A right royal day for two Kilmory charity workers
‘The rain cleared up about 2pm in time for the royals to come down The Mall’
Amanda McDonald and Phyllis Picken were invited recently to the Queen’s Patron’s Lunch in London where they enjoyed some royal hospitality in recognition of the hard work that they have done over the years with the Kilmory Community Bus which is run as a charitable organisation.
Chairwoman Phyllis and Amanda, the treasurer, were contacted by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, John Duncan, to say that they had received free tickets to attend this event due to their commitment to the community bus. The charity has previously been presented with a Queen’s Award and attended a garden party at Holyrood House.
Amanda said: ‘The Queen is patron to hundreds of charities and we were very proud to be able to fly down to London for this. The weather was not the best and as we queued the heavens opened and everyone was issued with waterproof ponchos. We then had to go through security and were issued with a goody bag and commemorative cups and saucers to take home, plus a special hamper filled with locally sourced food from Marks and Spencer.
‘The rain cleared up about 2pm in time for the royals to come down The Mall and mingle with guests. The weather did not dampen the spirits of the 10,000 people who attended this event. We were treated to bands and dancers performing and were very proud to be able to attend this memorable occasion and see the Queen and the other royals.’