Palace honour for David and Jean
FORCE vice-patron David Cantle and his wife, Jean, were guests at the Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace last month.
They were invited because of their outstanding services to charity and the community in Devon.
“It was a huge but lovely surprise to be part of a very significant time in the Coronation programme,” said David.
“The King and Queen were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
“A programme with timings reflected the movement of the Royal Party as they moved through the lines of their guests. The tea arrangements were carefully noted as there were approximately 8,000 guests!
“A number of presentations were made under the careful watch of the Yeomen and the Gentlemen at Arms.
“There were also a number of walkabouts and during one we were able to shake hands and exchange greetings with Camilla.
“The party started at 3pm when the gates opened and closed at 6pm when the National Anthem was played.
“With two military bands playing, the chance to walk around some of the gardens (40 acres in total), fellow guests to talk to and champagne ice cream as a dessert to the tea, the day will always be fondly remembered.”
