The Queens Garden Party invitations are sent out by the Lord Chamberlain’ s Office in the Lord Chamberlain’s name on behalf of The Queen, and this year to my surprise and honour, I and my wife were part of approximate 8,000 guests to join her Majesty at Buckingham Palace.

People from all walks of life are invited on the recommendation of a large number of national organisations who submit lists on a pre-arranged quota. For example, the government, Lord-Lieutenants and organisations such as the Civil Service, Armed Services, Diplomatic Corps, charities and societies, all have quotas for nominations. This ensures that a representative cross-section of the community is invited and that guests are generally people who have contributed a large amount to their various organisations or society.

Our Garden Party invite was received in recognition for my work with the Victoria Cross Memorial, charity work, volunteering and local community involvement all of which I have done for many years now with pleasure and for no gain other than helping to make a difference, even if only in the smallest of ways.

We were both very proud to be invited to the Garden Party and I for one shall remember it for all my days and will continue to work with those that need my help and support.

The Queens Garden Party 2010 - Buckingham Palace