Anyone for tea ;)

Facebook just presented a couple of pics from yesteryear and I’d only been saying to Ali this morning how I’d not really written much lately, so let’s do this…

Ali and I were invited by Windsor & Eton Rotary Club to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace 10 years ago today. Special day indeed, the sun was shining and Ali was looking great.

Ali had made a few strategic “canny” purchases, I’d popped into Warwicks and picked up a great suit that I might be able to wear again soon if I keep up this intermittent fasting m’larky.

Obviously it took me 10 mins to get ready, perfection takes a little longer. I’d poured Ali a glass of something fizzy but she was focused on her outfit, so I had to ensure the bubbles were not left to go flat 😉

We headed into Windsor then a train to London. Ali was turning heads, compliments from a number of strangers as we headed for the smoke. We decided to find a pub near Buckingham Palace for a bite to eat before we went to the Garden Party. “Red love, might as well get a bottle… oh, you don’t want to get it on your dress, let me help…” pickled in the sunshine, love that feeling.

We got to the Palace and decided to head towards a crowd near the pond. As we started walking a trumpet announced the imminent arrival of their Majesties, we stood still for a while. Well you don’t move when surrounded by Kingsmen in their trusty bowlers. Pic of Beefeaters below… protocol didn’t encourage peasants taking photos back then… could have had me a TikTok with HRH had it been 2025 😉

As we started walking again I heard a call, “Jon, Jon, over here!” It was Geoff Kidd, President of our club at the time, calling me over as we’d been earmarked to meet the Duke. I had no idea that was on the cards but hey, they were being dealt.

We got in our group of four, inc Geoff’s wife Denny, and the Duke of Edinburgh joined us, in his garden, for a quick chat. We met the Duke 3 or 4 times over the years and he was always looking to put folk at ease and make them smile. Brilliant, he didn’t disappoint on this occasion.

We headed for the food tents. We’d missed the cucumber sandwiches but did enjoy tea & cake. The teaspoon was looking at me as if it wanted to become a souvenir but Ali was also looking at me with that “Don’t you dare!” look and as ever, she won the day.

We bumped into the then Mayor of RBWM Dee Quick and got another photo of the day. Then headed for home. A few more compliments on the way home, probably a snooze for me on the train. Great day out.

Thank you.

Jon

And for those who would like to appreciate the full outfit, including shoes…