Wednesday was a rather special and memorable day.  My husband and I attended the presentation of the City & Guilds Prince Philip Medal, the President’s Award, and the Livery Company Prizes, held in the South Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace.  After a drinks reception at the Institute of Directors on Pall Mall, the prizes were presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of The City and Guilds of London Institute, aided by the C&G Chairman, Sir John Armitt, and the Director-General, Mr Chris Jones.  I was honoured and thrilled (not to mention shocked!) to receive the the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers award.

Among so many other inspirational tutors and learners we met and chatted with some amazing people, not least the Master of the Haberdashers’ Company, Mr Richard Glover, and the Haberdashers’ Clerk, Commodore Philip Thicknesse.  Both Sir John and Her Royal Highness spoke passionately during the presentation ceremony about C&G being a family and of the undisputed benefits of ‘walking the City and Guilds path’, which struck a chord with all those present.  Afterwards we were treated to a marvellous afternoon tea in the Bow Room, where HRH was happy to chat informally with prize winners and their guests.  I will remember fondly both the chicken and mango wraps and the exquisite mini chocolate cakes!

Despite the odd drop of rain (which, if nothing else, gave the crowds of jostling tourists outside the Palace a real taste of the full British experience!) it was a pretty near perfect day.  Before I embark on a list of thank-yous worthy of an Oscar speech, suffice it to say that I am extremely grateful to all the terrific people who made it possible – it’s an experience that I will never forget.