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Melin News
A royal invitation for volunteer Mark
M
ark Gibbons, Vice Chair of the Residents’ Panel received a very special invitation; to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May. Every summer, The Queen hosts three garden parties at Buckingham Palace as a way of recognising and rewarding public service. People from across the UK are invited to the royal event each year, and are selected for major contributions to life in the community or for providing an exceptional service.
“ I loved every single minute of the day and was extremely grateful for the opportunity.”
Mark was invited as a thank you because of his devotion to volunteering and recognition of his prowess in carriage driving.
At the party Mark managed to talk with Prince William about his work and was congratulated by the Prince. Mark said that the visit was “Something I will never ever forget. I loved every single minute of the day and was extremely grateful for the opportunity. I was hugely proud to attend because I felt like I was an ambassador for the Residents’ Panel and other volunteers who give up their time to help others”.