Welwyn Hatfield residents pay a royal visit

BEING invited to the Queen's house is not something everyone gets to do in their lifetime. But for two residents of Times Territory, it's something they can now proudly tick off their list of life experiences. Anne Davis from WGC, and Wally Sizer, of

BEING invited to the Queen's house is not something everyone gets to do in their lifetime.

But for two residents of Times Territory, it's something they can now proudly tick off their list of life experiences.

Anne Davis from WGC, and Wally Sizer, of Hatfield, both attended events held at Buckingham Palace recently, in recognition of their very different achievements.

Ann, of Meadow Green, WGC, attended the Queen's Garden Party in recognition of her many years as a volunteer for Victim Support.

This year's event was notable for a ferocious thunderstorm, although the downpour did little to dampen guests' spirits.

"You couldn't help but laugh," said Anne, 80. "The thunderstorm was so unspeakably awful."

She added: "When it was sunny, it was lovely wandering around the gardens, which are absolutely beautiful. It was a wonderful experience."

Meanwhile, Wally Sizer, 74, was one of the 3,400 former servicemen invited to the palace to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Fleet Air Arm, the flying arm of the Royal Navy.

Mr Sizer, who has lived in Hatfield for 46 years, served in the Fleet gun crew for 13 years, between 1950 and 1963.

He was chosen from more than 9,500 applications to attend the ceremony, where he met Prince Andrew, Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.

"He (Prince Andrew) was very interested in hearing about the Fleet gun crew," Mr Sizer said.

"The whole day was just wonderful, and to walk through the palace itself was just brilliant."

*Four more people from Times Territory attended this year's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. To find out more, get this week's Welwyn & Hatfield Times, out Wednesday.