thwaites as my guest. We started the day by going to The Tower of London to see the latest Poppy display celebrating VE Day. A wonderful and recommended spectacle for sure.

Then we took a ride on a ferry up river to Westminster where we disembarked and walked back to Marble Arch. Back to our hotel to change and then off to The Palace!

We entered by Hyde Park corner which allowed us to wander through the beautiful gardens before arriving on the lawns in front of Buckingham Palace. I believe there were about 8,000 guests. Many Military and many there for recommended charity work. After a delicious tea we queued up to see The King. We were not disappointed. He walked very slowly talking to many either side. We were fortunate to be near the front and although he did not actually talk to me, he was as you can see, right there. Although not tall, he has great presence with a gentle demeanour and cheeky smile.

We were very honoured and proud to be there. Thank you.”

Suki joined us at Cotswold Friends 15 years ago when she had a bit of spare time and wanted to help where she could. She has always enjoyed chatting to folk on the way to their Hospital appointments etc. If you might be interested in becoming a Volunteer Driver, please get in touch with our friendly Volunteering Team on 01608 697007 or by emailing [email protected]