Veteran volunteer Jean Farish from Castle Douglas was at the event hosted by the charity’s President, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
It was held to mark the launch of the charity’s ‘Our Amazing People’ campaign that celebrates the talents and skills of older people and the contribution they make to society – particularly those who volunteer.
Mrs Farish was among a select number of Royal Voluntary Service volunteers invited to join the reception, which was also attended by a number of well-known faces including Royal Voluntary Service ambassadors Dame Patricia Routledge, Felicity Kendal and Wayne Sleep.
Jean has been volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service for 53 years, making her one of the longest-serving volunteers.
She has had numerous roles over the years but is currently part of her community transport team driving older people in the area to appointments and supporting them during what can be an anxious time.
Jean said: “Clarence House was super and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall was very easy to speak to, we had a long chat and she was very interested in everything.
“I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It gives me a deep personal sense of satisfaction.
“I’ve been volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service for more than half my life, during which time I’ve made lots of friends and met many interesting people for all walks of life.”
Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Our volunteers do wonderful things in their communities, often without getting the recognition they deserve, so we were delighted to be able to invite Jean to attend this celebration at Clarence House.
“Jean devotes a great deal of her time to Royal Voluntary Service and it’s this sort of commitment that makes the difference to thousands of lives of older people throughout Great Britain.”
