Trip to St James Palace

It’s been a busy week this week and yesterday I was back down in London, but this time for a visit to St James Palace.

I was lucky enough to be nominated for an award at the Alzheimer’s society People’s Award 2016. I was able to take a guest so Gemma came with me. She came with me last year when I was invited as a guest so we were hoping that Sarah would be able to join me this year. However, the logistics of trains etc just didn’t work so Gemma is getting a second trip.

The day started off lovely – it was gorgeous when I got up

However, once the time came to leave the weather turned and the rain started! It was also freezing…….because I was with Gemma, I was able to travel from Brough, which has a lovely little tea stand……😊perfect

The train journeys this week have been a nightmare so I was hoping for Gemma to bring me luck and she did. The train was on time and it was a ‘Hull Train’ – so free wifi all the way and lovely friendly staff.

Me and Gemma on the train😊

The further south we got the more the rain came …..we stayed around Kings Cross and Gemma had some lunch while I had my much needed cuppa…we then made our way to Green Park ready for the walk through the park to the palace in the ‘warm sunshine’…..wrong! It was freezing and raining😏

Our spirits were soon lifted when we got to the palace as lots of familiar faces were already in the queue.The first person I saw was Keith Oliver and his wife Rosemary. I was then so please to see Jayne and Chris Roberts. Chris has vascular dementia but sadly had a fall and a small stroke at the weekend so I wasn’t expecting to see him there. So it was sooo nice to see him on the mend and out and about and in very good humour.
We joined the back of the queue where we found Emma Williams and her mum. Emma is my new best buddy in the East Riding and was also up for an award. She has done so much to get businesses on board in our area, but sadly the society is bizarrely ending her contract at the end of July – I’m hoping for a change in heart to such a ridiculous decision………

Inside, we handed in everything (no photos allowed inside sadly – I could have had a field day!) We were shown tour our table which we shared with Hilary Doxford and hubby Peter. Hilary also has dementia and is the 1st person to be appointed to be Wold Dementia Council – needless to say she was also up for a much deserved award.

The ceremony started once Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra (the society’s Royal patron) arrived, along with Richard Madeley, who was hosting the proceedings.

The first winners were also from my region– Hull and East Riding Befriending Service based in Beverley! Hilary also won her category.👍

It was lovely to win my category

After the ceremony was over, we were taken into another room to have our photos taken and a chat with the Princess. Everyone else was starting the afternoon tea. Once we got back into the hall it was so nice of so many people to come along and be so pleased for me.

It was all over in no time and me and Gemma had to leave to catch our train home. We went out into a different world as the sun was shining so Gemma was able to take a photo outside the palace.

It was such a shame there was no one around to get a photo of us together

Gemma needs to travel with me everywhere as the train back was also on time😊

Billy was waiting for us when we got home and looked at us as if to say……

“Where have you been – it’s way past my teatime”

A lovely day😊