Two long-serving council workers were recognised for their dedicated service with an invitation to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Keith Bradfield from Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Building Maintenance team and Yvonne Harris from the council’s Library Service joined County Borough Mayor James Fussell in representing the local authority at the recent party.
The Queen, together with Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne hosted the event, held at Buckingham Palace.
Councillor Allan Pritchard, deputy leader of council, said: “Our workforce is without doubt the council’s greatest asset, and this once in a lifetime invitation to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace provided a wonderful opportunity to reward our longest serving members of staff for their loyalty and dedication to the authority. I would hope that this break with tradition will continue for years to come”.
Keith Bradfield has worked for the council for 46 years as a painter and decorator. He started at Monmouthshire County Council in June 1964, and then as the councils amalgamated joined Gwent County Council, transferring then to Caerphilly County Borough Council in 1996.
Keith and his wife Glenys were honoured to be invited to such a special event.
Yvonne Harris has worked for the council for 44 years in the Library Service. She began in 1966 as a Library Assistant at Caerphilly Library where she began her professional library qualifications. Yvonne joined Mid Glamorgan Council in 1974, transferring then to Caerphilly County Borough Council in 1996.
She has held the position of Area Manager in the South Group of Library Services since June 1997.
Yvonne and her husband Geoff were also very surprised at being invited to the Royal Garden Party – they felt extremely honoured and privileged to be asked to attend what was a truly unforgettable day.
Princess Annetook the time to talk at length with both Keith and Yvonne, and asked them about their jobs.
Keith said: “I was so honoured that the council invited my wife and I to accompany the Mayor to the Royal Garden Party in recognition for my length of service at the authority.
“We had such a good day and were in great company with Yvonne Harris and her husband Geoff.”