By Terry Bearpark
A Patrington man was honoured to be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month as part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
Malcolm Watkinson had the added bonus of being one of just 18 attendees to be selected to meet and greet the Duke of Kent and the RNLI chief executive in the Royal marquee.
Also taking part in the proceedings were the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence along with several other members of the Royal Family who mingled with the 2,500 guests, chatting with many of them.
Malcolm was also presented with a long-service medal to mark his 20 years of fundraising.
However, there was a tinge of sadness for him as his wife Pat, who worked tirelessly alongside him in their fundraising activities, died last year.
“Pat would have enjoyed the day at Buckingham Palace,” said Malcolm.
“She was so supportive in working for the RNLI with me.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the committee members who remained loyal and steadfast, volunteering their time and effort in helping raise approximately £420,000 over the past 12
years for both the Humber and Withernsea lifeboats.
“It has been my privilege to represent them as their chairman.”
