Carol Gaskarth, the Pioneering Care Partnership’s (PCP) Chief Executive and Melanie Fordham the organisation’s Chair, were thrilled to be invited to Her Majesty the Queen’s first garden party of the year at Buckingham Palace last week. Upon receiving her invitation from the Lord Chamberlain Carol said, “We were delighted to be invited to such a prestigious event on behalf of PCP. PCP works hard towards its mission of ‘Health, Wellbeing and Learning for All’ and to be recognised by Royal invitation was truly an honour.” Carol explained, “The weather was glorious on the day and there was a buzz of excitement in the air as people filed through the front gate, over the courtyard, into the Palace and entered the garden.
We were lucky to PCP’s Royal Appointment beat the crowds and take in the views of quaint tables and chairs in neat rows on the immaculately kept lawns. As one of the two military bands played magnificently in the background, we had a look around and found ‘a good spot’. Dainty sandwiches and cakes were served along with delicious iced-coffee and then, as the Beefeaters marched through the grounds, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation of the Royal entrance. Coming out of a side door caught us a little by surprise but the Royal party stood proudly at the top of the stairs while the National Anthem played, allowing us time to reposition cameras! “In addition to Her Majesty members of the Royal Family in attendance included the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Beatrice, the Earl of Wessex, Princess Anne, the Duke of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
The Royal Family moved through the ‘lanes’ of guests, speaking to some and then they made their way to the Royal Tea Tent. After enjoying another icedcoffee Melanie and I had a walk around the grounds and fortunately ended up at the front of the Royal Tea Tent, prime position for more photographs and networking! At around 5:30 the Royal Family headed back through the crowds and headed into the Palace and we made our way home reflecting upon a wonderful afternoon.” Garden Parties are an important way for The Queen Melanie Fordham (left) with Carol Gaskarth to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community. Previously used as presentation parties the Garden Parties have evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.
Speaking afterwards Melanie Fordham said, “We felt very privileged to represent PCP on such a memorable occasion and enjoyed hearing about the work of other organisations and spreading the word about our activities. It was a magnificent day and something we will remember for a long time to come.” If you would like to find out more about PCP’s projects and service please contact Carol by email: carol.gaskarth@pcp.uk.net.
