A couple from Greenmount was invited to one of the first garden parties of His Majesty’s reign last week for their commitment to voluntary services.

Alistair and Joan Waddell were invited to the Buckingham Palace Royal Garden Party last week, May 9, after "dedicating themselves to improving people’s lives" in Bury. 

The party was hosted on behalf of the King by the Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne, The Princess Royal and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Speaking about their visit, Alistair said: “It was a great honour to attend this party.

“I acknowledge and am grateful to all those volunteers who have supported me over the years.”

Bury Times: Alistair and Joan with Princess Anne Alistair and Joan with Princess Anne (Image: The Royal Family)

Joan said: “It was wonderful to share this experience with Alistair and I am grateful to have met the Princess Royal.”

The couple's volunteer work began in 2010 when Alistair started what would become the Greenmount Village Community, a collection of smaller, local volunteer groups that joined together to create and drive positive change in the community.

Alistair also aided the community through the Bury Greenwood Group, a member of the UK Men’s Shed Association.

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The Bury Greenwood Group aims to bring people together to make social connections and friendships whilst sharing skills, knowledge, and drinking lots of tea and biscuits.

Around 8,000 guests were welcomed to Buckingham Palace for the second of the annual garden parties and those invited were recognised for their public service, charity work, or for making a positive impact in their community.

MP for Bury North, James Daly, praised Alistair and Joan’s commitment to the community adding that he was “pleased” that they had been recognised for their efforts.

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He said: “Alistair and Joan have dedicated themselves to improving people’s lives, not just where they live but further afield.

“I am so pleased they have been recognised for their achievements and am delighted they enjoyed their day at the Palace.”

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