Daphne Bush, chairman of Pembroke Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild, and Viv Kerrison, guild vice president, were both honoured to independently receive invitations to a Buckingham Palace Garden party this summer.

These committed and hard-working volunteers not only work tirelessly for the RNLI but have also previously served the community in other ways, Daphne as a county councillor and Viv as a member of Lamphey Community Council. Daphne received her invitation via the RNLI and Viv from the Lord Lieutenant’s Office.

The end of May saw Viv and her daughter Joanne not only experience the excitement of mingling with guests at the palace but also actually meeting Her Majesty The Queen. A conversation about Pembrokeshire ensued and there were reminiscences of the Royal Yacht Britannia and her visit to Pembroke Dock in 1994.

On 1st June it was the turn of Daphne and her daughter Rachael to make the same journey to London. They were fortunate enough to meet the HRH the Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI, and discussed a previous encounter during his visit to Angle Lifeboat Station a few years ago.

Both Garden Parties took place in brilliant sunshine and were days that the two families will never forget.

Daphne is continuing her excellent Lifeboat Guild work by planning for the Summer Garden Picnic on July 2 and Viv is in the throes of masterminding the Fun Walk and Run at Castlemartin on August 20. Tickets for the former and sponsorship forms for the latter are now available from Guild president Jennie McIntosh on 01834 812125.