< 28th June 2005 - Shock and Awe!

24th July 2005 - Ready to Pass out?? >

< Back to News Archive



21st July 2005

By Royal Appointment

There is nothing more British than spending a warm summers afternoon drinking a fine cup of tea on a pristine lawn while listening to classic music being played by a full military band, and for CWO Steve Croft of 134 (Bedford) Squadron that was exactly the case.

CWO Croft spent his very British afternoon in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, London as an invited guest to one of this years annual garden parties. The party traces its origins back to days when single male officers of the armed forces were invited to the palace to mingle with the parents of eligible young ladies, but these days the occasion is more of a social event than one of blind date for the wealthy. Steve was invited to attend by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire after his squadron staff responded to a request asking for nominations of suitable candidates. Commitment to the squadron, high level of personal presentation, positive attitude and success at last years Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing drill competition were all sighted within Steve’s nomination.

The invitation also extended to a guest of Steve’s choice, which he offered to his mother, Julia who also serves on 134 (Bedford) Sqn as the treasurer on the civilian committee and a valuable assistant at many squadron functions. Making their way through the palace Steve and Julia were able mingle on the lawn of Buckingham Palace. The Queen doesn’t actually join the guests, but does walk the line in the garden where there is a chance for the guests to get up close to the Monarch and for the lucky few an opportunity for a word or two. At 6’ 3” Steve’s quote is perhaps a little predictable when he said, “she’s much shorter than I expected”. After seeing the queen at close quarters Steve and Julia spent the afternoon sitting on the lawn sampling the cucumber sandwiches and some very nice cakes while listening to the band.

Afterwards Steve and Julia commented on how much they had enjoyed their day at the palace. Julia said “it was a really lovely day and a real delight to spend today with Steven, I am very proud of him” while Steve himself said “ Being invited to Buckingham Palace was a total surprise, I was really shocked when I got the invitation. It’s another example of the kinds of things that you can do in the Air Cadets”.