Afternoon Tea with the Queen

Fiona Knight in a suitably flower frock for a garden party

Nancy, Pamela and Margaret get their glad rags on

The rewards of being a carer usually are confined to the gratitude of the one that you care for - which for most is sufficient. However just occasionally that dedication is recognised and rewarded by others - on 13th July that happened to six carers here in Fife when they were invited to the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. Fife Carers Centre had arranged for Peter and Sheila Hibberd, Margaret Norie, Pamela Adamson, Nancy Beveridge and Fiona Knight to go along to this very special occasion as recognition of their dedication to their role as carer and as a way of thanking them for the help and support that they give to Fife Carers Centre throughout the year.

Peter and Sheila Hibberd ready for their meeting with the Queen

The afternoon started with tea, sandwiches and pastries before the Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne came amongst the guests. The chances however of being introduced to the Queen is remote as the afternoon is shared with so many other people. However, much to their surprise, Sheila and Peter were asked if they would like to be presented to Her Majesty. Like for most the opportunity was welcomed.
In the few minutes available Peter and Sheila told the Queen of their role as carers and the fact that their son Gavin had moved onto his own home with support. They also told the Queen of the role that Peter has as a Carer representative on the Strategy Implementation Group for Learning Difficulties. The Queen showed great interest in what they had to tell her and for them the experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives. 
It could only be described as an afternoon of great excitement for everyone, an opportunity to dress up and live in another world.