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JWT takes tea at Buck House

JULY 2 2018:    JWT writes:

“I was extremely surprised to receive a letter from the offices of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport stating: ‘Each year we are invited by Buckingham Palace to recommend to them British citizens who have made a particular contribution, either national or local to attend a Royal Garden Party given by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.'  The letter ended: ‘I must emphasise that we only recommend names to the palace and therefore cannot guarantee you will definitely receive an invitation.’

 

Flora and John Ward Turner, resplendent at Buckingham Palace

“I was very proud then to receive an invitation from The Lord Chamberlain stating that he had been commanded by Her Majesty the Queen to invite Mr and Mrs Ward Turner to attend the Royal Garden party on 31 May from 4pm to 6pm.

 “What a wonderful afternoon that was, Britain at its best, a chance to dress up and see the Queen and Prince William with the Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard in their Tudor uniforms of red and gold.   We enjoyed music played by two regimental bands and wandered around the wonderful palace gardens and sampled the famous cucumber sandwiches and royal cake with tea dispensed by the royal samovars!

 “A day we will both remember for many years to come.”

JWT’s many fans have been debating which particular contribution from his myriad achievements was selected for this signal honour. Some talked of his multi-faceted acting career, others of his pivotal role in ensuring the general welfare and happiness of Croydon Male Voice Choir.  However inside sources have hinted that it was for his rugby activities - both for Westcombe Park RFC and for the Kent county side, including over 54 years committee work and what was termed "general participation".