Wonderful memories of Her Majesty
As we head towards the Platinum Jubilee, our readers have been sharing memories of seeing or even meeting with the Queen.
Among them is John Stainer from Horsham, who met Her Majesty twice.
He said: “In 2001 I was the Manager/Coach for the England National Lifesaving Team and had the privilege to be invited to Buckingham Palace for a Reception meeting at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Life Saving Championships. This was with the Queen and Prince Philip plus other members of the Royal Family and together with all the National Commonwealth Lifesaving Teams.
"I met the Queen and introduced all the England Ladies’
and Mens’ Teams to her. I found the Queen very sociable and friendly as we chatted. I also separately introduced the teams to Prince Philip. The Queen and Prince Philip seemed to enjoy our discussions whilst chatting with the England Team members.
“The second occasion was in 2017, where some members of the Royal Lifesaving Society Commonwealth were welcomed to a Reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Society’s 125th Anniversary as the Queen is the Patron.
"We were all individually presented to the Queen and Prince Philip with a brief chat. Later we also met other members of the Royal Family. My wife Pamela was with me on that occasion and was also presented to the Queen and Prince Philip.”
Ian Pinington recalls his time working as an engineer for Taylor Woodrow Construction back in the 1970s helping to build Brighton Marina.
The Queen formally opened the marina on May 31 1979 and, said Ian: “I was lucky enough to be invited to attend. I was able to be very close to her Majesty at the formal opening.” He added: “I was amazed at how close we were able to get and I have never forgotten what beautiful skin she had for a somebody in their 50s.”
Ian lives in Partridge Green with his wife Lorna, who taught at Tanbridge House School.