Local Volunteer Honoured at King’s Garden Party

Bob, one of many dedicated CPRE Hampshire volunteers and community stalwart, has been honoured with an invitation to the prestigious King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

This royal recognition celebrates Bob’s contributions to the Hampshire countryside.

Bob, born a Christmas Eve twin in 1944, enjoyed a successful career as a personal sector manager at Barclays Bank in London, near the historic Lombard Street. In November 2016, he relocated to Romsey, Hampshire, from Essex near Southend-on-Sea, where he quickly became an active member of various social groups and committees.

In 2017, Bob attended a presentation by Mrs. Dee Haas, the then chair of Hampshire CPRE, at the Romsey and District Probus group. Inspired by the work of The Countryside Charity, Bob joined as a volunteer, eager to make a difference. Living between the South Downs and on the border of the New Forest, he was ideally situated to support the charity’s initiatives.

Bob’s volunteer work has included setting up informational stalls, participating in litter picks, supporting countryside award ceremonies and fundraising efforts. Additionally, as a Hedgerow Hero volunteer, Bob is actively involved in one of the charity’s most ambitious projects: creating a nature recovery corridor that will weave through the central parishes of Hampshire, connecting the South Downs to the New Forest.

The invitation to the King’s Garden Party on 7th May is a testament to Bob’s efforts and the positive influence he has had on preserving the Hampshire countryside.

At the event, Bob had the opportunity to meet and share his experiences with other volunteers and trustees from CPRE, including CPRE Hampshire Chair Margaret Paren. He also had the unique opportunity to speak with His Majesty The King, where he shared insights into CPRE Hampshire’s ongoing projects to enhance the countryside. This included the Hampshire Hedge project, which aims to restore and protect traditional hedgerows as vital wildlife corridors and landscape features, and the charity’s broader mission to engage and empower young people through hands-on conservation activities (like hedge laying) ensuring the next generation is inspired to care for and protect the countryside.