THE Prince of Wales recently held a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to mark his upcoming 70th birthday and, as patron of The Abbeyfield Society, invited eight employees to attend.

One of the lucky few from Abbeyfield societies throughout the country whose names were picked out of a hat was Sally Tidy, CEO of Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society based in Farnham - pictured second right.

Sally said: “It was an amazing day and we were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the newly weds, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as our host, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

“It was such a privilege to be able to see the palace and explore the gardens, and enjoy a fabulous tea! It was a day I shall always remember.”

Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society is a charity providing residential, nursing and shelter care in seven locations across Surrey - including three care homes Wey Valley House, Hatch Mill and Ridgway Court in Farnham - as well as home care.

The society is run by a board of professional volunteers with an appointed chief executive to oversee operations. For more information visit the website www.abbeyfield.com.