North Somerset volunteers celebrate with the Queen
2006 saw CPRE celebrate its 80th birthday.
One of the celebratory events was a reception in November at St James’ Palace hosted by the Queen who is CPRE’s patron.
The North Somerset District committee was well represented at the event by Dave and Gill Gray our joint secretaries and air transport expert Noel Brailsford. The photo shows Dave and Gill Gray caught on camera as presentations were being made to Her Majesty (photo courtesy of Paul Burns Photography/CPRE). Featured on the right hand side is Sir Nigel Thompson, CPRE’s Chairman, in conversation with Her Majesty.
The English Cocktail Menu, selected to emphasise CPRE’s campaign for local foods, included mini Cumberland sausages and Somerset cheese. A presentation was made to Her Majesty of three items symbolising aspects of CPRE’s work: a photograph of the CPRE rambler rose “Rural England” produced to celebrate the 80th birthday; a copy of CPRE’s new book “A Portrait of England” and a bouquet of English autumn fruits and foliage.
It was a good opportunity to compare notes with members from other branches, and hear, for example, that the Yorkshire Branch, which includes the Pennines, is 100 miles across which makes organisation of meetings quite difficult! It helped to meet staff from the National Office and put faces to several of the voices with whom we frequently speak on the phone.
Following the Queen’s departure from the reception those attending were able to circulate through the State Apartments at St James’ and admire the many beautiful furnishings and interesting pictures. It was a privilege to have been invited to such a prestigious occasion.