WI Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

MY VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE.

May 31st 1965 was the day chosen by her Majesty to invite 9,000 members to a Garden Party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the W.I. Movement. As my name was drawn from the hat it was my happy lot to represent Wherwell.
With Mrs. Auld from Chilbolton, we were taken by car to Andover Junction where about twenty more members from various local Institutes had assembled. A few well-wishers were also there with cameras. When the train for London came in the carriages were
full of W.I. members from the Salisbury area, but there were seats reserved for Andover guests, also those to be picked up en-route.
Arriving at Waterloo Station, four coaches were waiting to convey us to the Palace, all feeling like V.I.P.s we were driven up The Mall and in through the Palace Gates, alighting at the doors of Buckingham Palace. Walking through a large room with crimson curtained windows we came out on to the Terrace. Here, looking out on to the lawn, we beheld thousands of gaily attired members, reminded one almost of a great mass of confetti.
Walking across the lawn to some tables we were invited to collect some tea in a buffet style fashion. The silver urns were gleaming in the sunshine and the long tables decorated with marvellous sweet-peas, it was ’’help yourself” to lovely cakes and sandwiches etc., but nobody asked us to pay. Seeing the crowds gathering near the Terrace we joined the throng and about 4 p.m. when the Queen appeared, she came and shook hands with Mrs. Pike and other Members of of the Executive Committee, following Her Majesty came Prince Phillip, Princess Marina, Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Alexandria.
The bands struck up the National Anthem and then the Royal Party moved about the lawn, chatting to many of our Members. Determined to get a good view, Mrs. Auld and myself stayed on the path near the Palace to await the return of the Royal Party and were rewarded by seeing them all perfectly. After their departure we returned to the refreshment tents for another meal.
As we emerged from the Palace our coaches were waiting to convey us back to the station. After a short wait we caught the train and were met at Andover by a friend who drove us to our homes.
Thus ended one of the most important days of my life.