Managers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) Community Safety team recently had the honour of attending a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward and Community Development and Safeguarding Manager Paul Francis were chosen to represent the Service at the Buckingham Palace Garden party, hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales on Tuesday 20 May.
Paul Francis received an invitation following the award of his British Empire Medal, received in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2024. Clair Hayward was invited in recognition of all her hard work as the HIWFRS Fire Cadet Manager.
Community Development and Safeguarding Manager Paul Francis said:
“To attend the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace was such an amazing and memorable experience, one of which I will look back on with pride for many years to come.
The afternoon passed extremely quickly, and we were so fortunate to be blessed with such beautiful weather. We strolled through the grounds, took time to admire the stunning views of the gardens and the palace, before sitting and having afternoon tea. We also enjoyed the music being played by the two Military bands at each end of the palace grounds.
Buckingham Palace staff were incredible and clearly delivered so expertly, the balance between making such a formal event feel such a personal, warm and welcoming experience.”
Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward said:
“I was so surprised to receive an invitation to the Garden Party and there was a huge excitement in my house when the invitation fell on the door mat!
Arriving at Buckingham Palace, felt surreal. It’s such an amazing building with incredible gardens and the most fantastic atmosphere. Everyone looked so smart and attending this event, felt like a special and huge honour. The icing on the cake was being so close to the Princess of Wales. It was a day I will never forget!”
Every summer, over 30,000 guests (all of whom have made a positive impact in their community), are invited to attend Garden parties held at Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, alongside members of the Royal Family.
You can find out more about the Safeguarding work we do at HIWFRS or find out more about the Fire Cadets here.