Newbury & District Branch: Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, 30 May 2017

On Tuesday 30th May 2017, several members of the Newbury and District Branch of the Royal Naval Association attended the garden party at Buckingham palace. This garden party was hosted by the Not Forgotten Association and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales KCVO (Prince Harry), who was the Royal Representative. The music was by The Band of The Corps of The Royal Engineers. The Branch members attending were, Bob McGuinness (Branch chairman), Alan Marshall (Branch President), Stuart Telford Branch Treasurer and his wife Lynn (associate member), Pat Watson (past area representative) and Tony Toms (past chairman of Area 6, Reading member, but now a member of the Newbury and District since Reading folded).

There was 6 members out of a total of 13 active members, a good turnout. This was a most enjoyable day out and would recommend this to all branches. It is one of those quintessential English afternoons. Sitting on a manicured lawn eating sandwiches (with the crusts cut off), listening to a rather good band. More importantly, a good opportunity to talk with the current serving Sailor.

As two shipmates wore Dolphins, several other wearers stopped for a chat as they were doing the rounds. Alan is a former Royal Marine, several of the uniformed booties stopped and listened to some of his experiences, especially as he wears not only a WWII medal but the old red and white Naval general service medal with three bars. A really good day out.

S/M Bob McGuinness.

Sadly, due to copyright restrictions, no official photographs can be reproduced here, but a full set of images of the day can be viewed on the Not Forgotten website at: http://www.nfassociation.org/galleries/nggallery/gallery-2/garden-party-at-buckingham-palace-30-may