A PAIR of Crossways community stalwarts enjoyed a right royal occasion.

Chairman of Crossways Parish Council Andrew Brewer and his mother Mary were invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their contribution to the local community.

Andrew said: “It was a day we shall never forget and one of the greatest honours of our lives to be representing Crossways and all the great things that happen here.

“To be so close to the Queen was such an experience, but also the palace and gardens, which were absolutely immaculate.

“Everything was perfect and makes you proud to be British.

“Mum kept saying that it was something that happens to other people, not us!

“But it did and we shall treasure the memories of that day forever.”

Andrew said the hairs on his neck stood up when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh appeared at the top of the steps and the national anthem sounded.

He said it brought back memories of the Diamond Jubilee weekend when he lit a beacon in Crossways and the national anthem was sung.

Mary has been a playgroup leader in the village for over 30 years, a Beaver Scout Leader for nearly 30 years and is chairman of the village hall.

She is currently Noble Grand of the Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows and has received a medal of merit from the Scout Association for outstanding service and a Crossways Community Award from the Parish Council.

Andrew has been a parish councillor for 20 years and Group Scout Leader of Crossways Scout Group and Cub Leader for nearly 30 years.

He has also been involved with the playgroup and village hall and has edited the parish magazine for 25 years.

Andrew has written and performed in the village pantomime since he was 15 years old and was also recognised with a Crossways Community Award and medal of merit for services to scouting.

Both mother and son were founder members of the Crossways Village Handbell Ringers and were involved in the fundraising to purchase the bells.