It was some months previously that I was advised that, subject to security clearance, I had been included in the list of 80 Borough citizens to attend a Luncheon in Honour of the Queen as part of the Royal visit to the Borough and to celebrate Brunel University’s 40th Anniversary of its Royal Charter and the bicentenary of its namesake Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s birth.

It was not until just two weeks before the event that I duly received an official invitation. I had told only my wife Vanetta, during this waiting period, and I must admit I was beginning to think nothing more would come of it. However, I cannot explain the sense of pride and anticipation I experienced at being invited to a function in the presence of the Queen and (at that time) his Royal Highness Prince Phillip.

It was about a week before the event that I was informed that it was “felt necessary” to advise me that I had been selected to sit at the Queen’s table. My excitement and anticipation started to turn to “a little apprehension”.

We were of course sent details of ‘Royal Protocol’ in relation to dress, when and how to respond to the Queen, and what to say or not to say. Part of this included instructions on arrival. We were asked to identify our table, and our individual seat, before going on to the reception area. The table plan confirmed I was on ‘her’ table, and it was not a ‘wind up’. Nerves were now apparent! It was obvious where the Queen would be sitting, so I started opposite and worked round, not finding my name until, discovering it NEXT TO Her Majesty!

Now nerves really kicked in and I don’t mind admitting that I went a little weak at the knees. However, I went to the reception area and took a glass of bubbly (or two) and joined in the ‘expectant’ conversations with other guests.

Once the Queen arrived with her several Equerries, and Lady in Waiting, we were individually presented (one is not introduced) to the Queen, whereupon a few words of formal acknowledgement were made to and from each and everyone of us.

After the reception we all had to stand behind our allotted seat and wait for the arrival of the Queen at table. It was a surreal experience to find myself stood next to an empty chair, with all sorts of dignitaries around me, all eyes toward my table, waiting for her to arrive and sit down.

Once the Queen was seated, and the assembled company too, the three-course meal was served.

I am not at all sure on the protocol of repeating private conversations with royalty, but suffice to say it was very easy to speak to her and we spoke on several subjects relating to Ickenham. It was obvious she had been briefed about my I.R.A activities and me. We also spoke about my family and experiences.

She made me feel completely at ease (as near as one could be in such circumstances), and showed a genuine interest in our conversations. To me it was unreal that I should find myself in everyday conversation with the Queen, and it was amazing how wide our discussions ranged. I even managed a little joke about aircraft over- flying Ickenham and Windsor Castle. I asked her if she had heard about the American tourist who wanted to know why Windsor Castle had been built under the flight path from Heathrow – she smiled politely!

Although only a table of nine persons I soon became aware that the Queen’s conversation was restricted to the Vice Chancellor of Brunel University, and me seated on her other side. She never once talked past either of us.

My only small regret is that there were no pictures of this formal luncheon, but I still have, as memorabilia to pass on to my grandchildren, my invitation, my entry ticket, the menu card, and my place card, together with a full personal write up, and numerous press cuttings.

The whole experience was a great privilege and honour, not only to me personally, but also to the Ickenham Residents’ Association.

Pete Daymond

Apart from the numerous activities around Ickenham during Festival of Ickenham week, some very unusual characters were appearing in people’s gardens. They were scarecrows of all shapes, colours and sizes, impatiently waiting for a gathering of scarecrows at Swakeleys House on Gala Day. That day, despite the heat, several children and adults were brave enough to carry their new friends in the Procession around the village to their destination.

At Swakeleys House, the largest collection of scarecrows ever gathered in Ickenham, eighteen in all, lined up to be judged. Deputy Mayor, Catherine Dann, was fascinated by their variety and originality. However, there was no doubt in her mind about the winner. The weary gardener scarecrow, accompanied by plants and ‘her’ own wheelbarrow, was unhesitatingly selected. Prizewinners Jane and Conor Whybrow received the trophy, (a deluxe birdfeeder), and vowed to start straight away on their next creation.

On behalf of the Festival Committee, I would like to thank all those who entered the Scarecrow Competition and look forward to even more new characters appearing next time

Alan Noad

The Residents at the Charlotte Gell Cottages wish to thank all friends and visitors who graced us with their presence at our Open Day on the afternoon of Tuesday 13th June, during Ickenham Festival week.

We were deeply touched by the kind comments of friends and visitors regarding our flower garden. These were very much appreciated.

The amount received as donations totalled £101 and has been sent to the Parkinsons Society.

Michael Moss

The annual Festival Jumble Sale will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday, 16th September from 10 a.m. Jumble may be brought to the Village Hall on Friday evening from 6 p.m. or on Saturday morning before 9.30 a.m. Offers of help will be welcome. Please contact David Millen (Tel.01895 637932).

On Saturday 7th October the Festival Team is organising another ‘Family Race Night’ in the Village Hall. This is a great fun night for all ages. Sponsors are required for races and for horses. A bar will be available and tickets price £6 (adults) and £3 (children) will include a Fish & Chip supper.

Booking Forms and further details available from Doug Neilson (Tel. 01895 633217).

Both of these are major fund raising events required to meet the ever-increasing costs of Festival Week and we look forward to your support.

The Biannual General Meeting of the Festival Committee will be held on Thursday, 19th October in St Giles’ Church Hall at 8 p.m. This important meeting will hear reports from the Committee of its activities and financial situation, and to elect a new committee (including a new chairman following David Millen’s retirement after 30 years service), which will continue to organise the Festival events for the Community. Please put this date in your diary.