In achieving the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service’

The award, the equivalent to the MBE and Collingwood being the only flat lawn green club ever to receive it, made it doubly rewarding.

The award was presented in two parts: one a visit to Buckingham Palace to attend the Queen’s garden party and a second: the presentation of the award by the Lord Lieutenant at the Dome Spanish City, Whitley Bay. Our club’s Business Manager, Alan hall attended the garden party with his wife Val – the event described in Alan’s own words.

We were extremely proud to represent our club at the event and it proved to be a wonderful experience. On a very hot, sunny day we joined the many attendees in a long snaking queue in front of the Palace, but the queue was ushered through very quickly once the gates were opened.

We were led through the forecourt area into and through the Palace into the rear grounds – some size! Sorry but cameras weren’t allowed so my pics are not the best.

There were many, many people there - all dressed with their various regalia, uniforms, best suits, party dresses and fascinators. In the garden grounds was a tented area where a finger buffet was served - very nice, but you didn’t need a big plate!

We had gone in at about 3pm and the Royal party was due in the ‘garden’ area at 4pm. Being so hot and sunny I needed to find shelter under the trees near the bandstand area and as a consequence when the Queen/Royal party entered the garden the crowds had already formed leaving Val and I very much in a rear position.

So: no, we didn’t get close to the Queen although I did think I heard her shout ‘Haway the Lads’ when she passed at her closest to me!

By the end both Val & I were worn out with the extensive walking on a hot day and were glad to afterwards slump down on our hotel beds for a quick nap.

I’m sure the Queen probably did the same

The Secord part of the award took place at the Dome, Spanish City, Whitley Bay where six members of the club attended the award ceremony.

The event was hosted by the Queen’s Lord-Lieutenant with the Mayor and other local dignitaries in attendance.

Collingwood’s Chairman Michael Wilson, along with four other local organisations were personally presented the award by the Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Susan Winfield OBE.

Photos of both events can be viewed on our website gallery