Magical memories from the Palace for Compton guests

THREE people from Compton Hospice enjoyed a magical evening with the Queen as they joined guests celebrating the 25th anniversary of Help the Hospices at St James' Palace.

Jane Rowley, principal social worker, former matron Roz Kensey and Gerrard Paris, former trustee, were nominated to go along to the event on behalf of Compton.

Help the Hospices, the leading charity supporting hospice care throughout the UK, was founded 25 years ago by the Duchess of Norfolk, who was among the 600 guests at the celebration last month.

Other guests included business people, politicians and entertainers, as well as staff and volunteers from hospices across the UK.

The charity has 182 members, all local charities themselves and rooted in the communities they serve.

Jane Rowley said the event had been “magical” and a wonderful experience from the minute they had entered the palace, to the sound of harp music.

“We spent some time finding people we knew, and meeting others we didn’t but who had fantastic stories to tell, until the arrival of the Queen and Prince Philip.

“It was exciting to stand back and watch them work their way around the room and I was delighted when Roz was introduced to Prince Philip who managed to have a light-hearted moment with her.

“The presentation is one of the special memories I will hold of a truly magical event.”