South West Coast Path Association volunteers, Sharon Hosgood and Hilary Dinsdale, represented the Association to celebrate the King's Award for Voluntary Service that was awarded to the charity's volunteers.
Sharon and Hilary were blessed with wonderful weather for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party last week. The Association received the King's Award for Voluntary Service in 2024, and were thrilled to be invited to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to help celebrate the award, alongside other volunteers from organisations across the country.
Sharon Hosgood, SWCPA volunteer, South Devon, says of her time at the Palace,
"It was an honour to be asked to represent the SWCPA at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party on 20th May and what a great day it was. Dressed in my finery and with the sun shining, we went in through the main gates of Buckingham Palace and entered the beautiful garden. I had a lovely time walking around the garden, speaking to other attendees and spotting members of the royal family. A highlight was sitting down with a plate of the most delicious food, listening to the military bands and soaking up the atmosphere. It was a privilege to be able to attend such a special day."
Hilary Dinsdale, Chair, South West Coast Path Association, said,
"As recipients of the King's Award for Voluntary Service 2024, the Association was allocated two tickets for Volunteers to attend a Royal Garden Party. Sharon and I were delighted to be chosen to represent SWCPA Volunteers. Once at St James's Park tube station we donned our hats and made our way to the Palace, along with 8,000 other attendees. After a security check we were allowed through the Palace gates and into the gardens, which we thoroughly explored, including the Royal porta-lavatories! We were thankful to be wearing sensible sandals, as representatives of a walking Charity of course. The gardens were beautiful, very varied with a formal rose garden adjacent to a glorious wild flower patch. The afternoon tea surpassed our expectations, including crustless cucumber sandwiches! It was a wonderful experience, and we were so lucky to have a glorious sunny day in which to parade our finest, catch glimpses of William and Kate and other Royals and sit and chat to other attendees."
The King's Award for Voluntary Sevice is awarded to the South West Coast Path Association volunteers for their tireless work and committment to protecting, championing, and connecting people to this incredible National Trail, the South West Coast Path. Volunteers are at the heart of the charity and we are thrilled that they have been recognised for the valuable time that they give to the Trail, and the charity.
On Friday, 6th June, SWCPA volunteers are invited to join the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, in a commemorative ceremony to celebrate the award, at Royal William Yard, the HQ of the Association.
