Last month, Finnegan, a member of Bloxham Boys’ Brigade, was selected to be a steward at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

By Royal Appointment!

Q What time did your day start?
A It was an early start, I had to catch the 8.09AM train from Banbury to Marylebone.
Q What time did you arrive at the Palace
A 11AM, I had to confirm my ID at the gates, and my bag was searched.
Q Then what happened?
A I met up with other members of the Boys’ Brigade
Q Where did they come from? London?
A From right across England, including Saffron Walden; Newcastle-under-Lyme; Teeside; and Tewkesbury.
Q Had any of the other members ever heard of Bloxham?
A No, but they know where we are located now!
Q What was your role?
A The leader-in-charge allocated various tasks to members of the Boys’ Brigade, I was an usher, and I had to guide guest in/out of the Palace gardens.
Q What are the gardens like?
A Very extensive and very well-tended. There is a large lake with an island in the middle of it!
Q Did you see/meet anyone famous?
A The party was hosted by the King, so he was there, together with the Queen. There were thousands of guests, and I did spot Judge Rinder!
Q What was the food like?
A There were Tapas; Sandwiches and Tarts, and the best ever Tea to drink.
Q What time did you leave the Palace?
A 5pm, It was the most amazing day, the highlight of my 11 years in the Boys’ Brigade.