DAVE’S REPORT ON HIS VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Before I set off for London, I was amazed at the pride
people in Badminton on Teesside and my friends and family had shown, that one
of their own had been honoured with my invitation to meet the Queen. The
messages and phone calls I received made me realise that although I was going
to London, I was representing Badminton, Marske Badminton Club, my family and
Teesside and I must say I was proud to represent these people.
I had flown down to Gatwick on the Wednesday evening so Thursday morning 3rd November
saw me on the Gatwick express to Victoria Station in my new suit and my
Badminton England tiepin proudly displayed.
Before I had time to be nervous I was stood outside of Buckingham Palace with
volunteers from all over the UK. The tourists were very surprised when a gate
was opened and on presentation of our invitations and ID checks we were
directed into the courtyard. People were talking our pictures through the
railings. We were shown into the inner courtyard and welcomed into Buckingham
Palace by the Master of the Household. We were then conducted up a wide and
grand stairway to a series of very regal staterooms on the first floor. Drinks
and refreshments were served and the guests mingled and chatted no one sure
what would happen next. Then with no warning a door opened and Her Majesty
entered the room and started chatting with people.
The whole occasion was very informal and relaxed. The Queen was making her way
round the room stopping for a chat with everyone.
It came to my turn and Her Majesty asked my name and where I had come from, she
shook my hand and I bowed as elegantly as my shaky legs would allow. I gave
best wishes from the Members of Marske badminton Club, Teesside Badminton, and
Badminton England and said what an honour it was for me to meet her, she smiled
and thanked me.
She then asked what I did in Badminton. I explained I was one of a team of volunteers
at Marske badminton Club and from Teesside Badminton Coaches Association who
introduced young people to Badminton and provided a structure where they could
develop there skills and enjoy a healthy sporting activity. Her majesty went on
to say it was pleasing to see that young people were being encouraged and given
the opportunity to learn and play badminton and to participate in healthy
sporting activities in general, she also went on to say that schools no longer
seemed to offer encouragement to children to participate in sport.
And then Her Majesty moved on. I had a conversation with the queen lasting somewhere
between 30 seconds and 1 minute and how good did I feel.
It was only then that I realised that there were other members of the royal family
and privy councillors circulating the rooms.
During the next hour I had conversations with Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward,
Princess Alexandra, and Michael Howard.
In particular Princess Alexandra was absolutely charming and very interesting
to talk to asking not only about what I did as a volunteer but also what my job
was. I was talking to the princess for about 5 minutes and described to her how
I believe I use my skills from my "day Job" in my role as a volunteer
to good effect.
After about 2 hours in the Palace the reception was over and we all started making
our way out.
My lasting impressions of the day?
Her Majesty had been absolutely charming, and gave every person she talked to a
sense of feeling important.
The occasion had been very informal and a great deal of effort had gone into making
us feel at ease.
The volunteers interacted very well with each other and were interested in what
other people were doing in different parts of the country.
My only regret is my wife had not been there to share the day with me.
The day has made a lasting impression on me and will live in my memory for a very
long time. It makes all the hours I have put into helping develop badminton
very worthwhile.
Dave Knights
Marske Badminton Club
Click Here for Story on Dave’s Voluntary Work in Badminton receives recognition.