We welcomed David Reeve whose talk was on Royal Security. What a fascinating subject it proved to be. David had been a serving officer in the Norfolk Police and one day, much to his surprise, he was asked if he would like to go and be responsible for security at the Queen's Royal Sandringham House and Estate and anyone who was staying there. He accepted and together with his team had to make contingency plans for all sorts of eventualities. It involved 12-14 hour shifts. All visits that Royalty made within the County were his responsibility as well, including the Maundy Thursday ceremony at Norwich Cathedral she attended which took place a few years ago. On that occasion it involved 7 days constant surveillance and every nook and cranny in the Cathedral searched
He has been invited to lunch with the Queen and Prince Philip on several occasions. He was always very nervous about going as he is quite fussy about certain vegetables. He also found it a bit disconcerting as at these lunches, the Queen insisted he walked in front of her because he was her guest! Apparently the Royal Family always eat very small portions of food - how to keep your figure!
He worked in all 14 years in this job and was awarded the MVO and MBE. Although retired, he still hears from the Queen.
Funnily enough, he was born in Rockland St Mary and went to Framingham Earl Secondary School.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11 June at 7.30pm in the Community Centre when Mrs Jackie Aldous will be delighting us with her skills at flower arranging.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings. If there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.
